All the GLORY belongs to God, and we will say and sing that perpetually! With that energy, we're excited about the recent release of 'GLORY' by Minister Blessed - one of the most consistent voices in the Jamaican Gospel music industry, representing the God's Kingdom internationally. His unique flair, energy and authenticity as a Christian, lyricist and creative have been experienced at countless live shows, through multiple studio albums and singles, and through his meaningful relationships across borders. We took the time to catch up with him and speak a bit about the new project while we also did a quick review of the songs on the EP. Let's jump in, shall we?
PAJE: Firstly, Minister Blessed, thank you for taking the time to chill with us as we check out your new EP! But, before we jump in we wanted to check-in with you... we're on the tail-end of the Pandemic, which truly reshaped the way many artists express themselves creatively. So, we're curious, what has ministry felt like for you in the past 3 years especially?
MB: Looking back exactly three years ago in October 2019, ministry began positively with the launch of my fourth studio album 'Set Me Free' in Kingston, Jamaica. I had plans for 2020 to follow through with tours in the UK & USA followed by more events in Jamaica but the pandemic through me a huge curve ball.
While in lockdown, I did something which seemed quite foreign at the time; performing at a few virtual concerts as well as bringing the word at online services. This became somewhat the new normal but also challenged me to be creative and make a greater impact in the physical environment I was in.
In the latter part of 2020, I went on to headline two physical Afro-Caribbean concerts in October and December respectively. I also formed new musical partnerships and released a sizzling summer song entitled Non-Stop in 2021 which got great media coverage and airplay across the globe.
Fast forward to present day, I have just released my first EP. In essence, the last three years has been a rollercoaster of growth, decline, opportunity, set backs and progress. It has also been a time during which I have drawn closer to God and emerged more confident and resilient.
Thanks for sharing, MB, and your resilience is definitely inspiring!
PAJE Fam, we sat down to take a listen to this EP, and right out of the gate, we were promptly reminded of Minister Blessed's energy and boldness in sound, message and style! 'God Campaign' was a great track to kick things off as it provided a solid commentary on the state of affairs, a reminder of our mission and stance as Christians, and more - while having other creative embellishments included. We were also pleasantly reminded of Blessed's flow - absolutely smooth, yet in this project, it feels like it's at another level!
Then, it's followed by the previously released track 'Non-Stop' which acts as a great feel-good track while we are reminded of God's blessings. Then, it's fittingly followed by the title track, 'Glory'. This felt like a great, feel-good reminder of the message of "In everything give thanks" and the consistent reminder in the Word to praise, serve and glorify God with your entire being and lifestyle.
Fam, let's check back in with MB for a bit as he tells us more about 'Glory'!
PAJE: So, MB, now that the EP is here and making its rounds, tell us about 'Glory' and how it's different from the others?
MB: Although I have released a few albums before, this is my first ever EP. With six tracks it is a much shorter project than fans would be accustomed to and is the first time I have had all songs produced outside of Jamaica.
The title track was produced by Strong Tower Productionz based in the USA. Two tracks were done by Cayman based producer Zamish Records and Sirnan Biblical who is also a featured artiste on the project.
The remaining 50% of the songs were produced by Newlyfe Records out of the UK.
It's quite an interesting dynamic working with producers from different parts of the world especially in a virtual sense. A key element of this project is that it encompasses a mixture of genres such as dancehall, afrobeat and mento. I have also done a bit more singing than normal (including adding my own harmonies to a few tracks).
PAJE: Wow, understood! We've gotta say, we appreciated the increased singing from you, MB! It really meshed well with your usual style, and adds an extra special flavour to the tracks! We listened to the EP many times, and we personally were encouraged by the messaging of the entire project; a reminder that things will get better, that God is supreme and that He is with us no matter what.
With that, lol our favourite tracks are admittedly 'Life Hard' and Jesus My Saviour (Remix) - shameless plug, fam! They feel like some extra solid reminder tracks with a memorable style that rests easy on our minds as an anthem - and then Bounce Back solidifies the messaging! But, Minister Blessed, let's hear it from you, what messages do you hope people receive from this project?
MB: As important as it is to market different products or give your voice to the things you care about, there is no greater commission than a God Campaign. Mark 16:15 Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Whether you're exercising, shopping, studying, cooking or playing, try to see how you can give God Glory. 1 Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Although Life Hard, keep pressing on in purpose as you will Bounce Back! Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us
PAJE: Very solid messages and reminders here, MB. We really admire how you've crafted this EP to really be the ultimate reminder project of giving God the glory through all seasons and in all areas of our lives! With that, we're curious... what has the process been like putting everything together and getting ready for this new release?
MB: It has taken a lot of work, time, patience and prayer. I had initially hoped to perhaps release something in the summer season. However, there was a six (6) month period where I was unable to record or perform any music due to illness. Other times the studio was closed due to covid restrictions.
The various producers on the project also faced their own challenges which caused a few set backs as well, Nevertheless, once we got the ball rolling things began coming together seamlessly.
As I am very particular about the kind of sound or result I am looking for from my songs, there were also a few debates and compromises that had to be reached without detracting from the final quality of the songs.
In other instances, the producers got it perfectly to my standards without much interference or feedback from me.
Beyond the music side of things, there is a lot of administration to do such as registering the songs, getting artwork done, signing up for online distribution and preparing a marketing plan. Up to one week before the release, I had already been scheduled for up to twelve (12) different interviews/features.
The process involves a lot of work but when you have a passion for doing what you love and you know WHO you are doing it for, it is all worth it for God's Glory.
Wow... thanks for letting us in regarding the process. We see all the great results but sometimes we just don't know exactly how much it takes to create these things. We're so happy that you're doing better and that you were able to pull everything together with God's guidance and deliver this special project!
We love that last thing you said, especially... THAT right there, is the key. Reminding ourselves of WHO we are doing this for and remembering that our heart posture should be in a state of doing all things for God's glory.
Minister Blessed, thank you so much for sitting with us to speak about this new project. We're truly excited about it and pray it receives a tremendous amount of support globally.
Fam, if you haven't checked it out yet, go ahead and click here to access it!
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