UB1 MUSIC - Four Kornerz, Sherwin Gardner & Jahaziel Press Releases

PRESS RELEASES

RELEASED: APRIL 10 2006 / THE NEW SOUND OF GOSPEL HITS STORES

Mon April 10th sees the double CD compilation, The New Sound of Gospel, hit stores throughout the UK. Compiled by two label giants Sony BMG and Integrity Europe, the album will be made available in both mainstream and specialist Gospel markets simultaneously.

Recently, a special media launch event was organised to mark the pending release where a select audience of music industry notables and key figures from the UK Gospel community were invited to see five of the UK acts from the album perform live. These included Raymond & Co, Four Kornerz, Ekklesia, Nu Life and Jahaziel.

The standard of both the vocalists and musicians was on an extremely high level and definitely left the ‘wow’ factor – furthering the belief that the UK Gospel community has a wealth of talent ready to impact the mainstream music industry.

The New Sound of Gospel contains 38 tracks featuring some of the biggest hits from US Gospel over the last two years like Kirk Franklin “Looking For You”, Fred Hammond “Celebrate (He Lives”, Israel Houghton & New Breed “Not Forgotten” and Trin-i-tee 5:7 “Holla”. Adding a unique twist to the proceedings is the inclusion of key UK Gospel artists, many of whom have brand new tracks available on the project such as Raymond & Co “All That I Am”, Four Kornerz “More Than Life”, Siani “Jesus”, Ekklesia “I’m Blessed”, Bishop John Francis “All I Need” and Jahaziel “You Got Yours”.

The core vision of The New Sound of Gospel is to compile a collection of songs that represent the current state of Gospel music and market this to the wider British public who, for many, this will be their first encounter to this fast-growing music genre.

The New Sound of Gospel (Sony BMG/Integrity Europe) is available at all major stores on April 10th 2006.

RELEASED: MARCH 28 2006 / THE NEW SOUND OF GOSPEL ALBUM LAUNCH

The brand new compilation release The New Sound of Gospel from Sony BMG/Integrity Europe will host a very special album launch event at the popular celebrity hang-out venue The Play Room (formerly 10 Rooms) on Tuesday 4 April 2006.

The VIP invite-only showcase sees a selection of the UK acts featured from the album performing live including Raymond & Co, Nu Life, Ekklesia, Four Kornerz and Jahaziel. Present at the night will be a wide range of media covering both the specialist Gospel market along with the UK mainstream press who are being presented for the first time with a double compilation of some of the biggest hitters in the current move of Gospel music.

“ The aim of this album is to introduce contemporary Gospel Music to the masses. To reach people who love great music but may not have had access to this new Gospel sound. Our compilation Gotta Have Gospel had a mainstream release in the US and sold over 250,000 albums the majority of which were bought by mainstream listeners. This supports our belief that Gospel really does appeal to all,” says Janine Levy, Head of Marketing and A&R for Integrity Europe.

The album, due to hit stores on April 10 2006, contains not only well-known songs from the past couple of years but also advance release exclusives from the likes of Virtue “Follow Me” (who are now signed to renowned producer Rodney Jerkins’ label Darkchild Gospel and distributed by Integrity Gospel), Bishop John Francis “All I Need” (who is senior pastor of one of the UK’s fastest growing Churches Ruach Ministries) and award-winning Raymond & Co “All That I Am”.

With an extensive PR campaign in place to target all media formats (TV, radio, print and web), The New Sound of Gospel is setting the trend for commercially appealing Gospel music by embracing the influence of popular music culture and adding a distinct positive twist to it.

For more info:
www.myspace.com/thenewsoundofgospel
www.unitedbyone.co.uk

RELEASED: MARCH 20 2006 / SONY BMG/INTEGRITY RELEASE THE NEW SOUND OF GOSPEL

In time for an Easter release, Sony BMG/Integrity fills UK airwaves with the inspiring and passionate sounds of Gospel music. The New Sound Of Gospel brings you the very best in contemporary US and UK Gospel artists packaged as a comprehensive double CD collection that will satisfy both the aficionado and the newcomer to the genre.

This is the very first time that the UK will get a credible compilation specifically tailored for both mainstream and specialist Gospel markets setting the trend as the British version of Gotta Have Gospel or WOW Gospel series. Some of the best known and loved artists from the US are featured including Grammy award winning duo Mary Mary “Believer”, Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams “Love Thang”, platinum-selling artist Kirk Franklin “Looking For You” and the number one US radio smash “You Don’t Know” by Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard .

Aside from the cream of American artists showcased on the album, fans will also get to hear some of the best talent the UK has to offer. Brand new tracks can be heard from the likes of Raymond & Co (seen as the current pioneers of the new UK Gospel movement), Jahaziel (known for his collaborations with Craig David, Lemar and Daniel Bedingfield) and Four Kornerz marking, for many, eagerly-awaited new material following the band’s ever-popular debut single “Clap Clap”.

The album has a joint deal agreement between Sony BMG and Integrity music where UB1 Music is working closely with both companies to ensure a successful specialist PR campaign.

“ We are delighted to be working with UB1 Music on The New Sound Of Gospel. We’re trying to bring the best of contemporary UK and US Gospel to a wider audience and the UB1 Music team share this goal. The record is full of amazing voices and uplifting messages – it’s an album we have high hopes for,” says Haydn Williams, Marketing Manager for Sony BMG Music Entertainment UK Ltd.

It’s no secret that many of the world’s greatest Soul and R&B music stars have their beginnings firmly in Gospel music and The New Sound Of Gospel is a testament to that powerful musical legacy. With a wide range of genres covered (R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Reggae, Traditional Gospel) and positive messages throughout, this new compilation will undoubtedly win over countless new fans.

For more info:
www.myspace.com/thenewsoundofgospel
www.unitedbyone.co.uk

RELEASED: DECEMBER 20 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ FINISHES TOUR SINGING TO THOUSANDS

From a back-to-back UK and Ireland tour, Four Kornerz rounded up the year singing to over 100,000 across major concert arenas in London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester, Dublin and Belfast. Young Voices is an annual event that brings together schools everywhere to learn key songs both classic and festive to join as mass children’s choirs fronted by key artists.

This year, alongside Four Kornerz were Ms Dynamite, X Factor’s Alexandra Burke and Joss Stone with Lemar for the Royal Albert Hall event. The London show also featured the record breaking feat where over 500,000 children were linked live across the UK to sing “Lean On Me” for the world’s biggest simultaneous sing-along ever; again with participation from Joss Stone, Ms Dynamite, Lemar and Four Kornerz.

The Four Kornerz brothers were met with great enthusiasm by both fellow artists/promoters as well as the audience, especially the Young Voices choir who at each venue gave a hearty rendition of the band’s debut single “Clap Clap” including interactive applauses during the song.

“ It was mind-blowing to hear thousands of children singing at the top of their lungs all the words to the Clap Clap chorus. Indeed for all of us the Young Voices tour was an unforgettable experience and a definite milestone in the Four Kornerz journey,” said Four Kornerz manager James Freeman.

Four Kornerz will take a well-earned rest over the start of the New Year with their first official gig slated for early February 2006. The band will also venture into the studio to finalise their album recording process in anticipation for their debut release. www.fourkornerz.com

RELEASED: NOVEMBER 29 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ HITS YOUNG VOICES TOUR

Wrapping up a whirlwind 12 months for Four Kornerz will be a special tour whereby the brothers will visit key cities in the UK and Ireland starting on Dec 1 in Birmingham. Young Voices 2005 is an annual tour that encourages local schools to get involved in children’s choir singing learning seasonal favourites alongside classics like “We Will Rock You” and “From A Distance”.

Each year the tour selects key artists from the music industry to front the concerts singing with the choirs and this year Four Kornerz is joining the proceedings on all dates. Over the past few weeks hundreds of schools across the country have been learning to sing the band’s signature track “Clap Clap” which on the night will have the four brothers take the lead. Each show will close out with “Joyful Joyful” an adaptation taken from the version made famous by the Sister Act movie soundtrack, again to be fronted by Four Kornerz.

The tour kicks off at Birmingham’s NIA and will then proceed to Sheffield, Manchester, London, Dublin and Belfast. The London event has special significance as the tour will attempt to break the world record for the most amount of children in a simultaneous sing-along. The “Big Sing”, which takes place at the Royal Albert Hall, is aiming for 1 million children to unite via a live link across the UK. For this groundbreaking feat Four Kornerz will also be joined by UK soul sensations Joss Stone and Lemar who will collectively bring a special rendition of “Lean On Me”.

Additional artists involved in some of the dates include Ms Dynamite, X Factor’s Alexandra Burke and Gospel singer Hannah Francis. All venues have been confirmed as sold-out with audiences ranging from six thousand to fourteen thousand and average choir sizes being five thousand children on stage.

RELEASED: OCTOBER 28 2005 / UB1 MUSIC ANNOUNCES NEW ARTIST SIGNING

With 2005 beginning to draw to a close, UK media/management company UB1 Music announces its latest signing: Jahaziel - a prolific UK rapper.

For a while, both UB1 Music and Jahaziel had been aware of each other's activities on the music circuit and talks had been going on for a few months sparking speculation of the imminent management deal.

“ For us, Jahaziel compliments our existing roster of artists adding in his distinct Hip Hop artistry and we prepare with great anticipation for the journey ahead as we develop and ready him for his official launch next year,” says company director James Freeman.

Jahaziel is no stranger to the music industry having carved an interesting list of activities which includes underground solo work and collaborations with a wide variety of artists such as Daniel Bedingfield, Lemar, Craig David, Four Kornerz, Raghav, Raymond & Co and US R&B singer Monica.

The south London rapper is now busy in studio finalising album tracks for his yet unnamed debut album due for release in 2006. Alongside the musical development is his online presence where current and new fans alike can keep updated with Jahaziel’s various activities via his new website; of which the full version will go live next year. www.jahazielmusic.com

RELEASED: SEPTEMBER 15 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ RECEIVES URBAN NOMINATION

Barely finishing their hectic summer touring schedule Four Kornerz are already focusing on the autumn season heralded first by news of their nomination at this year’s Urban Music Awards (UMAs) for Best Gospel Act 2005. Started in 2003, in such a short space of time the UMAs has already established itself as a credible awards ceremony on the UK music industry’s calendar furthered this year by its partnership with British Music Week.

Deji, lead Four Kornerz singer says on the nomination: “We’re so honoured to be nominated alongside artists we admire and respect. This is great for the industry as a whole as it means the wider urban community recognises the immense talent with the UK Gospel market.” Other nominees for UMA Best Gospel Act 2005 are Raymond & Co, Siani, Nu Life and The Witness. The ceremony takes place on Friday 4 November.

http://www.britishmusicweek.com/voting_uma1.php (VOTING IS FREE)

The band recently visited Holland for the second time this year for the annual Amsterdam Gospel Festival where the four brothers with extended band members were extremely well received. During that trip, Four Kornerz also took time out for a special recording feature with music television channel THE BOX (part of the MTV European network) which included an indepth interview and special street filming where one of the scenes saw the four guys sing accapella live on one of Amsterdam’s underground trains much to the amusement of fellow passengers.

Looking ahead, the band is preparing to appear alongside US Gospel sensation Tonéx who will be making a visit to London appearing at the Wembley Conference Centre the weekend of October 1 and 2. The multi Stellar/Dove nominated artist, and often seen as enigmatic, currently has a Gold-selling album “Out The Box” (more than 500,000 units) and has had his music featured in a range of movie soundtracks like “Gigli” (Jennifer Lopez / Ben Affleck) and “XXX: The State of Union” (Ice Cube / Samuel L Jackson). Most recently Tonéx gave a private performance at renowned producer Rodney Jerkins’ 28th birthday bash at Atlantic City.

RELEASED: SEPTEMBER 1 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ TOUCHES DOWN IN AMSTERDAM

The last eight weeks has seen the Four Kornerz band tour extensively the UK’s main festival run with a brief hop over to Holland’s EU city of Maastricht. The band will be returning back to the Netherlands this time arriving at its capital city Amsterdam for the second annual Gospel Festival organised by local event promoter ZO! Cultuur Zuidoost. www.zocultuur.nl

The two-day festival takes place from Saturday 3 September in Amsterdam’s south east district, an area known for its diverse communities primarily from African and Caribbean backgrounds. A good mixture of top-end European Gospel talent will appear including Pentecost Revival Choir, Izaline Calister, Denise Jannah, the Resurrection Singers; plus Gospel legend Solomon Burke.

“ Aside from traditional Gospel the festival also presents a stage to artists who create a cross-over between Gospel and Contemporary popular music; from Hip Hop and R&B to Dance,” says main events coordinator Ellen Alvares. “Gospel is an essential part of black culture and faith. In many ways it is the cradle of Soul, R&B and all other currents in black music - currents that are currently experiencing a strong revival but which, in the Netherlands, have rarely been heard within their historical context. The Gospel festival is about to change this, and is therefore an event that cannot be missed!”
Four Kornerz will feature on the main stage as one of the key international acts representing cross-over Gospel-inspired music.

This follows the band’s recent one-day blitz at Greenbelt Festival, Cheltenham UK, where their packed timetable saw Four Kornerz appear on five different stages playing to a combined audience of over 18,000.

RELEASED: AUGUST 15 2005 / SHERWIN GARDNER FEATURES ON RINGTONE CHART

Inroads continue to be made by Sherwin Gardner with his latest conquest being the mobile phone arena. His track “He Died For Me (Hamalhamadla)” was added last month to the FEED Ringtone downloads selection and made an impressive run up the Top 10 chart peaking at number three. (http://mobile.feedstop.com/ringtones.jsp?playlist=86&index=21)

High-demand downloading activity has also been seen direct from the official Sherwin Gardner website where the promo song “Never Gonna Leave” has already clocked up more than 2800 downloads in the space of just three weeks. The Reggae song, which is based on the popular Drop Leaf Riddim, is not available commercially but is still receiving rave reviews from fans and DJs worldwide.

The next main touring visit for the Trinidadian native will be the UK where Sherwin will touch down in London for one of Europe’s biggest street parties – the Notting Hill Carnival during the last weekend of August 2005. Sherwin will take in a mixture of club nights like A Godly Affair (http://www.unitedbyone.co.uk/agodlyaffair/index.html)and Church visits, finishing off with an appearance at KT’s Notting Hill carnival stage located just off the carnival route at Kensington Park Road on Monday 29 August.
.
UK Tour Dates
Fri 26 August – A Godly Affair, Croydon (8pm)
Sat 27 August – Not Ashamed, Birmingham (7pm)
Sun 28 August – Christian Life City, Sunday Service (11am)
Sun 28 August – Ealing Christian Centre, Caribbean Evening (6:30pm)
Mon 29 August – KT Carnival Concert, Notting Hill (6pm)

RELEASED: AUGUST 1 2005 / FESTIVAL SEASON KICKS IN FOR FOUR KORNERZ

South London sibling band Four Kornerz prepare for a run of summer festival appearances starting with Creation Fest (www.creationfest.co.uk) on Friday 5 August. The event takes place in Woolacombe, North Devon by the beach and focuses on surfer/skater culture.

The following day the band will fly out to Maastricht in Holland where their debut Dutch appearance will be at Eurofest, a Church youth conference where former Youth Pastor now Associate Pastor for Bishop TD Jakes, Chris Hill will also be speaking.

Back in the UK Four Kornerz are to travel to England’s northern city Liverpool where they will take part for two nights at Merseyfest (www.merseyfest.com)geared as family festival entertainment. Alongside them will be headline acts Yfriday, US Hip Hop group Cross Movement, Supervision and special guests David and Carrie Grant of BBC’s Fame Academy. Closing out the summer season Four Kornerz return to Greenbelt (www.greenbelt.org.uk) for the second year running this time appearing on the main stage. The band will also make a very special appearance at the festival’s Sunday communion service where expected attendance is in excess of 15,000. The festival promotes a wide range of musical styles reflected in the artists confirmed to perform which include Estelle, Carleen Anderson, The Proclaimers and Radio 1 DJ Gilles Peterson.

RELEASED: July 5 2005 / SHERWIN GARDNER PICKS UP US INDUSTRY AWARD

Trinidadian artist Sherwin Gardner made his mark at the 2005 Urban Gospel Industry Awards in Los Angeles, California. He was recognised for Best Reggae Dancehall Album for his UB1 Music / Flow Masters release “Who I Am”. In picking up the award Sherwin was congratulated by various US Gospel industry heavyweights including Richard Smallwood and Donald Lawrence.

He also wowed the public with performances during the music congress doing tracks such as “Sweet Breeze” and the lead single “Do You Know” from his award-winning album. The industry award also marks the first time that a UB1 Music affiliated project gets official international industry approval.

“ It’s great that Sherwin and his distinct style of Caribbean music is making headway in the US marketplace. We are honoured to be part of his artistic journey and look forward to spreading his music further a field,“ says James Freeman co-director of the London-based music company.

Off the back of his award Canadian/US Hip Hop magazine FEED has added “He Died For Me (Hamalhamadla)” as an exclusive ringtone on their website. This single spent a staggering 21 weeks at number one across many radio airplay charts in the Caribbean during 2004.

As Sherwin progresses musically, he has also turned his attention to the world of fashion recently launching his new clothing line exclusively in Trinidad. Entitled “Spirit Gear” the sports range has a strong youth design with additional accessories like sport bags to accompany the growing base of pants, linen shirts and T-shirts currently available.

RELEASED: July 5 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ ON HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR BILL

As part of Lewisham Gospel Week, Four Kornerz will share the stage with the world renowned Harlem Gospel Choir on Thursday 21 July at south London’s premier concert venue The Fairfield Halls - the same location where US Gospel sensation Donnie McClurkin recorded his platinum selling album “Live in London and More…”.

The choir, also known as ‘Angels of Harlem’, will be delivering a masterclass workshop aimed at those wishing to start and further develop their Choir talents. The choir hold a strong mission statement “…bring people and nations together and give something back…”; and with this in mind will do additional schools workshops during their week-long UK visit. www.lewishamgospelweek.com

Before taking to the stage with the Gospel greats, Four Kornerz will appear at this year’s Grassrootz Festival in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on Saturday 9 July. This annual south England outdoor gathering sees thousands attend the one-day event where there will be over 12 hours of live music and entertainment. Four Kornerz will headline the Performance Café stage. Other acts/guests to appear are YFriday, Nicki Rogers and BBC 1 Fame Academy’s David and Carrie Grant. www.grassrootz.org

The four brothers, with extended band members Jerry (bass) and Curtis (lead guitar), recently appeared on the Nokia Raw Band stage at the 02 Music Wireless Festival as part of their ITV London Tonight Band competition win. The band was extremely well received by the array of music/media present amongst them MTV, Universal and Nokia executives. Immediately after their performance they were interviewed by Hariett Scott of London’s Heart 106.2 FM which was later broadcast to thousands via giant screens on the main stage before the headline act Basement Jaxx closed the evening.
The European phone giant Nokia recorded all the bands from their stage using their latest Instant Live technology. This media CD is being pressed for extensive distribution and promotion to all major record labels, A&R and touring companies.

RELEASED: June 23 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ WIN ITV BAND COMPETITION

National UK television channel ITV announced on Tuesday 21 June that south London sibling band Four Kornerz won a spot to perform at this year’s 02 Music Wireless Festival in central London’s Hyde Park, June 24 to 30.

ITV news program London Tonight ran a “Battle of the Bands” competition whereby up-and-coming bands were asked to send in footage of recent performances to be considered in the running for the four coveted competition spots. Over 400 entries we received and a select panel of media judges chose just eight from the initial submissions – Four Kornerz being one of them.

All this week two acts were placed to the public vote (text and call) via a short clip presentation of the band in action with a clear winner chosen daily. On Tuesday Four Kornerz went for selection and won with a 62% majority. The band will now perform on Saturday 25 June the same day that top-selling dance act Basement Jaxx will be headlining.

Commenting on this achievement Four Kornerz drummer Vidal says, “It’s a privilege and a great opportunity to let people know more what we are about. This includes changing the public’s perception of Gospel music and I guess with each new opening, we get closer to our mission of taking the music to the four corners of the world and this is one of those big steps.”

Expected daily attendance is more than 25,000 and is the very first time that Hyde Park is hosting a music event on such a large scale. Other headline acts includes the cream of the Contemporary/Alternative scene such as New Order, Keane and Kasabian. For more info, please visit http://www.wirelessfestival.co.uk/05/index.html

RELEASED: JUNE 1 2005 / SHERWIN GARDNER RECEIVES INDUSTRY NOMINATIONS

US interest continues hot-on-the-heels of Sherwin Gardner’s recent successful tour of the state of Florida. He has just received two nominations at this year’s Urban Gospel Industry (UGI) Awards organised by the Urban Gospel Alliance, one of the largest independent urban Gospel networks in the US. www.urbangospelalliance.com

Sherwin has been put up for awards in two categories: Best Reggae Artist and Best Dancehall Album for his UB1 Music / Flow Masters Records release “Who I Am”. This also marks the first time that a UB1 Music-affiliated release has been recognised in the international music industry marketplace. On top of getting the industry nod, Sherwin is slated to perform at the awards ceremony due to take place on June 29 at the Trinity Building in Inglewood, California.

In-keeping with Reggae music culture, Sherwin is also featured on two limited-edition dub plates laying his distinct vocals over rhythms styles “The Hard Times Riddim” and “The Drop Leaf Riddim” which is currently topping Reggae charts worldwide via T.O.K.’s version “Footprints”.

RELEASED: MAY 13 2005 / SHERWIN WEBSITE DOMAIN NAME CHANGE

Sherwin Gardner’s official website domain has now been amended to www.sherwingardner.com a change from his previous address of www.sherwingardermusic.com. All the usual features and information can be found on his new domain name site.

The Trinidadian artist recently completed a successful tour of Florida, USA where he visited various key cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The trip, however, did not go past without incident as Sherwin and some of his team were caught up in what could have been a potentially serious car accident. For the opening weekend Sherwin was to headline the event with top-selling Jamaican artist Stitchie. On their way to the concert venue in Fort Lauderdale, the mini-bus blew a tire doing high-speeds on the highway which resulted in the vehicle losing control. Spinning across three-carriages of traffic the mini-bus came to a crashing stop against the outer road barrier. Those in the vehicle, which included Sitichie’s manager Rocky and UB1 Music representative Kathy Dowlath, came away generally unhurt expect for a few internal bruising injuries and Rocky with a broken leg.

Understandable the band were shaken but they still proceeded to the concert that very same evening and delivered another stellar performance. Sherwin is now currently in Canada doing appearances in the Toronto area after when he will return to the Caribbean.

RELEASED: MAY 6 2005 / SLOVAKIAN STATE APPROVAL FOR FOUR KORNERZ

Four Kornerz caused more than a major stir at this year’s Lumen Festival, Slovakia’s biggest Gospel music gathering. Apart from playing to thousands at the Trnava’s City Sport Hall concert venue the band were graced with a special thank you by the Slovakian Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda. Such was the excitement that the Prime Minister extended an enthusiastic return invitation for the band to perform at future music events in this rapidly developing Central European country. www.festivallumen.sk/2005/foto/index.php

International attention continues for Four Kornez this time in their homeland of Nigeria, West Africa. Their popular debut single Clap Clap has begun promotional rounds and already has been A-Playlisted on numerous leading mainstream stations such as Cool FM, Eko FM and Ray Power FM. Alongside radio promotions, a special edit of the band performing Clap Clap live at London’s Jazz Café has been pressed into music video format and has received successful rotation on numerous Nigerian music channels in particular Silverbird TV, AIT and Channels TV. To heighten the Four Kornerz branding an extensive 8,000 street poster campaign will hit all major cities making way for an anticipated promotional visit by the band in the coming months.

Meanwhile back in the UK their next gig appearance will be in the northern Scottish city of Aberdeen where the four brothers will pay a special visit to the Teen Challenge Residential Centre. The non-profit Christian-based organisation helps young men, aged 18 to 35 years old, combat alcohol and drug addiction through practical and spiritual development. On Friday 13 May the band will make a special appearance at the centre’s graduation ceremony where numerous young men will be honoured for completing the life-changing course. www.teenchallenge.org.uk

RELEASED: APRIL 15 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ HEADLINE SLOVAKIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

South London Soul/R&B funk band Four Kornerz will travel out to Trnava in Slovakia to be one of three headline acts at this year’s Lumen Festival on Saturday 30 April.

Started in 1993 the festival now attracts in excess of 4,000 people to what is seen as the country’s and central Europe’s flagship Gospel live music festival. Over the years the event has been headlined by artists as diverse as YFriday, The Tribe, DJ Andy Hunter, All Star United and Raze plus the support of local Slovakian bands. The festival holds an influential spot in the country’s year-round live music circuit with tourist promotions and endorsements from key figures including renowned Opera singer Peter Dvorsky.

The four brothers will not only be performing on stage but they will also be taking time out to speak at a specially organised seminar to be held at a nearby university addressing their experiences within the music industry and the strong part their Christian faith plays within that role.

For more info, please visit www.festivallumen.sk/2005/index_en.php

RELEASED: APRIL 4 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ SING FOR STEVIE WONDER SPECIAL

Already a firm favourite at London’s monthly live showcase event Kindred Spirit, Four Kornerz will take part in the organisation’s five year anniversary special on Monday 18 April. Entitled “Songs in the Key of Life” the entire evening is dedicated to Stevie Wonder classics performed by some of the UK’s hottest Soul, Jazz and Spoken Word talent.

Founded by respected music industry figure and sought-after songwriter Michelle Escofferey, Kindred Spirit started in April 2000 in commemoration of Michelle’s sister Sandra who had tragically passed away September 1999 from deep vein thrombosis after a long haul flight. “I wanted to honour her love for live music and spoken word, so we did a one-off event which received exceptional response so by the end of 2000 it became a monthly fixture,” states Michelle.

Alongside Four Kornerz will appear other notable acts including Eska, Sharlene Hector, J’Nay, Nate James, Imaani and Vula who currently fronts the hit single from Basement Jaxx “Oh My Gosh”. The event is a live music night backed by the talented Kindred Spirit house band. www.kindredspirit.org.uk

RELEASED: MARCH 8 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ PERFORM AT ACFEST 2005

The next stop for the Four Kornerz band is the African Caribbean Fest (ACFEST) in Birmingham which is a three-day festival incorporating sport, 'edutainment' and culture. Now in its 17th year ACFEST is an annual celebration of African Caribbean students in higher education and has now become Europe's largest gathering of its kind.

Four Kornerz are to perform for the Edutainment Day on Sunday 20 March at the Birmingham Academy and will feature on stage alongside UK female rapper Estelle and hot new V2 signing Nathan performing his club smash "Come Into My Room". The event will be hosted by Kojo with comedy from Richard Blackwood, Geoff Schuman and Wayne 'Dibi' Rollins. www.acfest.org

This follows on from the recent Four Kornerz appearance on MTV's Base Lounge which marked the first time a vocal quartet has appeared on the show. The first screening goes out on Wednesday 9 March at 8pm on MTV Base (Sky 443, Telewest 305 or NTL 94). Hosted by Darae and Terri Walker the show includes additional performances by Kevin Mark Trail, Keisha White and Dizzee Rascal. The program will then be looped throughout March 2005, check local listings for more details. www.mtvbase.co.uk

RELEASED: FEBRUARY 4 2005 / FOUR KORNERZ AT MTV BASE LOUNGE

UK Neo-Soul/Funk quartet Four Kornerz are to make a one-off special appearance at MTV Base Lounge on Tuesday 22 February. Currently in the middle of album recording the four brothers are working hard behind the scenes preparing to shortly hit the road with new material for later Spring 2005.

Base Lounge is MTV’s hot live-music show featuring the most talented up-and-coming acts alongside more established names. Past artists to grace the stage include Lemar, Jazzy Jeff, Amy Winehouse, Floetry, Javine, Tyler James, Rupee, Big Brovaz to name but a few.

Now taking place at London’s legendary Café de Paris the February showcase will see UK R&B songstress Keisha White, Four Kornerz and Kevin Mark Trail perform to a sell-out house which is also filmed for broadcast on MTV Base. The evening is hosted by Darae and DEF Soul UK artist Terri Walker. www.mtvbase.co.uk.
This is the first official appearance by Four Kornerz since heading back into the recording studio to work on their debut album which as of yet is untitled and has no confirmed release date.

RELEASED: NOVEMBER 15 2004 / FOUR KORNERZ PERFORM AT UNIQUE CHARITY EVENT

Four Kornerz will make a very special appearance at the 15th anniversary awards dinner of the UN Convention of the Rights of Children to be held at the five-star Langham Hotel London on Sunday 19 December. This is a high-profile charity event which seeks to develop the well-being of children worldwide and this particular evening focuses on the African Children’s Association (ACA) www.acaint.org .

Those to be honoured with the prestigious ‘Outstanding Children Ambassadorial Award’ (O.C.A.) will be Band-Aid co-founder, human rights activist and member of Commission For Africa Sir Bob Geldof. Other recipients include Mr Antonio Da Costa Fernandes, the Angolan Ambassador and Head of African Union Group; Dr Christopher Kolade, the Nigerian High Commissioner; Mrs Monica Nashadi, the Namibian High Commissioner and MP Hilton Dawson from All Party Parliamentary Group For Children.

The night will include a performance by Four Kornerz and a special auction to include a signed Bob Marley & The Wailers LP ‘Kaya’ (1978) and Jacksons LP ‘Triumph’ (1980) signed by Michael, Randy, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson.

The four south-London brothers also begin to pull in major overseas interest with a confirmed slot at the Barbados Gospelfest 2005 due to take place May 25-29. The band is only the second UK act in the event’s 12-year history to make an appearance at what is widely seen as the Caribbean’s foremost Gospel music festival.

RELEASED: NOVEMBER 13 2004 / SHERWIN GARDNER'S NEW ALBUM HITS STORES

Sherwin Gardner releases his latest project “Who I Am” signed to an exclusive worldwide licensing deal with UK-based label UB1 Music. His new project bridges various sounds from reggae and praise & worship to more hardcore styles like Dancehall, R&B and Soca keeping abreast with mainstream counterparts like Sean Paul or Bunji Garlin.

The album was recently launched in his native Trinidad where Sherwin opened for US platinum selling artist Kirk Franklin in front of an ecstatic home crowd. Already gaining good airplay in Europe is the lead radio single “Do You Know” effortlessly mixing bumping R&B beats and Sherwin’s trademark falsetto vocals.

Following hot-on-the-heels of the single is an 18-track project showcasing his incredible songwriting and production talent affirming Sherwin as one of the Caribbean’s brightest gospel artists. He crosses a range of music genres including the dub-reggae number “Thank You”, smooth soul cut “Change Now”, reggae-worship song “In Your Presence”, roots-reggae anthem “Clearance” and a very special collaboration with Isaac Blackman (of the Blackman Family-fame whose father invented Soca music) on the hypnotic-sounding “All I Ever Needed”.

Not forgetting current dancehall culture, Sherwin throws out some hot riddims (rhythms) from the comical air-freshener riddim on “Pray” and the orchestral sampled “Hiding Place” to the infectious club-banger “Trendsetters” featuring Bernardo and Christlike.

Paying homage to the national music of his homeland Trinidad and Tobago there’s plenty to satisfy any Soca music fan. The unforgettable “Under We Feet” dons a heavy rock guitar riff and features compatriot Jadee re-creating that winning formula that helped Sherwin pick up Calypso/Soca Recording of the Year at this year’s Marlin Awards. “Down Below” showcases his more hardcore side as he rides a mid-tempo Soca beat and “Give Thanks” is an all-out rag-waving cut guaranteed to be a carnival favourite.

Since picking up five Marlin Awards and a record 21 nominations (June 2004), Sherwin was also awarded Gospel Songwriter of the Year by COTT (Copyright Organisation of Trinidad & Tobago) which is the islands official music governing body and the most recognised industry awards ceremony. Add to that the recent birth of his first son Sherwin Caleb Gardner Jr, Sherwin has good reason to be in a celebratory mood.

Sherwin’s focus now shifts towards North America and Europe where he plans to engage in extensive touring throughout 2005. He will be braving the cold in Toronto Canada for a special New Year’s Eve appearance and following from that, tentative dates have been slated for a US tour during March 2005 then a promotional visit to the UK.

Who I Am is distributed in Europe via UB1 Music and North America via Pinnacle Gospel.

RELEASED: DECEMBER 6 2004 / 2004 CLOSES OUT ON A HIGH FOR FOUR KORNERZ

The last official full-band 2004 gig for GEM Award winners Four Kornerz will be at Blackpool’s historical Winter Gardens on Saturday 11 December. The event entitled “Go” (www.goevent.org) focuses on positive youth lifestyles with a creative mix of God, music, life and progressive culture. Four Kornerz are headlining the bill alongside UK alternative Rock band Kato.

The band will then take an extended timeout to concentrate their efforts in the recording studio working towards completing tracks for their debut 2005 album release. However all is not quiet on the music front thanks to a white label promo track featuring the distinctive Four Kornerz vocals. The party cut “Yes I Know” sees the four brothers and UK Gospel hype-man Pass-Da-Mic create a club-shaking anthem. The song is in fact the UK’s answer-back to Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard’s No. 1 US radio smash “You Don’t Know” produced by none other than Rodney Jerkins who is currently riding high in the charts with the Desitny’s Child hit “Lose My Breath”.

Four Kornerz also recently contributed to a special charity re-recording of the Simon & Garfunkel classic “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” at London’s Town House Recording Studios. The song features a range of UK vocalists from all sectors of the music industry and is in aid of “Hands Across The Sea” (HATS) – an organisation set up to help the hurricane-struck areas of the Caribbean. The single is slated for a February 2005 release.

RELEASED: NOVEMBER 23 2004 / FOUR KORNERZ AT BLACK BEAUTY HAIR AWARDS

UB1 Music Recording band Four Kornerz will appear at this year’s Black Beauty WAHL Hair Awards 2004 which takes place on Sunday 28 November at the Hilton London Metropole.

The awards ceremony is established to recognise the achievements of Afro Hairdressing in the areas of technical and creative skills and is sponsored by Black Beauty & Hair (Europe’s largest selling black beauty consumer magazine) and WAHL (Europe’s leading hair care appliance manufacturer). Four Kornerz will perform to an audience of approximately 600 to include top professionals from the hair and beauty industry.

During that same evening, Four Kornerz are to also make a pit-stop in East London for the filming of UK Urban music TV program No Bling TV. The program aims to support quality UK talent who portray positive lifestyles and music. The recording will be a Gospel special and is to include Siani, Diamond Stone and UK rapper Jahaziel.

The day before Four Kornerz headline positive music showcase UK Urban Vibe 5 (Sat 27 Nov at ECC in Ealing, London) alongside MOBO-Nominees Siani. This will be the band’s last major full-set London appearance for 2004 after which the four sibling brothers will spend the Christmas and New Year period completing tracks towards their debut album.

RELEASED: NOVEMBER 10 2004 / FOUR KORNERZ WIN GEM AWARD

Four Kornerz picked up the award for BEST GROUP NEWCOMER at the 2004 GEM (Gospel Entertainment Music) Awards which took place in Birmingham on Saturday 6 November. They received the gong off the back of their debut single “Clap Clap” which was released six months earlier. The awards ceremony is currently the only official and recognised industry body for UK Christian music.

Four Kornerz member Daniel says, “Picking up this award is a real blessing it just rounds off the hard work we’ve put in this year. We thank God and everyone who voted!” Lead singer Deji comments: “No one could have predicted 11 months ago when we started this journey with UB1 Music that we’d be holding a prestigious award as the GEMs. It’s feels wonderful and we are forever indebted to all the people that voted and support us.”

The night though wasn’t without slight controversy as none of the band members were available to pick up the award in person due to a gig commitment with UK soul singer Omar in London that same evening. Taking this into account and the possibility of winning the award UB1 Music, the label which Four Kornerz is signed to, had previously arranged for a video message to be used on the night which was specially recorded at the band’s recent Jazz Café gig. Owing to show management factors the message was not broadcasted on the night as had originally been requested. It is hoped that Hot Bed Media, the production company editing the show, will be able to insert the recorded message in time for broadcast on BBC 1, Tuesday 16 November at 11pm.

As part of the awards merchandising, the GEM Awards alongside UK label IONA Music Group release the official GEM Awards Album Volume 1 where the Spirit Led remix of “Clap Clap” is featured. The band’s other single version (Steve Anthony remix featuring rapper Jahaziel) is also included on UK urban gospel compilation “Not Ashamed” released November 2004 and distributed by Spirit Music UK.

RELEASED: NOVEMBER 1 2004 / FOUR KORNERZ SUPPORT TWO DISTINCT ARTISTS

UK Neo-Soul band Four Kornerz is set to appear alongside two distinct artists representing two very different sides of the musical spectrum. On Saturday 6 November, the GEM Award nominated group will be the sole opening act for the king of UK classical soul Omar whose hit “There’s Nothing Like This” stormed the charts in 1990. The annual Winter Ball is organised by City Circle, a social organisation aimed at young affluent ethnic minority socialites in the City of London, and is to be held at the renowned Great Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden.

Appealing to a very different musical crowd is the UK single launch party (Sunday 14 November) for Marvia Providence who spawned one of 2004’s biggest dancehall hits “Hear My Cry Oh Lord”. The crème de la crème of UK urban Gospel will support Marvia which is to include Four Kornerz, Siani and MOBO 2004 winners Raymond & Co.

Still tapping into a Caribbean ambience, Four Kornerz is the headline entertainment at this year’s VIP invite-only reception for the Barbados Tourism Authority (Friday 5 November) held at a private venue in Mayfair, London. As part of the World Travel Market, one of Europe’s largest travel industry conventions, the band will perform to travel press, dignitaries, government officials and top tourism representatives from the popular holiday Caribbean island.

RELEASED: OCTOBER 22 2004 / SHERWIN GARDNER RELEASES NEW ALBUM

Five-times Marlin Awards 2004 winner Sherwin Gardner unleashes his latest album “Who I Am” commemorating 20 years as a singing artist and still only in his mid-twenties.

The album was recently launched in Trinidad where Sherwin opened for US platinum selling artist Kirk Franklin in front of an ecstatic home crowd. Already gaining good airplay in the UK is the lead radio single “Do You Know” effortlessly mixing bumping R&B beats and Sherwin’s trademark falsetto vocals.

“ Who I Am” is a powerful confirmation of Sherwin’s musical diversity and strong faith as he continues to spread his appeal worldwide.

RELEASED: OCTOBER 15 2004 / FOUR KORNERZ NOMINATED FOR BEST GROUP NEWCOMER

Sibling-brother quarter Four Kornerz receive a well-earned nod from UK Gospel industry executives with a nomination for Best Group Newcomer at the GEM Awards 2004 – the UK’s official awards body for UK Christian music.
Other nominees in the same category include GMTV Gospel Challenge finalists Ekklesia, Vox and Design for Destiny. Fans can vote for their favourite act by logging on to the official GEM Awards website. There they will find music clips and a telephone number to call corresponding to their chosen artist.

Lead Four Kornerz singer Deji comments: “It’s a big honour for us to be up in this category alongside groups like Ekklesia and Vox and especially as this is off the back of our debut single Clap Clap. We see the GEM Awards as setting the standard for excellence within the UK Christian music market and hope to one day see the awards on the same level as the Grammys.”

RELEASED: OCTOBER 1 2004 / FOUR KORNERZ COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL GERMAN TRIP

The northern German port-city of Hamburg was where Four Kornerz headlined their very first international showcase to a packed house of new-found fans and music industry executives. The busy 4-day September trip included a run of promotional gig appearances and interviews including Cross Channel radio where recently “Clap Clap” went to number one.

The month of October sees the UK celebrate Black History Month which will have the band continue their long string of public appearances. One of the events is “Sounds in the City” in aid of the National Deaf Children’s Society with top DJ support from Norman Jaye MBE, Lottie (BBC Radio 1), Marcia Carr and DJ Fitz (BBC 1Xtra). Additional gig highlights include “The Kingdom Choir Album Launch” and main support for UK alternative Rock band Kato at the plush Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre near Manchester.

Four Kornerz will also be making their third appearance this year at London’s Jazz Café alongside BBC 1’s Fame Academy contestant Paris. This follows their secret Jazz Café gig in September which saw them treat their fans to two new tracks “Dance” and the conscious anthem “Conquerors”. The band is now preparing to promote their forthcoming release “Dance” where the maxi-single is to include an exclusive non-album bonus track.

RELEASED: SEPTEMBER 1 2004 / CLAP CLAP PROMO TOUR IN GERMANY

Four Kornerz will shortly embark on their first official European visit when they hit Germany from 17 to 20 September. The band’s debut single has already been A-playlisted on Cross Channel, Germany’s principal Christian radio station with “Clap Clap” entering at No. 2 on their top 20 most requested chart.

As part of a weekend of promotions Four Kornerz will headline a concert in Hamburg, organised by urban promoters OneLove, where they will perform all their current live hits “Cry No More”, “Bop To This”, “Everything”, “I Surrender” and more. A range of mainstream and Christian media will be present as the group showcase their appealing brand of UK Neo-Soul/R&B rhythms with full live band.

Meanwhile back in the UK the four brothers are to make their debut appearance at one of London’s primary live music/spoken word nights “Kindred Spirit” on Mon 13 September. Founded by Michelle Escoffrey the night showcases the most promising grassroots acts alongside more established players to an audience of musical connoisseurs.

In the press, Cross Rhythms (UK’s best selling Christian music magazine) has done feature on the leading exponents of UK urban gospel music which includes a Four Kornerz highlight.

RELEASED: AUGUST 2 2004 / SHERWIN GARNDER NEW RADIO SINGLE

Anticipation builds towards Sherwin Gardner’s first official release on UK independent label UB1 Music. The Trinidadian sensation sees his brand new track “Do You Know” begin to go into radio rotation across various stations.

The single contains two additional album tracks taken from his forthcoming album “Who I Am”. There is the Soca carnival smash “Under We Feet” which sees him team up with compatriot Jadee who of course was part of the winning formula on “God Be For Me” (Soca Baptism) and “Leaning” (the title track from his 2002 album). The third track “Stand” is already making headway in his native Trinidad and rides an infectious mid-tempo dancehall beat. All tracks were written and produced by Sherwin Gardner at his Flow Masters Studios in Trinidad.

This latest release comes as Sherwin experiences an ever-increasing profile thanks to his recent sweep at the Marlin Awards, the Caribbean’s premier Gospel Awards ceremony. Amongst the various gongs received, his Hindi-influenced track “He Died For Me (Hamalhamadla)” picked up Foreign Language Recording of the Year and Ethnic Recording of the Year. Plus he was acknowledged for Calypso/Soca Recording of the Year and Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year.

In August, Sherwin has two major concert appearances including Summer Gospel Fest in the UK headlining with Judy Mowatt and Junior Tucker (Sat 14 August). Also he is the headline opening act for US multi-platinum selling artist Kirk Franklin in-front of a home crowd in Mobs2 Chaguaramas, Trinidad (Sat 28 August).

RELEASED: JUNE 4 2004 / CLAP CLAP RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS

“Clap Clap”, the debut single from Four Kornerz, has been getting all the right nods from various UK music industry sectors. The single features the infectious radio edit (produced by Four Kornerz) plus additional remixes by Steve Anthony of Blacksmith (Lemar/Craig David), Spirit Led (Siani/Nathan Prime) and house specialists Each 2 Their Own (Janine/Mary Mary).

Notable comments have come from Touch Magazine “a solid debut”, Blues & Soul “hot prospects to watch out for”, International DJ “a shiny debut…some tight harmonising by the boys” and a top five stars rating from DJ Mag “one of the most incisive and irresistible soul/r&bers around.” The single has also enjoyed a four-week run at No. 1 on Choice FM’s G-Flava Top 5 countdown and numerous top 5 house chart placements.

The four brothers have their sights set on a busy summer ahead with numerous key gig appearances including Soul in the City, Simple Tings (Breast Cancer Charity event), Gospel Weekender, AFRUCA (Africans Unite Against Child Abuse) and Gift of Life (African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust). Most recently they appeared on the main stage (for the second year running) at the Afro Hair & Beauty show, one of Europe’s principal events for the Afro hair and beauty industry.

UB1 Music - Quality Urban Music & Management. Home of Sherwin Gardner, Jahaziel & Four Kornerz
Copyright Ub1music 2004 | designbySpirit