Hey there everyone, hope you are all having a great week!!! It's Sunday today and it's back once again, with the best gospel music around. Today we have two very special guests on the Gospel Show - S.O and New Direction will be joining us from 4pm today - for an exclusive interview. Get in touch with the show for shout outs, contributions and questions. Stay blessed, and if you haven't listened to the show before, this is a great opportunity to start!! Remember...if you have missed the show you can listen back ANYTIME after it has been broadcast!!
 
Seun Otukpe a/k/a S.O. has his heart set to do the work of the Lord. Standing on what Paul told Timothy and not “despising the days of his youth” he uses rap (rhythm and poetry) as a tool of communicate the gospel.
 
The phrase “come from a mighty long way” is what S.O. would describe his journey in life as. From living in Nigeria and coming to start a new life in London at the age of 9, to losing his father over a tragic car accident. His road hasn’t been an easy one, but he always knew there was something better watching at the end. “When growing up I re-call telling my sister I wanted to be a pastor…..you don’t get many kids saying that”, says S.O. The year 2004 was the year he saw himself surrender his life to Jesus Christ, “that was a wonderful experience and it was real, how do I know? Simple. I have seen change.” Already having an interest in music S.O. knew it would be too easy to just jump into gospel rap, “I really didn’t want to rap, I thought it was an easy way out” but little did S.O. know that the Lord had already planned to use him to reach a generation.
 
In the past year S.O. has been mentioned in magazines such as Gospel Link and sites like UK Gospel.com and UB1. He has performed at events such as God Corner, F.O.L, Soul Survivor and Afro Hair & Beauty Show to name a few. S.O. has featured on tracks with leading UK gospel artists like Jahaziel and Four Kornerz. He was also featured on the R Music TV sho w “Out of the Box”. This year will he will release his debut CD mid summer titled 'Do or Die'. In a world filled with hate and deceit, a place were teenagers are portrayed by the media as socially uncontrollable characters. The Lord Jesus Christ has called a young man out of the crowd and placed in him a Word to encourage, give hope and reach a generation that are now lost.
 
The future is bright for S.O. as he sees himself starting a whole new journey to study Theology in Durham University, a subject that is very dear to his heart. “Studying theology is core for me……I want to bring the Word of God accurately”. So to think that this young man is only 19 and his eyes are fixed on the Lord gives one hope that there are still young people in this generation that have a heart for God.
 
NEW DIRECTION CREW, are a four piece collective whose aim is to uplift and enlighten through their music whilst promoting the saving grace of the Lord JESUS CHRIST and the change it brings by knowing him. The group has been running for nearly 10 years and continue to perform up and down the country in youth clubs, churches, universities, schools and mainstream venues.
 
Through working with their local authority they were also invited to perform at the Brixton Academy and were the only gospel group to participate. They have gained much accolade with their live recordings on R Music TV gaining frequent airplay. They have also performed alongside US Gospel artist Micah Stampley and UK Gospel duo Roger and Sam Grandison. They continue to set a high standard in their performance mixing their high quality productions with catchy hooks and meaningful raps but can totally flip the script with their live soulful sets, a sound which they have named rap ‘n’ keys.
 
They individually also work alongside other artist in terms of production and writing, most recently participating on releases by UK Gospel forerunners
Jahaziel and Four Kornerz. Looking forward, the group is currently working hard towards their debut album which will be released in mid 2008. Until then, they work diligently to raise the standard in the UK Gospel scene whilst making sure to not compromise their message.

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Faith