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Category: Albums

Passion’s New Album Hits No. 2 On Billboard Chart; Fox & Friends Performance This Sunday

Call on Heaven, the new live album from Passion Music, has debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Christian & Gospel Albums chart this week. This project was also a Top 10 Debut Album in the US on Spotify while amassing more than 3.8M streams in the first week.

The new album features 14 live recordings captured at Passion 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a sold-out attendance of more than 55,000 18-25-year-olds.

call on heaven

Sharing from the new album, Passion was recently featured on GRAMMY’s Positive Vibes Only series with an exclusive performance of “He Who Is To Come. Watch the moving acoustic performance. Passion will also perform live in the studio on Fox & Friends this Sunday, March 17th as part of their “Faith & Friends” series. Tune in during the 9 am Eastern hour to watch their performance.

Passion’s New Album Hits No. 2 On Billboard Chart; Fox & Friends Performance This Sunday

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=_L5aKNPaD10%3Ffeature%3Doembed

For more than two decades, the Passion movement has gathered students and leaders from across the nation and world to begin the new year with a singular purpose of glorifying God and uniting in worship, prayer, and spiritual awakening. This year’s conference had a unique and special atmosphere reflected on the new live-recorded album, Call on Heaven.

The project features the live version of “He Who Is To Come,” as well as the new song, “The Lord Will Provide,” and the stirring moment of worship captured with “Agnus Dei,” which has been viewed more than three million times since the Passion Conference.

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Album Review: Sugarcane Jane “On a Mission”

Sugarcane Jane’s “On a Mission” LP, released under Admiral Bean Records, encapsulates the essence of Americana with its rich acoustic textures and heartfelt storytelling. The album kicks off with “Try to Make it Look Like Me,” a track that immediately sets a tone of authenticity and introspection, characterized by intricate guitar work and earnest vocals.

This opener leads seamlessly into “Love Moved Her Along” and the title track “On a Mission,” both of which showcase the duo’s knack for crafting melodies that are both catchy and emotionally resonant.

“The Candle” and “Burn” further exemplify Sugarcane Jane’s ability to blend traditional folk elements with a modern sensibility, offering lyrics that speak to universal themes of love, loss, and redemption. The instrumentation throughout these tracks is thoughtfully arranged, creating a sound that is both full and intimate.

Album Review: Sugarcane Jane “On a Mission”

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“Fly on the Wall” and “Put it in Your Pocket” lighten the mood with their upbeat rhythms and playful lyrics, demonstrating the duo’s versatility and adeptness at engaging listeners with a variety of moods and messages. “Through the Day” and “We Live” return to a more reflective tone, with the latter standing out as a poignant anthem of perseverance and hope.

“Spirit Push” and “Last Day” close the album on a high note, with the former offering an uplifting message of inner strength and the latter providing a contemplative conclusion to the journey. “Last Day,” the shortest track on the album, leaves a lasting impression with its simplicity and depth, encapsulating the album’s overarching themes of reflection and resilience.

“On a Mission” is a masterfully crafted LP, produced by Anthony Crawford, that showcases Sugarcane Jane’s talent for storytelling and their deep understanding of the musical traditions they draw from. The album is a testament to the duo’s commitment to their craft, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sounds and stories that are both timeless and timely.

Whether through the driving rhythms of its more energetic tracks or the gentle melodies of its ballads, “On a Mission” invites listeners to embark on a journey that is both personal and universal, cementing Sugarcane Jane’s place in the landscape of contemporary Americana music.

–Ralph Lee

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Album Review: Lady Redneck “God So Loved the World”

Lady Redneck, also known as Stephanie Lee, brings a distinctive blend of country charm and spiritual grace to her music. Her album “God So Loved the World” is a reflection of this unique mix, offering listeners a journey through faith, love, and the trials and tribulations of life through the lens of country music. 

To truly grasp the essence of Lady Redneck’s musical and spiritual journey, “God So Loved the World” is indeed a splendid starting point. This album encapsulates her faith-driven narratives with a country twang that’s both authentic and engaging. 

Lady Redneck’s discography is known for its heartfelt storytelling and the ability to weave personal faith into relatable country music tales. This album, in particular, showcases her growth as an artist and her dedication to spreading messages of love and faith.

With chart-topping songs like “After The Rain, You’ll Find the Son,” “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and “All Things” among the playlist, “God So Loved the World” (album) contains a total of 5 international iTunes hits, including 3 #1s!

1. **After the Rain, You’ll Find The Son (03:47)** – This track sets the tone for the album, embodying themes of hope and renewal. Its title suggests a play on words between “Son” referring to Jesus and the sun that follows a storm, illustrating how faith can guide one through difficult times.

2. **Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (03:50)** – A rendition of a classic Christian hymn, this track likely showcases Lady Redneck’s ability to infuse traditional hymns with her unique country style, connecting deep-rooted faith with modern musical expressions.

3. **God So Loved The World (04:06)** – The titular track serves as the thematic centerpiece of the album, drawing directly from the well-known biblical verse John 3:16. This song emphasizes the core message of Christian faith—love and salvation.

4. **Tender Mercy (03:38)** – This track possibly explores themes of forgiveness and grace, key aspects of Christian teachings. Its title suggests a focus on the gentle, compassionate side of faith and God’s love.

5. **Perfect Love (02:51)** – A reflection on the concept of agape, or unconditional love, this track delves into the idea that perfect love casts out fear, a principle found in 1 John 4:18, encouraging listeners to embrace love over fear.

6. **It’s His Fight Too (02:52)** – This song reassures listeners that they are not alone in their struggles, emphasizing that God is with them in every battle they face. It’s about surrendering one’s worries and trusting in divine support.

7. **All Things (03:14)** – Inspired by the verse Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” this track offers an empowering message of faith and resilience.

8. **Pray For Peace (03:23)** – This song serves as a call to action for listeners to seek and pray for peace in their lives and the world. Its placement towards the album’s end reinforces the importance of peace as a core Christian value.

9. **You First Loved Me (03:05)** – This track emphasizes the foundational Christian belief that God’s love is the beginning of everything, inspiring a reciprocal love from believers.

Album Review: Lady Redneck “God So Loved the World”

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Each track on “God So Loved the World” by Lady Redneck seems to offer a distinct perspective on faith, blending biblical references and personal insights with country music’s storytelling tradition. This album not only showcases her musical talents but also her deep-rooted faith and desire to spread messages of hope, love, and peace through her art.

Lady Redneck, beyond her music, is known for her vibrant personality and engagement with her fans. She often shares moments of her life and insights into her music-making process, creating a strong community around her work. Her active social media presence and participation in various music projects highlight her multifaceted career and interests.

Fans of Lady Redneck’s blend of country and spiritual music might also enjoy artists like Carrie Underwood, who similarly combines country music roots with faith-based themes, and Dolly Parton, whose extensive discography includes numerous gospel and spiritually uplifting tracks.

Lady Redneck’s “God So Loved the World” stands as a testament to her faith, artistry, and the unifying power of music that spans genres and touches hearts.

–John Collins

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Ellie Holcomb Announces New Album + Expanded Edition Of Devotional

Award-winning songwriter and bestselling author Ellie Holcomb will release a brand new Psalms project, All of My Days (Capitol CMG), on April 12th along with a new expanded limited edition of her bestselling devotional, Fighting Words (B&H Publishing,) on April 16th.

Holcomb’s new album, All of My Days, is a beautiful collection of curated Psalms that have personally carried her through difficult times as well as played an encouraging role in the lives of her listeners through her “Memory Mondays” where she sings Scripture verses to songs each week.

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Holcomb’s Fighting Words: Expanded Limited Edition features 10 bonus devotionals, new interior flourishes, and an extra art piece inside. Seven Psalms included in the expanded edition will have a song to accompany it from All of My Days. 

“I’ve always wanted to make a Psalms project,” shares Holcomb. “Singing Scripture has been equivalent to a physical act of burying seeds of hope and truth and light deep in my heart. The joy and comfort that come when those little melodies surface, especially during the dark or hard moments in my story, Scripture songs have been an encouragement for me over the years.”

She adds, “It is so humbling to hear how many have resonated with Fighting Words. I’m so delighted that we’re now sending out this extended version that includes so many of my ‘lifer’ verses. The book now feels like a stack of paper Ebenezers, little reminders of how God has deeply met and encouraged me through the Scriptures.”

Celebrating the upcoming releases of two very special projects, Ellie Holcomb was honored this week by her label and publisher for career achievements. Holcomb has surpassed more than 500,000 copies sold of her books (three children’s books and a devotional book) and has amassed more than 500 million career streams for her music.

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“We could not be more thrilled to celebrate Ellie’s remarkable publishing success,” shares Dr. Devin Maddox, Publisher, B&H Publishing Group. “With her bright hope, kind heart, incredible talent, and diligent work ethic, it’s no wonder readers feel so served by her various B&H books. We are grateful to partner with her as she shares God’s love with so many ​children and adults!”

“It takes a very special creative to accomplish what Ellie Holcomb has done as both a recording artist and an author. All of us at CCMG are so proud to work with her and congratulate her on these major career milestones,” says Brad O’Donnell, Co-President of CCMG.

“It is such an honor to be able to partner with Ellie”, adds CCMG Co-President Hudson Plachy. “We are so thrilled for all of her success as a songwriter, author and musician.”

Samantha Steele, COO of Triple 8 Management shares, “Working with Ellie Holcomb for over a decade now has been the joy of a lifetime and we’re overwhelmed by these milestones  – to have her books in so many homes and her songs in so many hearts is such a delight!”

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Christy Nockels Releases ‘You Revive Me (Live From Keeper’s Branch)’

Today (Mar 8), three-time GMA Dove Award-winning worship leader, singer-songwriter, author and podcaster Christy Nockels releases You Revive Me (Live From Keeper’s Branch). The EP features four tracks.

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=v2zTNGjFs4U%3Ffeature%3Doembed

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The Erwins Release ‘Life Story’

GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning StowTown recording artist The Erwins return today (March 8) with Life Story, the sibling group’s first full-length release in nearly three years. Produced by Wayne Haun (Celine Dion, Stephen Schwartz, Jason Crabb), the album is a celebration of abundant life, featuring nine tracks brimming with joy and rooted in Hope.

“Anyone who has lived the Christian life long enough has probably gone through periods in their walk when they felt as if God was nowhere nearby,” shares The Erwins’ Kris Erwin. “

Overwhelming situations in life can cause us to take our eyes off our Heavenly Father and focus on the distractions of the obstacles in this fallen world. ‘Back To The Garden’ has helped me recognize that as we live this life, God never pulls away from us. We are as close to God as we choose to be, but our desire for Him can never match the depths of His love for us.”

lifestroy

Featuring songwriting contributions from Michael Farren, Jason Crabb, Joel Lindsey and Greater Vision’s Rodney Griffin, among others, Life Story opens with the rhythmic “Taste and See.” Penned by Geron Davis and Kory Van Matre, “Taste and See” underscores the project’s joyful theme while showcasing The Erwins’ infectious sibling harmonies.

Additional highlights of Life Story include the debut single, “Still Telling My Story,” a melodic anthem offering encouragement in the face of trials; and the buoyant “Joy Is Gonna Come,” co-written by Erwin siblings Keith, Kris and Katie along with Kenna Turner West and Jason Cox.

The Erwins Release ‘Life Story’

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With bright brass chords emphasizing the track’s confident message, “Joy Is Gonna Come” is a reminder of God’s promises: “I know my God is good/and my faith is firmly stood/Yeah I know, I know/Joy is gonna come.”

“This album is full of songs for the Church, which means there’s something for all ages and backgrounds,” The Erwins’ Katie Erwin Headrick explains. “We have prayed over this project for almost three years now, and these songs are sung from the bottom of our hearts—they truly tell our Life Story.”

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Jon Foreman Announces New Album ‘In Bloom’ Out May 31

Today, prolific singer-songwriter (and lead singer of GRAMMY-Award winning rock band, Switchfoot) Jon Foreman announces his new LP, In Bloom, out May 31st. Co-produced with James McAlister (Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Sufjan Stevens), the 12-song collection was crafted to accompany a drive down the California coast on a sunny afternoon.

Alongside the album’s announcement, Foreman releases the title track, “In Bloom,” a beautiful meditation on beauty within the journey from womb to tomb, which features vocals from singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun. The soft guitar strums make room for Foreman’s contemplative lyrics, searching for hope, and yearning to bloom like a wildflower in the desert.

The lyric video for “In Bloom,” which is also out today, aptly features a field of wildflowers and was shot when Foreman and a photographer friend stopped on the side of the road to take a few photos. Without even realizing it, the pair realized that the flowers matched the spirit of the song perfectly. It was an unexpected gift of the moment.

inbloom

“I have no idea how old I will be when I die, most likely, I’m about halfway there,” Foreman shares about the track. “Time is the avalanche I’m riding down the mountain: out of control and gaining speed. The kid I was before is getting harder and harder to reach. I’m still him, and he’s still me… but not quite. And yet, THIS moment, right here and now- THIS is the ever-present now.

The future and the past are ghosts and phantoms- they haunt me with regret and fear, anxiety and shame. And yet, the past and future are spaces where I cannot act. Fortunately, each day has enough worries of its own. The “here and now” requires my full attention, and my presence can only be present in this moment alone. When is the present mine? When I am present to it.

Garden be my teacher. Sun. Moon. Soul. New leafy growth. The flowers, the birds, even my children- they are unencumbered by future fears or past regrets. They are fearlessly unassailable to the ghosts and phantoms of tomorrow and yesterday. Alive to the moment alone! And my prayer? To be present. Here and now. Available to a beauty that transcends my desire for control.”

‘In Bloom’ was not the album Jon Foreman set out to write. After Foreman’s “departures,” album, which was written in response to the tremors of 2020, he intended to release another album titled “arrivals,” but the attempt to create it kept running away.

He was chasing a destination as it moved further and further away. Yet throughout the creative block, new and different songs were coming to him. Ones that didn’t quite fit with the record he set out to create.

So, Foreman decided to humbly begin on this new road that seemed to be offering itself to him. He embraced the unknown while fresh songs poured effortlessly out of his mind. Letting the music lead the way, Foreman felt the melodies and lyrics were coming to him like flowers, delicate and intuitive.

Rather than fighting for control, Foreman created a collection of music that mimics nature and the flow of life: never arriving, but always becoming.

Jon Foreman Announces New Album ‘In Bloom’ Out May 31

Stream & Enjoy

https://youtube.com/watch?v=8l1plCY8i_o%3Flist%3DPL7QQSo9VxVc95xmEf1-PmbFEJ7hDraaJp

Featuring appearances from singer-songwriters Joy Oladokun and Abby Holliday, “In Bloom” was written in the present, moment by moment, and embraces mortality, limitations, and the ever-present mistakes of the everyday. The record sees Foreman lean into the everchanging garden that he is and that he’s becoming.

“‘In Bloom’ is the album that I wasn’t trying to make. It’s a flower that came to me, unasked. ‘In Bloom’ is an album that celebrates the unexpected gift of the moment. The cover photo and the songs themselves feel like gifts. This record is full of honest, humble, surprises that came to me while I was busy chasing a different arrival.

Rather than obsessing over a future, static destination, may this album represent an entirely different pursuit: to stay present to the present to the ever-present gift of the moment along the way. Like a wildflower, may these songs bring you beauty and joy as you travel along your journey.”

Additionally, today, Foreman sets off on the “Tear The Roof Off Tour” in support of Brandon Lake, which sees the two singer-songwriters playing arenas and large clubs throughout the United States, with shows already sold out in Brooklyn (NY), Memphis (TN), Arlington (TX), Orlando (FL) and more. See below for full tour routing.

IN BLOOM TRACKLIST:

1. I Propose A Toast

2. Where The Sidewalk Ends

3. Eulogy

4. In Bloom ft.Joy Oladokun

5. Antidote

6. Stay Wild, Wildflower

7. Heaven Is Yours

8. Lovers Are Believers

9. Cheap Wine (And Expensive Conversation) ft. Abby Holliday

10. Lover

11. As. Simple. As. Us.

12. Sojourn (epilogue)

JON FOREMAN TOUR DATES (IN SUPPORT OF BRANDON LAKE):

March 7th – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC

March 8th – Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre (SOLD OUT)

March 9th – Arlington, TX – College Park Center at UT Arlington (SOLD OUT)

March 10th – Tulsa, OK – Mabee Center at Oral Roberts University

March 14th – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum

March 15th – Spokane, WA- Spokane Arena

March 16th – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Arena

March 17th – Reno, NV – Reno Events Center

April 18th – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum

April 19th – Cleveland, OH – Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University

April 20th – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre (SOLD OUT)

April 21st – Baltimore, MD – Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena (SOLD OUT)

April 25th – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

April 26th – Orlando, FL – Addition Financial Arena (SOLD OUT)

April 27th – Miami , FL – James L. Knight Center

April 28th – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena

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Zach Williams Releases ‘A Hundred Highways (Extended Edition)’

Today (Mar 8), Zach Williams releases A Hundred Highways (Extended Edition). The album features a new version of “Lookin’ For You” featuring Dolly Parton and “Walls Fall Down” featuring Lee Brice.

Zach Williams Releases ‘A Hundred Highways (Extended Edition)’

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Chris Tomlin To Release ‘Live From Good Friday’ Album March 15

Grammy winning artist Chris Tomlin, who Time Magazine heralded as the “most often sung artist in the world,” is embarking on one of the busiest years of his career in 2024 as he announces a new live album, hosts “Good Friday Nashville” for the eighth year, that sold-out three-weeks in advance and created an opportunity to open more seating for ticket buyers

Chris spoke exclusively with the Tennessean about all his exciting plans including “Good Friday Nashville” and donating the show proceeds. “This should be something the community does together,” Chris said. “It takes a great expense to do something like this, but I wanted to give away the profits.

We decided that year-one. It felt like God was putting wind in our sails. Since we were giving it away, he was like ‘I’m gonna blow the doors off this place.’ It’s been that way since day-one.”

On March 15, Chris will release Live From Good Friday, an 11-track album of live recordings from his record breaking “Good Friday Nashville” concerts at Bridgestone Arena. Among them is one of the fastest growing songs in the church right now and one of his largest consumed songs each week in his distinguished catalog with over 140M streams,  “Holy Forever.”

The Grammy-nominated, six-week #1 single, which has become one of the most significant songs of his over 20-year career, has catapulted his impact and visibility as one of the most influential worship leaders of the era. Additional songs on the live album include his worldly-renowned “How Great Is Our God,” “Good Good Father” and more.

live from good friday

“Good Friday Nashville” returns once again to Bridgestone Arena on Friday, March 29. The event sold out yesterday which allowed organizers to adjust the production set-up creating room for more seats to be open for sale. Its impressive eight year run has become the venue’s longest running annual charity related concert and a tentpole event for the city.

This year’s star-studded line-up includes Willie Robertson, best known for starring in and executive producing A&E’s Duck Dynasty, who will deliver a powerful Easter message, and CCM powerhouse Kari Jobe and fast-growing sensation Anne Wilson who will be joining Chris as special guest performers.

The evening will continue the annual tradition of including surprise guests which have previously included the likes of Rascal Flatts, Lady A, Lauren Daigle, CeCe Winans, Hillsong UNITED, and many others. All remaining tickets are available now for $25 at Good Friday Nashville.

“Good Friday Nashville” benefits the foster care and adoption crisis through ‘For Others’, a non-profit organization created by Chris and his wife Lauren. ‘For Others’ aims to be a voice for the vulnerable by living out their mission of raising awareness and empowering best-in-class organizations to end the child welfare crisis in America.

On March 19, Chris will release How Great is Our God: Living a Worship-Led Life in a Me-Driven World (K-LOVE Books) in celebration of one of his most impactful songs and invites readers to redefine worship beyond music. Chris uses his experience as a worship artist and impressive songbook to provide readers with tools for living a God-centered life.

As one of the most successful Christian touring artists today, Chris has sold out venues everywhere including New York City’s Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Red Rocks in Denver, and more. In April he will launch the “Holy Forever World Tour” performing shows across the U.S. and embarking on his first overseas dates in more than a decade. More dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Live From Good Friday” track listing:

  1. Good Good Father / Great Are You Lord
  2. Ephesians 1 20-23 (feat. Pastor Darren Whitehead)
  3. Holy Forever (with Jenn Johnson & Brian Johnson)
  4. How Great Is Our God
  5. Our God
  6. Is He Worthy
  7. At The Cross (Love Ran Red)
  8. Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) (feat. George Mhondera)
  9. Always
  10. Precious Love
  11. It Is Well

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[Music] Premium Praise – Dr. Yohan

“Premium Praise Live” is Dr. Yohan’s debut album, which is a compilation of soul-lifting praise and worship songs that stir listeners to reflect on God’s goodness and greatness.

Reflecting on the album, Dr. Yohan shares, “If ‘premium’ refers to topmost quality, then when Psalms 150 says, ‘Let everything that has breath praise the Lord,’ I’m saying that when we do it, let’s do it premium!”

The album was recorded with a live audience in Abuja, Nigeria, and explores a variety of sub-genres, including Amapiano, Afrobeats, and Electronic Pop. Featuring collaborations with other gospel artists and the artistic prowess of the talented team at TAP, Dr. Yohan has curated an immersive praise and worship experience with this project.

One of the tracks on the album, titled Balogun, is a soul-stirring song that reverently acknowledges God as a mighty warlord, fighting and triumphing in battles for humans.

Dr. Yohan also plans to launch a #BalogunChallenge on TikTok, inviting individuals to share their stories of divine intervention and victories in times of struggle, aligning perfectly with the song’s empowering message.

Premium Praise – Dr. Yohan

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ABOUT ARTIST
Dr. Yohan is a Nigerian-born gospel artist, praise leader, music director, songwriter, and arranger. He expresses his faith and music styles in a radical and boundless fashion, incorporating various sub-genres to express his message that finds root in the goodness of God. The charismatic artist is an embodiment of out-of-the-box Spirit-inspired creativity, simultaneously fusing his calling and passion for ministry with a thriving secular career.

Dr. Yohan’s sound is unique, cross-generational, and bears the essence of the divine. His versatility and sound knowledge of God’s word are evident in his music and lyrics, respectively. He’s passionate about using his music to bless lives across the nations of the earth and is also a ‘performance enhancer’ helping singers and musicians achieve ingenious feats with excellence.

Renowned for orchestrating one of the largest annual concerts in Nigeria’s middle belt for over a decade, Dr. Yohan, also known as Yohanna Bako, has seamlessly fused his calling into ministry and passion for music with a career in digital strategy after a distinguished stint as a university lecturer.

His first EP, “Sunday Behaviour,” was released in 2020 and featured his popular song “Shack Me,” which talks about the overwhelming nature of God’s love and has been performed across the country at church events and music concerts. Dr. Yohan’s dynamic sound and authentic storytelling expressed in how he writes his songs have captured the attention of music enthusiasts globally.

Dr. Yohan founded The Anointed Praise (TAP) in 2006, and the team became known for their unique performances that were out of the box with stereotypical Christian nuances. Comprising highly skilled and anointed vocalists and musicians, the team became an inspiration to a lot of young folks.

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