By: Shawna Brown
Telling stories through music is nothing new to international gospel recording artiste Wayne Stoddart who launches yet another epic installment of his musical legacy in a new catchy Afro-Caribbean beat on his latest track, ‘Praises Unto You.’ Expertly crafted with collaborating artistes, Monty G from the Bahamas and Deborah Zulu from Zambia, this composition immediately take listeners back to the Motherland with its insistent congo beats, penetrating synths and a vocal threesome of pristine clarity that gives this piece charismatic new momentum.
‘Praises Unto You’ in its’ tribal manifestation is an effortless, straightforward reminder that all praises belong to the Lord. This rhythmic track drives an angular contemporary sound over traditional drumming with lyrics that offer audiences a diverse glimpse into the gamut of languages indigenous African dialects afford. The chorus includes lyrics like, “Amalumbo Kuli Imwe” which is native aboriginal tongue declaring that all praises belong to Almighty God; the meaning behind the namesake title that richly resounds in the permeating message of this simple yet skillfully executed composition. Here, Zambian songstress Deborah Zulu leads the chorale while Stoddart echoes in like manner. Later, Monty G’s unmistakable tenor punctuates the track delivering DJ style rap vocals over syncopated melodies. The song concludes with an African blend of harmonious reverence done in acapella, similarly to the Isicathamiya form (pronounced is-cot-a-ME-ya), a style of singing that originated from the South African Zulus and made globally popular by the music group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
But ‘Praises Unto You’ is just one of many productions where Stoddart features the talented gifting of other fellow recording artistes. In summer of 2020, amidst rigid pandemic protocols, Stoddart teamed up with industry giant Minister Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw to coproduce an electrifying dancehall smash entitled, ‘Jesus Junkie,’ a riveting vibe of reggae energy that sparked noteworthy controversial divide between secular listeners and those Stoddart calls “puritanical critics from more traditional audiences,” namely those who propagate that Hall being a minister of the gospel should abandon her dancehall roots in lieu of her ministerial responsibility. Despite polarized critiques, ‘Jesus Junkie’ topped the dancehall charts and won the 2021 Sterling Gospel Award for best Gospel Reggae Duet and is nominated for five Marlin Awards to be staged in July 2022.
Yet Wayne Stoddart, who possesses a honorary Doctorate degree in theology and is also an ordained pastor and astute teacher of the gospel, has never been timid to shy away or recoil from controversy; especially in the delivery of convicted lyrics he passionately feels was downloaded to his spirit through his anointed Levite calling. ‘Praises Unto You’ is featured on the album, ‘Freedom Plan’ where Stoddart also teams with Reach Records Hip Hop gospel rapper 1K Phew and God’s Mouth-piece actually known as GMP to deliver stirring lyrics in the tune ‘Bonds of Wickedness,’ another declarative warning urging audiences of both secular and sacred arenas alike to “loose the bonds of wickedness and set the captives free.”
Stoddart’s widely anticipated album release promises to be a musical win of epic proportions where hit single, ‘Raise It’ that garnered several industry awards and nominations, among others will also be featured. Luckily for doting fans, a forthcoming festival swiftly approaches on August 7, 2022 where Stoddart will blaze the performing stage in Tampa Florida to debut the ‘Freedom Plan’ album with an exclusive all-star collaborative line-up to include not only Monty G and Deborah Zulu but Minister Marion Hall, 1K Phew, GMP, Breanna Jade, Aston Barrett Jr. and Wayne’s very own beloved brother in music Steve Stoddart, all in one location. The next-level musical phenomenon catapults audience anticipation to stratospheric dimensions, all glorifying his Heavenly Father to whom all praises are due. Amalumbo Kuli Imwe!
| Praises unto you LordPraises unto you LordPraises unto you LordUnto you all the praise! | Amalumbo Kuli ImweAmalumbo Kuli ImweAmalumbo Kuli ImweKuli Imwe Amalumbo |
Produced by: Aston Barrett jr & Clifton “Johnny” Clarke
Record Label: Undiluted Muzik
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