Back in the day when old time gospel music bounced off the walls of an overstuffed church building it was filled with soul grooving, feet stomping melodies of the tambourine, the bass guitar, the organ, and of course, the pulsating rhythms of the drum. Thankfully, today's contemporary styles of gospel music are still filled with all these instruments and more, and will be enjoyed by hundreds when international recording artists, Anointed and Mary Alessi, hit centre stage at Gospel Splash to be held at Sandals tomorrow night.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, the dynamic duo of Anointed is pleased to bring their seven-time Dove Award winner, two-time Stellar Award winner and three-time Grammy nomination status to the sunny capital of The Bahamas. When the two founding siblings of the group Steve Crawford and Da'dra Crawford-Greathouse began singing at a tender age of seven and ten years old respectively, they never dreamed of one day touring the world as highly regarded gospel musicians and pioneers in R&B, and pop gospel music. Most commonly known for their zesty Latin and R&B hit song and album, Under The Influence, Anointed's career spans a broad spectrum of success producing six award winning albums including: Spiritual Love Affair (1993), The Call (1995), Under The Influence (1996), Anointed (1999), If We Pray (2001), and most recently, Now Is The Time (2005).
In these tumultuous times of conformity and indecisiveness, Steve has made it clear that through their diversifying styles and genres, "the one thing that has never changed in all this time is our passion for the Lord and for our music...the challenges come in the tests we've had in the past, and I'm sure will have in the future....[but] we have no doubt anymore, at all, that is exactly what we were made for." Although not needing approval from man, both siblings are well qualified to minister world-wide in song, having lived lives of continued devotion to the Lord, attending a two-year ministerial program for personal spiritual growth and greater biblical knowledge, and not selling out their talent and gifts for more money, fame or status - all of which they have attained in their chastity. As their aim is to influence others with the gospel of Christ through their songs, the duet offers inspirational, charismatic, message driven music set to entertain the listener while giving truth for his spirit - truly Anointed.
Not quite coincidentally, Anointed is not the only 'anointed' inspirational performers set to please fans at Cable Bahamas' Gospel Splash. Mary Alessi, twin sister of famed gospel singer Martha Munizzi (who recently performed a gospel concert in Grand Bahama), and popular song writer, keyboardist and worship leader, is also eager to participate in Nassau's major gospel concert of the year. A Floridian, Mary's ministry has expanded into Metro Life Worship Centre, a non-denominational church she founded with her husband, Steve in Miami, Florida. As a sincere and devout worship singer, Mary understands the power of faith in a sovereign God, and has used her understanding to overcome numerous amounts of battles on her journey to success. Notwithstanding, Mary Alessi pressed on and used her triumphs to sow into the lives of countless teens through Mercy House, a residential program for teenage girls and unwed mothers. Through this powerful medium, the ladies are offered a safe, Christ centred environment where they receive structure, emotional support and a chance to continue their education.
Perhaps it is the heart and quality of these contributions to society that makes Mary Alessi a force to be reckoned with, on and offstage. Her latest album, More, is a live recording featuring many of her own songs and is filled with energy, freshness and the soul stirring harmony of worship offered in spirit and in truth.
Tomorrow night at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort local gospel music lovers will have the unique elite opportunity to see these international recording artists perform live in concert. Local singing sensations TaDa, Nehemiah Heild and Shaback will also be in full swing. Produced by Cable Bahamas and Ocean's Digital TV the event's primary purpose is to celebrate the launch Gospel Music Channel, a key part of Oceans' digital cable TV offering. To say the channel is much needed is an understatement. Cable Bahamas' Director of Marketing & Pay Per View, David Burrows emphasises that "Gospel Music Channel is one of our core offerings in Oceans Digital TV. It brings excellent music, high production values and fantastic family-oriented programming for every digital TV subscriber. We are so pleased that this channel is now exclusively on cable and that they are partnering with us for Gospel Splash."
Other promotional partners in this special gospel music event are Joy 101.9FM, KFC, and Pepsi, who are all supporting Gospel Splash.
Gospel Music Channel makes it possible for local Oceans Digital TV subscribers to enjoy Anointed, Mary Alessi and other popular gospel favourites every day. However, those who want a unique live experience should plan to attend Gospel Splash at Sandals Royal Bahamian, beginning at 8:00 p.m.
