30 Nov 2020
Lisa, Jacqui and Heavilyn started singing together professionally over a decade ago gracing major Afrobeat stages. Being church girls, the conversation around their musical direction was unavoidable. Their decision to quit the Afrobeats scene and tread the gospel route was an easy one, given that their hearts desire had always been to spread Gods love through their gift. Almost 4 years later, and the girls have not looked back.
Shekinah was officially introduced to the UK gospel fraternity at the AGMMA 2018 awards where they performed their debut single, Change Me. Charles Koranteng, Founder of the AGMMA awards had this to say about the girls: Ive always known that these 3 girls were destined for greatness. Lisa, Heavilyn and Jacqui came along as 3 friends to audition as background vocalists (bvs)for Sonnie Badus first big London concert. They were selected and became Sonnies official bvs travelling the world with him. Over the years, they have bvd for Joe Mettle, Jonathan Nelson, and Sammie Okposo amongst others. In 2018 I decided to put them on the AGMMA bill, and they have since gone from strength to strength and even picked up a Premier Gospel Award for Best Group.
The girls have 4 incredible singles to their credit, but its their most recent single On top of the World with its Mary Mary vibe that got the gospel pundits excited. The banging production is reminiscent of My Block Incs Warryn Campbell, throw in a few bars by Guvna B plus the girls divine harmonies and youre bound to have a smash hit on your hands.
Of their MOBO nomination the girls said: We cant even begin to tell you how we feel about it. We just see this as a journey that God has written. We often question whether we are qualified for this work because we dont feel worthy, but we see God in what we do. This COVID season has been quiet for us. We sat down a few weeks ago to review the year and rededicate ourselves to the work. The timeliness of this MOBO nomination was therefore very symbolic for us. Amidst our uncertainties God was reaffirming us. We feel extremely honoured and grateful. We see gospel as the good news, its not a sound therefore we will continue to give the gospel scene our unique brand of gospel.
Shekinah are up against CalledOut Music, Noel Robinson, Guvna B, and the Kingdom Choir at this years MOBO awards. With such strong competition do you think the girls can take home the crown for Best Gospel Act?
By Akosua Dwomo-Fokuo, Premier Gospel Presenter
Everybody loves Shekinah. Their tremendous gifting is only outweighed by their larger than life personalities, making them every interviewers dream.