| Loud and proud |
 Loud and proud The 2008 Urban Music Award winners for Best Gospel Act The 29th Chapter have been on a journey this past decade and it hasn’t stopped yet. With their seven-track EP Louder now available on iTunes and a single Invincible due out this month plus music video, the band is fuller, bolder and a whole load louder than ever before. It was at a Christian festival in 1999 where the paths of an Asian-West Indian (Navigator), an African (Mr Prince), an Irish lad (McGladius) and an Argentinean (Phonetix) collided to form the motley crew now known as The 29th Chapter. Not quite the stereotypical background story you’d expect, just four talented young guys. In the beginning, they had full-time jobs and fitted their music into weekends. Then, as their passion developed, their jobs took a back seat until eventually four years ago they devoted themselves 100% to their music. So let’s get the obvious question out the way. 29th Chapter of what? McGladius: ‘For those who aren’t familiar with the Bible the book of Acts only has 28 chapters. It’s about how the men who followed Jesus went out and spread the Good News of what he had achieved and of what he offered in terms of a better life. The 29th Chapter is ongoing. We want to be a continuation of that book.’ Each member brings individual talents to the table. McGladius: ‘I always wanted to be an actor and I taught break dancing. Acting is about communicating truth – emotion and a story. I guess with music you are sharing words and lyrics from your heart.’ Mr Prince: ‘As for the song writing – all of us write our own lyrics. Phonetix does the production – everyone will pitch in and work the song to bring it to life.’ McGladius: ‘We seek to write music that is accessible to as many people as possible. If you listen to our new album I feel there is a track for everyone in terms of their musical disposition.’ They’re just as likely to be seen in a high school speaking openly with a room full of young people as on stage in front of thousands of fans. Mr Prince: ‘We work with a charity called New School which has a focus on developing young people via creative arts. We’d go in to do assemblies and workshops all themed around motivating young people and helping them to achieve their dreams.’ On a personal front, all the guys are married. Two have children and are expecting more! They are encouraged by their church, though they are often away. ‘Our wives are supportive of what we do. They believe in our calling.’ This is just as well, because 2010 is sure to be a louder year than ever before. Check out the website www.29thchapter.com for details of future concerts. Next London gig: The Jazz Café, Parkway, Camden, London, NW1 7PG on 25th February. There are limited tickets and the event is strictly over 18s. |
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