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| Olivia Jackson Seward |
She incorporates different genres and styles of
music in her expressions. This combination of musical translations of her
inspirational thought process embraces the English and French language. The use
of these languages marks the experiences of her life as a Liberian were English
is spoken as a primary language and her life as a refugee living in the Ivory Coast
for at least 14years before relocating to Minnesota.
From singing in church choirs and plays as a
youth to becoming the director of a few choirs in Liberia, the Ivory Coast and
now Minnesota she has a vast knowledge of training and expertise on the music
ministry. The world has yet to hear the many things she has to offer. Her
mission is “to reach people everywhere
with the love of God and his saving grace through inspirational music”.
Given the different styles of music that she uses
in her singing one might say why not stick with a specific genre of singing.
However, that’s a critiques opinion of what she should or shouldn’t be as a
musician. But I will if I may say I embrace her boldness to cross boundaries
and genera’s of singing that has proven the extent of the range of the musical
gift that God has blessed her with. She like her mission statement aims to make
sure that someone regardless of their race or musical taste will take away if
not 1,2, or 3 elements via these varied styles something that will remind them
of God’s saving grace! Further, per the renounced vocal coach of our times Tim
Carlson, better yet is a musician who has a wide range of styles because it
promotes versatility, depths, richness, and the ability to be more creative as
a musician. And this she does beautifully! In many ways I can compare her
tonality and range to the likes of Cece Winnins, Yolanda Adams and Aretha
Franklins, and more. Although in comparison she is able to uniquely able to switch up to sing traditional West African tunes effortlessly.
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| Olivia Jackson Seward CD cover designed by Catherine K. |
In her recent CD release the Beatitude, I was
honored to sing alongside her as one of her background vocalist as well as
Designed the cover of her CD. In my engagement with her she remained the same
respectful, humble and no nonsense lady that she has always been from my observation
of her approach towards her peers and people she leads. Sometimes when folks
have reached a certain status quote in their career and life they may tend to
walk over the folks that were the reason of aiding them to fulfill God’s
destiny for their lives. But she is none of that; she humbly accepted minor
changes suggested by the band during the rehearsals that lead up to her 2nd CD release
concert held at the Brookdale Christian Center on November 11, 2012. Changes
that were much needed due to the quick turn over of band just 3 days before the
concert because the original ones had let her down. She was patient in
repeating the melodies to us the back-ups as the musicians tackled their part.
Soon everyone was singing his or
her tunes and melodies effectively the day before the concert.
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| Flyer used for Olivia's concert 11/11/12 |
The concert was well attended despite the cold
chills of the wintery day of November 11, 2012; people from different races, ethnicity
and backgrounds braved the weather to be present. With a minimal entry fee, it was affordable for all. Further those who wanted to be there where present! My pastor usually says the ones that God wanted to bless
were present to be blessed. We had to make it to the church by 3pm even though
the concert was at 5pm. At the church, we would go the little room assigned to
us. We bundled in there and prayed in preparation. After the prayer Olivia
would prep herself for her grand appearance on stage. Like a pro she was
relaxed and seemly unnervous. Than again if she was she did not show it.
Finally on stage, Olivia took us home right into
God’s presence and the scene that flashed before me during the prayer section,
which I told her about, became more vivid. It was as if the heavens had opened
over her head and this radiant shimmering of light was upon her as she lifted
her hands in praise to the heavens. I felt and believed than and still do that
God indeed had accepted and received her praises to him.
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| Olivia Jackson Seward finally on stage at her CD release concert "The Beatitude" 11/11/2012 |
The audience were moved by her stories and testimonies
of survival over the years from a failed 1st marriage, to a war
experience in which she got nearly killed and when she didn’t she vowed “for
the rest of my life I will praise your name” one of the songs tilted on the
CD…She told stories of her experience of being jobless trying to make ends meet
in taking care of her child as a single parent. She celebrated God for her
resent marriage and encouraged the audience to stand fast in the mist of their
messes and always praise God anyhow! By the time she was done there where a few
who could no longer hold back their tears. The CD release was great and the music and the CD titled the Beatitude can be found on her website at www.jjinspirations.com. With this immense talent that God has Blessed Olivia with she continues to “promote Christian music in the community, collaborate and support charity groups through contributions for projects in Africa, foster an awareness of the creativity of Christian music and Mentor children who have the gift of singing and expose them to the community”, all of which embodies the goal of her music ministry.
Olivia is just a click away from you making her
music a part of your life at her website listed above where you can purchase her CD.
You can also friend her on Facebook were you'll get frequent updates about what
she is up to when she is not in the lights of the stage. May you come to
experience God in a different way through the eyes of Olivia…May God increase
her and elevate her to levels and places that will give her ministry more
visibility in the community that we serve. I am but a small voice that believes
in her the message of her Music “JESUS” this is why I am saying it as it is and
how it matters to my heart.
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