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Kevin Bond, a well-established keyboardist, music director and multiple Grammy award winners and one of the finest producers in the gospel music industry has charged Nigerian gospel music artistes, worship leaders and concerned stakeholders in the non- secular sector to brace up in their capacity and contribute to fast growing music industry in Nigeria. He said this at the Lagos session of the worship conference tagged, ‘Catalysis 2015’ organised by Trucework Limited, a faith-based organisation.
The conference designed to empower the leadership of the present day church and others was held in three major cities in Nigeria: Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja with worship leaders from different churches, notable gospel music artistes and aspiring talents in attendance at the different cities.
Speaking at the Lagos conference, Bond opened the day with deep x-ray on understanding the root of worship and how God created angels for the purpose of worship. He took the participant through how God created Lucifer with lots of good qualities by giving him power, position and popularity to influence and lead worship in heaven. However, Lucifer lost his place due to arrogance, pride and other qualities that were against God’s wish.
He added that as worship leaders and stakeholders in the non-secular sector of the music industry in Nigeria, there is need for participants to use their God given power, popularity and positions to contribute to the development of the industry to the glory of God.
He expressed appreciation for being invited to Nigeria for Catalysis 2015 which he believes achieved more than the set goals since it was also an avenue to worship and encourage Nigerians to understand what it means to truly submit to God in worship.
The convener, Kunle Soriyan and Chief Executive Officer, Trucework disclosed that he firmly believes that churches should professionalise the business of ministry and utilize their talents and skills to drive the ultimate goal of reaching people and saving souls.
“Catalysis 2015 is aimed at driving the cardinal focus of organisations and our partnership with Kevin Bond is to further give participants that inspiring experience that will reshape worship in a way that will glorify God. We also work to shape culture and change the course of history with the integrity of the gospel of Jesus Christ by reaching, inspiring and empowering thinkers, decision makers and influencers at all levels within and outside the church.”
He added that, the conference will in all facets, build, inform and inspire act of sincere worship through building and adequately equipping worship leaders in Nigeria.
“Bond’s wealth of experience and impeccable work with several gospel artistes proved him highly competent as a producer and firmly validated the production facet of his calling. Bond has numerous productions to his credits and has thoroughly permeated the most prominent gospel CD and cassette jackets over the past 20 years. His coming to Nigeria will be a big plus for the Gospel music industry.”
At a special dinner session held in Lagos for participants and song leaders, Kevin further intimated them on the uniqueness and power of gospel music which deepens the act of worshipping God.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Bond arrived on the gospel music scene in 1983. That year, as a 19- year-old prodigy he became the organist for the highly acclaimed Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir. Teaming with gospel pianist extraordinaire Richard Smallwood and a host of other gifted minstrels (including guitarist Jonathan Dubose and drummer/bassist Joel Smith), Bond formally introduced himself to the gospel nation on the 1984 EHMAS release, ‘Angels Will Be Singing’. He began to exercise his production talents during the early 1990’s and has collaborated with a number of artists, including Stephanie Mills, Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers, The Kurt Carr Singers and Trinitee 5:7, among others.
Bond has experienced overwhelming success as a producer in recent years. His leadership and production expertise have been vital to the success of some of gospel music’s most recognizable artists; including Kirk Franklin, God’s Property, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Bishop T.D. Jakes and The Potter’s House Mass Choir, Marvin Sapp, and host of others. He was even commissioned by Steven Spielberg to produce a song for the Prince of Egypt soundtrack. His works have garnered an astounding 10 Grammy Awards, 30 Stellar Awards, and numerous other awards.
Some of the participants at the event commended Trucework Limited for the initiative, Maureen Ayodeji-Akinpelu a chorister at Elevation Church, stated that the conference was an opportunity to learn from Kevin’ wealth of experience to further enhance her worship act. Emmanuel Patrick-Dioha, second runner up Nigerian Idol Season One, applauded the convener of the conference, saying it was a unique gathering to get inspired, learn and build capacity on the true meaning of worship and other business side of gospel music production. Adenike Yomi-Oyeniyi who represented the Fountain of life Church, Lagos said Catalysis 2015 has redefined not just the act of worship but took the participants through what she described as best life experience that gave them true meaning of what God has called them to do as worship leaders.
