Arts: Seeking New Breed of gospel

Terri Dunbar-Curran

IF YOU have a passion for gospel music, then don’t miss out on your chance to work alongside award-winning Grammy gospel star Israel Houghton.

The big-name American leads his band New Breed, and will be in town to hold auditions for his New Breed Africa programme which will look for new vocalists to join the project and carry New Breed’s vision into the future.

“ New Breed Africa is something we’ve been dreaming about for six years,” says Houghton. “As many times as I’ve been back to South Africa – about 34 times – I’m always just mesmerised by the talent and vibrancy of the cultures, people and traditions.”

This is the first time the band has held auditions, but the idea is to give everyone the opportunity to try out. “We’re looking for skill, but even more so chemistry – people who can work as a team and serve their generation. I have no idea how many people to expect,” he laughs.

“There’s been a good amount of buzz going on, though, and I’ve been hearing really good feedback.”

The group have already begun recording their new album, so these initial auditions are for vocalists only. The finalists will be taken straight into studio so that the album can be released later this year. Auditions will be held for musicians at a later date when live shows are scheduled.

Texas-based Houghton’s latest album, Love God. Love People, won best pop/contemporary gospel album at this year’s Grammy Awards. This was not the first time he has been called on to the stage at the event, having been recognised in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

“Those of us who call ourselves Christians have a responsibility to love not just God, but also people,” he says, explaining the premise behind Love God. Love People. “We must encourage people to go beyond themselves and help others. I had so much fun making it. It was quite a thrill.”

He says gospel has evolved over the years. “It has grown outside of its regional and local boundaries, finding its way to a global connection. We have seen those changes and have been a part of them.”

The spread of gospel music has afforded him the opportunity to perform with New Breed around the world. “There is a connectivity that comes from good music, and from good news within good music. That is essentially what gospel is – good news.”

Even though he will be heading New Breed Africa, his vision for the group is that it will be something different. He wants to feature different leaders and singers, and as a result help others realise their dreams. “This is the intentional building of a platform underneath the talent in South Africa. It will definitely have an African sound to it,” he says.

With gospel as his primary focus, Houghton says he doesn’t deliberately set out to experience other genres. “The beauty is that gospel music and the way we do gospel has been very incorporative of all sorts of styles. I get to explore so many styles all within one genre.”

He adds that it isn’t about proselytising one religion either. “It’s about communicating the message of love and how God loves us and we each other. It doesn’t matter about religious background. I absolutely love it. I don’t have the desire to do anything else.”

That universality of gospel is apparent when you take a look at the mainstream exposure Houghton and New Breed have had. In addition to performing around the world, they have also performed at the Grammys as well as on The Tonight Show.

The first live album he recorded here in 2005, Alive in South Africa, also earned him a Grammy, and ignited the dream to develop a group of local performers.

“The biggest thing in my heart right now is New Breed Africa. My goal is that there is a proper representation of what South Africa really looks like. Not just one skin tone or one background. It’s about everybody coming together.

“That is the beauty of South Africa – it is strong and unified in its diversity.”

The auditions, which are being held in Cape Town, Durban and Joburg this week, will be also be filmed. Some of the stories behind the singers will be recorded, and the footage might be used to compile a reality programme on the making of New Breed Africa.

“I have the biggest heart for Africa, South Africa and even more specifically Cape Town. This is nothing but the real beat of my heart,” says Houghton.

l Open auditions will be held at GrandWest from 8am to 8pm today. For more information, see www.new breedmusic.com/