November 20, 2024 | Paris, France | BIA-ANN
The second edition of Rap Arena, an event highlighting young gospel rappers, was held in Lyon on November 2. Aurélien Fortin, author, content creator and promoter of French-speaking Music, talks about the origin and evolution of this booming musical genre for infochretienne.com.
Deep historical roots
Gospel rap, far from being a novelty, draws its sources from the Urban Gospel movement born in the United States in the 1980s. Its origins even date back to 1946 with the song “Noah” by Jubalaires, considered one of the first rap recordings. Urban Gospel, a fusion of rap, R’n’B and gospel, is mainly aimed at a young audience steeped in hip-hop culture. Among the emblematic figures of the genre, we find Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, as well as French-speaking artists like Piero Battery, the group Makoma and Leader Vocal.
A controversial but hopeful genre
Although criticized by some within the Christian sphere, who consider it too worldly or even Satanist, gospel rap is perceived by its artists and its audience as a tool for spreading the Gospel.
A new generation of talented artists
David Okit and his collective Fast Food Music Christ are among the most prominent French-speaking artists. His music, with pop and Afro influences, brings together more than 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. His authenticity and his testimony of faith through his songs are particularly appreciated. Kunginho, nicknamed “the speaker of the Gospel,” transcends the Christian sphere with his music. Its title “Allocution” was notably taken up by the French footballer Benoit Badiashile.
Rap Arena: a platform for new talents
The Rap Arena provides a platform for young gospel rap talents. Eleven artists, selected during auditions in Paris, Lyon and Brussels, competed in three tests to try to win professional support for the recording of a single. Kunginho, member of the jury, shared his experience and provided advice to the participants. The Rap Arena YouTube channel offers a series of episodes to follow the candidates’ journey.
Aurélien Fortin: an actor committed to promoting gospel rap
Aurélien Fortin, journalist, videographer and entrepreneur, is dedicated to promoting rap and Christian culture. Passionate about new technologies and multimedia communication, he puts his skills at the service of God through various projects, notably his YouTube channel where he addresses themes linked to faith, the Church and Christian values. Versatile artist, Aurélien Fortin, who has maintained links with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, offers popular music mixing rap and R’n’B, and shares a message of hope and encouragement through his videos.
Source : infochrétienne.com
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