The first ever Urban Gospel Fest, slated for this Saturday in the parking lot of Oasis Church Miami - 12905 NE 8th Ave. in North Miami, Fl., aims to celebrate the Urban Gospel genre with a free outdoor community festival and high-energy block party.
Presented by Soul Movement Crew in association with Oasis Church Miami, NEWD Magazine, F-N-F Live, MyKindofEvents.com, Vision Music, Divine Purpose and Associates, Spit Truth Radio, Helping Families Improve and The Legair Brand, festival goers will be blown away by the top artists headlining the event.
Redeemed from the streets of The Bronx, Miami, San Juan, Kingston and Havana, the artists on the bill link urban communities around the world for Christ through their sensational styles of Rap, Dancehall, Soca, Urban Latin and R&B.
Read up on some of artists who will take the stage at the first annual Urban Gospel Fest.
Nigel Lewis
When "Moving to the Left" erupted onto airwaves in 1996, Nigel Lewis became a household name. He achieved the highest musical honor in Trinidad and Tobago where he was crowned Road March King. The phenomenal tide continued the following year when Lewis' mega hit "Follow the Leader" planted a seed that is still growing today with over 500,000 certified copies sold, making it the largest single copyright revenue earner in the history of Calypso music. Lewis has now re-dedicated his song and sound to God. His hottest singles under the Gospel Soca genre are "Jesus Team" and "What a Feeling."
Paul Morris
Paul Morris was born in Miami, Florida, but grew up in Jamaica. He is a fresh new artist that burst onto the scene under the Soul Movement Crew artist booking group last summer. His hottest single is "P.U.S.H."
Breyan Isaac
Breyan Isaac has been called everything from a "creative genius" to a "revolutionary artist." Now, after years of planning and production, he's ready for the main stage. A native of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Isaac is undoubtedly on course to becoming one of the nation's paramount musical masterminds. He's also been a creative force behind artists like Dre Marshall, Kristine Alicia, DJ Mr.E, and Double Syx. His hottest singles are "Switch Game" and "Ballin."
Troy Genius
Troy Genius was born in St. Ann, Jamaica. His father, Wallace Wilson, Sr., was a part of the Byron Lee & the Dragonaires band for over 30 years and co-produced for American guitarist and singer Jimmy Hendrix. Troy Genius credits his father as his main musical influence. He later shared the joy and fever for music when he performed with his younger brother, Wallace Wilson Jr., A.K.A. Red Rat, which changed his life forever. As an all-around musician, he later played the drums for most of the top Reggae/Dancehall acts in Jamaica such as Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Dennis Brown, Red Rat, Sean Paul, Baby Cham, Spragga Benz, and Wayne Wonder. He has collaborated on projects for well-known artists including Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys and Inner Circle. Since the passing of his father in March 2007, he has focused his attention on the ministry of God. His hottest single is "Give Him the Praise."
LaVie
From her effervescent stage performances and Neo-Soul/dance fusion tracks, LaVie's light-hearted, airy quality belies the life that she's lived to date. The hottest Neo-Soul vocalist home to the South Florida gospel scene is no stranger to pain. Her performances are heartfelt because they come from a real story. With songs like "Crazy" and "Better," featuring hip hop artist Dre Marshall who will also perform at Urban Gospel Fest, LaVie sees her ministry breaking barriers that traditional gospel music doesn't because she is open to all of God's people, churched and un-churched.
Rey Cruz
Rey Cruz is an artist who is using the music of his culture to change lives for the kingdom. A native of the Dominican Republic, he creates danceable, up-tempo Latin rhythms that any Latino-American youth can relate to. Whether that be in the form of merengue, hip hop or reggaeton, he sets one's feet a dancing. His hottest singles are "Solow" and "Libre."
CUDS Music
On the heels of their album release, Gone Green, inspirational hip hop duo CUDS Music will charge up audiences at UGF with catchy hooks that bear a simple message. CUDS Music formerly known as Children Unda the Son, has been re-branded with the help of Soul Movement Crew.
Comprised of Aswan Johnson aka Big Swan and Bruce Wyche aka Positive, this hip hop duo is a force to be reckoned with. Their hottest single is "Got Change."