If you've been a keen observer/reader of posts on this blog, you probably have already realized that I have been doing music reviews from various artists in different genres thought-out the year. (You can read my music reviews summary from 2014 here.)
Nevertheless, here is a summary of all the Gospel music I happened to collect in 2015 (I am bolding what I deem as the best albums/songs in every category/genre);
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| Reviews 2015: Music |
Great 'must have' local and African Gospel songs
1. Mercy Masika - Mwema
2. Bern totally killed it with "Kwa Macho" reggae remix.
3. Eric Smith - Wewe Ni Zaidi
4. Flozie - Tamalaki
5. Bethu & Highest Praise - No Other Name
6. Sinach - The Name of Jesus
7. Living Faith Connections (LFC) Mass Choir - Yahweh
8. Nathaniel Bassey - No Other God
9. We Will Worship - Like Oil (Acoustic)
10. All About You - Cliche
11. Watoto Children's Choir - Be Exalted
12. Erenah - Ni Wewe
13. Mercy Njoki - Nitakukimbilia
14. Eunice Njeri - Ukah
2. Bern totally killed it with "Kwa Macho" reggae remix.
3. Eric Smith - Wewe Ni Zaidi
4. Flozie - Tamalaki
5. Bethu & Highest Praise - No Other Name
6. Sinach - The Name of Jesus
7. Living Faith Connections (LFC) Mass Choir - Yahweh
8. Nathaniel Bassey - No Other God
9. We Will Worship - Like Oil (Acoustic)
10. All About You - Cliche
11. Watoto Children's Choir - Be Exalted
12. Erenah - Ni Wewe
13. Mercy Njoki - Nitakukimbilia
14. Eunice Njeri - Ukah
New artists, new music
1. ZB came back with his lingala thing in "Mikono Safi"
2. Sharon - Rangi
3. Kizo B (a new artist from Spotlight Media)
4. Flozie ("Tamalaki" really moved us.)
5, One group going by the name Armarrae Hill And True Foundation did a beautiful praise and worship album called "We Are Royalty".
5. Still Alive (Records) really outdid themselves this year by producing such great tracks as "Mwema" and "Ninang'ara".
6. Mwanga Band - these guys are good. Really.
7. Recapp (I've been following them closely. These guys have great stuff.)
8. Cliche - their debut single "All About You" was really cool.
1. ZB came back with his lingala thing in "Mikono Safi"
2. Sharon - Rangi
3. Kizo B (a new artist from Spotlight Media)
4. Flozie ("Tamalaki" really moved us.)
5, One group going by the name Armarrae Hill And True Foundation did a beautiful praise and worship album called "We Are Royalty".
5. Still Alive (Records) really outdid themselves this year by producing such great tracks as "Mwema" and "Ninang'ara".
6. Mwanga Band - these guys are good. Really.
7. Recapp (I've been following them closely. These guys have great stuff.)
8. Cliche - their debut single "All About You" was really cool.
Surprise Collabos
1. Hillsong Young & Free & Lecrae in "This Is Living"
2. Tenth Avenue North, KB & PRo in "For Those Who Can't Speak"
3. Kari Jobe, Jamie Grace, Dara Maclean, Blanca & Nirva in "Hallelujah" (Cover)
4. Revelation Song - Phillips, Craig & Dean ft. Kari Jobe (at the 41st DOVE Awards)
5. Papa Dennis and Daddy Owen in "Foundation"
6. In Jesus' Name - Third Day (ft. Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant & Michael Tait)
7. On The Throne - Desperation Band (ft. Kari Jobe)
8. How Great Is Our God (the international version) - Chris Tomlin. (This is one epic version!!)
9. You're Not Alone - Owl City ft. Britt Nicole
10. That Diddy Kimer remix of Olenkodikod featuring several other local artists.
2. Tenth Avenue North, KB & PRo in "For Those Who Can't Speak"
3. Kari Jobe, Jamie Grace, Dara Maclean, Blanca & Nirva in "Hallelujah" (Cover)
4. Revelation Song - Phillips, Craig & Dean ft. Kari Jobe (at the 41st DOVE Awards)
5. Papa Dennis and Daddy Owen in "Foundation"
6. In Jesus' Name - Third Day (ft. Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant & Michael Tait)
7. On The Throne - Desperation Band (ft. Kari Jobe)
8. How Great Is Our God (the international version) - Chris Tomlin. (This is one epic version!!)
9. You're Not Alone - Owl City ft. Britt Nicole
10. That Diddy Kimer remix of Olenkodikod featuring several other local artists.
CATEGORY BY GENRES
Contemporary Praise & Worship (artist and album)
1. Hillsong Young & Free - This Is Living (2015)
2. Bethel Music - We Will Not Be Shaken (2015)
3. Planetshakers - This Is Our Time (2014)
4. Planetshakers - Endless Praise (2014)
1. Hillsong Young & Free - This Is Living (2015)
2. Bethel Music - We Will Not Be Shaken (2015)
3. Planetshakers - This Is Our Time (2014)
4. Planetshakers - Endless Praise (2014)
Planetshakers are out to really make us dance!!
5. Derek Johnson - Real Love (2015)
6. Planetshakers - Outback Worship Sessions (2015)
And yes, Planetshakers are widely underrated by the way. This is a collection of some of their best songs done with lots of synths and acoustics.
7. Matt Redman - Unbroken Praise (2015)
8. Amanda Cook - Brave New World (2015)
9. Lauren Daigle - How Can It Be? (2015)
10. Casting Crowns - Glorious Day: Hymns of Faith (2015)
5. Derek Johnson - Real Love (2015)
6. Planetshakers - Outback Worship Sessions (2015)
And yes, Planetshakers are widely underrated by the way. This is a collection of some of their best songs done with lots of synths and acoustics.
7. Matt Redman - Unbroken Praise (2015)
8. Amanda Cook - Brave New World (2015)
9. Lauren Daigle - How Can It Be? (2015)
10. Casting Crowns - Glorious Day: Hymns of Faith (2015)
Praise & Worship (artist and album)
1. Smokie Norful - Forever Yours (2014)
2. Marvin Sapp - You Shall Live (2015)
3. Woodside Worship - Response (2015)
4. Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - Pray (2015)
5. Brittney Wright - Fight 4 U (2015)
6. Crystal Aikin - All I Need (2015)
New artist. Beautiful sound (closely resembles Tasha Cobbs). Quite promising.
7. Sharon Roshell - Church Girl 20:14 (2015)
8. Brian Courtney Wilson - Worth Fighting For (2014)
9. Jason Nelson - Jesus Revealed (2015)
10. Kirk Franklin - Losing My Religion (2015)
1. Smokie Norful - Forever Yours (2014)
2. Marvin Sapp - You Shall Live (2015)
3. Woodside Worship - Response (2015)
4. Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - Pray (2015)
5. Brittney Wright - Fight 4 U (2015)
6. Crystal Aikin - All I Need (2015)
New artist. Beautiful sound (closely resembles Tasha Cobbs). Quite promising.
7. Sharon Roshell - Church Girl 20:14 (2015)
8. Brian Courtney Wilson - Worth Fighting For (2014)
9. Jason Nelson - Jesus Revealed (2015)
10. Kirk Franklin - Losing My Religion (2015)
Folk/Pop and K-Love Rock (artist and album)
1. Danny Gokey - Hope In Front of Me (2014)
He first wrote a book with the same title as this album after the death of his first wife.
2. Vice & Virtue - Jimmy Needham (2015)
This is a phenomenal album with a beautiful mix of sound. As always, Needham outdid himself here.
3. Owl City - Mobile Orchestra (2015)
4. John Guerra - Little Songs (2015)
5. NEEDTOBREATHE - Rivers In the Wasteland (2014)
6. Jeremy Camp - I Will Follow (2015)
7. Chris Tomlin - Love Ran Red (2014)
8. Sanctus Real - The Dream (2014)
9. Third Day - Lead Us Back (Songs of Worship) (2015)
10. Hawk Nelson - Diamonds (2015)
11. Unspoken - Unspoken (2014)
12. MercyMe - Welcome To The New (2014)
1. Danny Gokey - Hope In Front of Me (2014)
He first wrote a book with the same title as this album after the death of his first wife.
2. Vice & Virtue - Jimmy Needham (2015)
This is a phenomenal album with a beautiful mix of sound. As always, Needham outdid himself here.
3. Owl City - Mobile Orchestra (2015)
4. John Guerra - Little Songs (2015)
5. NEEDTOBREATHE - Rivers In the Wasteland (2014)
6. Jeremy Camp - I Will Follow (2015)
7. Chris Tomlin - Love Ran Red (2014)
8. Sanctus Real - The Dream (2014)
9. Third Day - Lead Us Back (Songs of Worship) (2015)
10. Hawk Nelson - Diamonds (2015)
11. Unspoken - Unspoken (2014)
12. MercyMe - Welcome To The New (2014)
An eclectic album, this one.
13. for KING & COUNTRY - Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. (2014)
13. for KING & COUNTRY - Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. (2014)
R&B & Soul (artist and album)
1. Mali Music - Mali Is... (2014)
This one managed to get Mali a Grammy nomination.
1. Mali Music - Mali Is... (2014)
This one managed to get Mali a Grammy nomination.
2. Kierra Sheard - Graceland (2014)
Ki is till kicking those vocals like nobody's business.
Ki is till kicking those vocals like nobody's business.
3. Erica Campbell - Help 2.0 (2015)
More of a remix album to Help (2014)
She redid it. Refined it. This is "Help" redefined.
4. Sada K (formerly of Press Play) - Long Story Short (2015)
5. Robert E Person - Love Divine (2015)
She redid it. Refined it. This is "Help" redefined.
4. Sada K (formerly of Press Play) - Long Story Short (2015)
5. Robert E Person - Love Divine (2015)
Dance-pop (CEDM)
1. Exhale (2015) - Plumb
Became more mainstream Gospel in her lyrics this time round, but this is still a great album.
2. Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile (2015)
1. Exhale (2015) - Plumb
Became more mainstream Gospel in her lyrics this time round, but this is still a great album.
2. Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile (2015)
3. Blanca - Who I Am EP (2015)
4. tobyMac - ***THIS IS NOT A TEST*** (2015)
5. Natalie Grant - Be One (2015)
5. Natalie Grant - Be One (2015)
Hip Hop and Rap (artist and album)
1. Da' TRUTH - Unplugged - A Break from the 808s (2014)
1. Da' TRUTH - Unplugged - A Break from the 808s (2014)
A live remixes album.
2. Derek Minor - Empire
3. KB - Tomorrow We Live (2015)
4. NF - Mansion (2015)
The lyricism in that track "Mansion" is just epic. The whole album is something all Hip Hop fans should listen to.
5. Rapture Raps - Gratitude (2015)
6. Andy Mineo - Uncomfortable (2015)
People have been complaining that they need to see "more Jesus" in Andy's lyrics. I think they are right.
2. Derek Minor - Empire
3. KB - Tomorrow We Live (2015)
4. NF - Mansion (2015)
The lyricism in that track "Mansion" is just epic. The whole album is something all Hip Hop fans should listen to.
5. Rapture Raps - Gratitude (2015)
6. Andy Mineo - Uncomfortable (2015)
People have been complaining that they need to see "more Jesus" in Andy's lyrics. I think they are right.
Great music collections
1. WoW Gospel 2015
2. iHop: The Best Songs of the Prayer Room (Live)
3. WoW Hits 2016
4. Billboard Hot 25 Christian Songs
2. iHop: The Best Songs of the Prayer Room (Live)
3. WoW Hits 2016
4. Billboard Hot 25 Christian Songs
Instrumentals (artist and album)
1. Bethel Music - Synesthesia (2015)
2. Lee Hye Mi - His Melody (2015)
Piano things.
2. Lee Hye Mi - His Melody (2015)
Piano things.
Country & Bluegrass (artist and album)
1. Keith Green - The Millennium Collection (The Best of Keith Green) (2015)
2. Lynda Randle - Ageless Hymns (Songs of Peace) 3. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - In Session (2015)
1. Keith Green - The Millennium Collection (The Best of Keith Green) (2015)
2. Lynda Randle - Ageless Hymns (Songs of Peace) 3. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - In Session (2015)
Christmas Albums (artist and album)
1. Chris Tomlin - Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship (2015)
2. Danny Gokey - Christmas Is Here (2015)
1. Chris Tomlin - Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship (2015)
2. Danny Gokey - Christmas Is Here (2015)
Local Gospel
1. Joyous Celebration 19
2. One of the most successful projects which I've been keenly following on is "theMNproject" by Mercy Njoki. She decided to do a one video/song per week for 52 weeks (one whole year) from late last year. So far, it's been great.
1. Joyous Celebration 19
2. One of the most successful projects which I've been keenly following on is "theMNproject" by Mercy Njoki. She decided to do a one video/song per week for 52 weeks (one whole year) from late last year. So far, it's been great.
Guys who really had it great this year
1. for KING & COUNTRY
1. for KING & COUNTRY
- Won a Grammy Award together with Lecrae when he featured them in "Messengers".
- Won the best group performance, K-Love Awards.
News
1. Evelyn Wanjiru under Bwenieve Productions launched her album "Zaidi Ya Yote (Mungu Mkuu)" on 8th September, 2015.
1. Evelyn Wanjiru under Bwenieve Productions launched her album "Zaidi Ya Yote (Mungu Mkuu)" on 8th September, 2015.
2. AFLEWO went down at Nairobi Winners Chapel on 18th September, 2015. (Up to date, I still have a problem with how music and worship is planned and done at AFLEWO. There's this intangible disconnection I always experience... But I still think AFLEWO is a great idea. Great worship)
3. Don Moen and Lenny LeBlanc were in Mombasa at ICC for a grand concert.
4. There was Groove Awards where various local artists ponyokad with awards.
3. Don Moen and Lenny LeBlanc were in Mombasa at ICC for a grand concert.
4. There was Groove Awards where various local artists ponyokad with awards.
5. Kubamba Music Video Awards just happened, right?
6. Nathaniel Bassey dropped by at CITAM at the end of the year.
7. Bahati fetched himself some controversy when he collabod with Kaka Sungura and Wyre on "Kuchukuchu". News making rounds at the end of 2015 also have Jimmy Gait fetching some of that slack off Adele cover. At this point, these two are doing more of business than reaching people for Christ (methinks.)
8. Denno of "Mbona" (yeah, that's how we call him here), has been crying foul that that song hasn't brought him what he deserves. I don't know, but I smell quite a bunch of stuff there.
9. Gloria Muliro divorced and there has been all kind of bad news on Betty Bayo's marriage with Pastor Kanyari.
10. Waihiga Mwaura married one of my early day crush, Joyce Omondi. I hate you in a good way, Waihiga.
11. Mr Vee wrote "Mwema" and it has sort-of become many guys anthem in 2015. It has also shot Mercy Masika into a great limelight.
6. Nathaniel Bassey dropped by at CITAM at the end of the year.
7. Bahati fetched himself some controversy when he collabod with Kaka Sungura and Wyre on "Kuchukuchu". News making rounds at the end of 2015 also have Jimmy Gait fetching some of that slack off Adele cover. At this point, these two are doing more of business than reaching people for Christ (methinks.)
8. Denno of "Mbona" (yeah, that's how we call him here), has been crying foul that that song hasn't brought him what he deserves. I don't know, but I smell quite a bunch of stuff there.
9. Gloria Muliro divorced and there has been all kind of bad news on Betty Bayo's marriage with Pastor Kanyari.
10. Waihiga Mwaura married one of my early day crush, Joyce Omondi. I hate you in a good way, Waihiga.
11. Mr Vee wrote "Mwema" and it has sort-of become many guys anthem in 2015. It has also shot Mercy Masika into a great limelight.
12. Both Nathaniel Bassey and Joyous Celebration visited Kenya; although Joyous Celebration did it at the end of last year.
'Till tomorrow,
Bonface Morris.
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