How Sweet The Sound - Behind The Music

The Beginning

Born and raised in Anderson, SC, Shawn has been a renowned vocalist for years.  At the age of 20, he heard God’s call of being a worship leader and joined Mount Zion Baptist Church in Belton, SC to serve under Pastor Kenneth Dean. Along with the training of his Minister of Music, Brandon Groves, and the Director of the  Anderson University Ensemble, Mr. Leonard Johnson, Shawn began to experience worship at a new level and gained a greater understanding of God and His purpose for our lives. Throughout the years, Shawn’s ministry has thrived making room for him to share his musical gift all over the country including London and Japan.

The Artist

Shawn released his first EP #TheSetList Volume 1 in 2014 which is an amazing collection of praise and worship music used by ministries in churches across the globe. The widely acclaimed project entered in at number 27 on the Billboard charts in its first week which for an independent artist without record label representation was rare.

Shawn’s anointed vocal and song writing gift creates worship ballads that conceives an atmosphere of freedom to worship. Shawn has been featured both vocally and as a songwriter on several national recording projects such as the hit single “Walking in Favor” featuring Pastor John P. Kee and Zarcardi Cortez. Other major projects include the Anderson University Ensemble’s Live recording “Thank You”, Earnest Pugh’s “Earnestly Yours”, Pastor David Wright & the New York Fellowship Choir “Next Generation”, Hart Ramsey & the NCC Family Choir “True Story” Project & Jason Nelson "Never Go A Day". Shawn continues to record, write and produce new and exciting projects that propel the worship experience to new dimensions.

The Leader

Shawn served as Worship Leader at New Life Fellowship in Charlotte, NC for 5 and a half years under one of his musical influences and mentors, Pastor John P. Kee. He toured extensively with Pastor Kee and New Life across the United States and the Country. Currently Shawn is serving as the Creative Arts Director at Right Direction Church International in Columbia, SC under the leadership of Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey. It is here that he not only leads worship but has the privilege of mentoring and training rising worship leaders.

The Teacher & Clinician

Shawn is a dynamic teacher and clinician on praise and worship. He conducts various workshops and clinics all over assisting ministries and worship leaders in the area of worship and vocal techniques. His teaching encompasses various layers that enhances and fosters the tools necessary to build leaders and music ministries after God’s own heart.

The Worshiper

Shawn Bigby has a heart and passion for praise and worship and desires for others to experience God through worship at a higher level. His indescribable and untainted flow initiates and connects the worshipper to a meaningful encounter with God. Through an engaging and demonstrative worship experience led by Shawn, the worshipper is able to embrace the full raw presence of God.

The Husband & Family Man

Shawn is happily married to his best friend Caress Bigby. Shawn likes enjoying great food with family and friends, watching wrestling, and bringing joy to others.

Presenting: “Vincent Bohanan & The Sound of Victory Fellowship Choir” Young minorities who have experienced poverty stricken circumstances or who feel alienated and rejected by society are turning their lives around and evangelizing to all who will lend an open heart, thanks to the music ministry of “Vincent Bohanan and The Sound of Victory Fellowship Choir.” This choir allows 60+ young singers and musicians, predominantly in their twenties, commuting from across the New York City Metropolitan area, to join their voices in the heart of Brooklyn every week. Through their Gospel music, Bohanan and the singers offer a message of hope throughout the city and abroad. The choir presented their first year anniversary concert on January 16, 2015 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan to a packed audience which included the likings of gospel music greats Grammy Award winning artist Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Stellar Award winning artist Dr. Ricky Dillard and Choirmaster Bishop J.C. White. Visionary Vincent Bohanan, 25, founded The Sound of Victory Fellowship Choir just two years ago. Bohanan, who nurtured his musical virtuosity as a young child, was fortunate to have been mentored and has developed his credentials into a list of accomplishments with esteemed musical groups. Bohanan, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Business & Audio from Five Towns College, has had the opportunities to work with the Institutional Radio Choir and alongside Vy Higginsen and the Mama Foundation, a highly respected performing arts foundation located in Harlem. He is now branching out and sharing his musical affluence in a fresh, innovative and original way with the birth of The Sound of Victory Fellowship Choir, also known as “SOV.” Bohanan writes and composes all of the choir’s music. SOV was established to help overcome the negative image associated with today’s generation of young adults and to provide them with the platform and outlet to freely develop and express their musical talents in a positive way. The SOV singers come from various demographics and backgrounds. For some, membership in this choir provides the only sense of family and belonging that they have ever experienced. As some of the singers don’t even have a spiritual home, SOV provides their only experience of church right now. The choir has enabled them to join together in a Gospel-rooted, nurturing and musical environment to inspire and empower all people through song. Outreach and compassion are also at the core of SOV’s ministry. Indeed, the ensemble’s first community service event in June of 2014 was in line with the Gospel of Matthew 25:36 “I was naked and you clothed me.” SOV distributed free clothes and shoes; and of course they ministered through song with a free concert on the streets of Brooklyn. Highlights from the choir’s first two years in ministry consist of recording with Grammy Award winning gospel artist Cece Winans, backing up P.Diddy for a Biggie Smalls tribute during the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend and being a featured choir for Bishop Hezekiah Walker’s annual Resurrection Sunday Concert. As an independent recording artist, the choir astonished the music world with the release of their second single “He Reigns,” which debuted on the Billboard Gospel Digital Downloads chart at #4. After drawing over 1,000 people to Bridgeport, Connecticut in January of 2016 to witness the live recording of their first album “One Sound,” SOV anticipates touring this spring to promote the release. The choir looks forward to fulfilling their ever growing demand for appearance from organizations all over the country throughout the year of 2016 and completing their first request for appearance outside of the country in Montreal, Canada this spring.

Darius Paulk has the verses and voice that matters to convince the world he is indeed telling the truth. Known for composing profound corporate worship songs, Darius makes good on his reputation with songs like his mega-hit, “Nobody Greater.” He’s also written hits for Jason Nelson (“So In Love”) and Tamela Mann (“Through It All”) and penned Marvin Sapp’s “Deeper.” Paulk recently signed to the famed Malaco Records and is excited about releasing his first project.  Entrenched in music Darius says, "Music is like air to me, it occupies every area of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Gospel singer and choir director Kevin Lemons has made a name for himself as musical force to be reckoned with. Considered to have one of the most dynamic choirs known as Higher Calling, Lemons brings a uniquely yet powerful sound that captures the energy, flare and spirit in song and performance. Lemons drew inspiration from other gospel performers including Milton Brunson, Thomas Whitfield, James Cleveland, Rev. James Moore and the great O'Landa Draper. Lemon's soulful and dynamic sound has been instantly recognizable in the gospel industry and is showcased here on his debut release. Biography: Kevin S. Lemons, son of the late Wilbert and Ruth Lemons, was born into a great legacy of vocalists, musicians and directors. His grandmother, Mrs. Annie Ruth Lemons, is the founder of the legendary Atlanta Masonic Choir which was organized in 1942 and still exists today. Kevin's father, Wilbert, was an accomplished director and his mother, Ruth, an accomplished lead vocalist. Needless to say, Kevin's path would undoubtedly be one filled with music. A noted director, choral and instrumental arranger, gifted vocalist and skilled musician, Kevin S. Lemons exemplifies greatness by every measure of the word. With a strong conviction for biblical principles and righteous living, Kevin's parents reared him in a God - fearing home and encouraged his involvement in church at a very young age. In church and on travels with the Atlanta Masonics young Kevin was affording the opportunity to develop himself as a musician, singer and director. Asked how much he was impacted by his introduction to gospel performances at a young age he responds 'those experiences made me who I am today. Watching my father direct and teach while witnessing my mother's vocal ability are things I cherish.' Without doubt Mr. and Mrs. Lemons were very instrumental in identifying, developing and nurturing the gifts their son possessed. With the support and blessings of his parents Kevin responded to a great call to begin his own music ministry in 1996. Gathering a few singing friends and acquaintances in a small church is where is all began. Kevin Lemons, with God's direction and purpose in his heart, organized Higher Calling. This ministry, collectively known as Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling, set out on a fast track to success by working diligently to create a sound and image unique to themselves. With Kevin's leadership, Higher Calling began traveling extensively throughout the United States sharing their message of love, unity and the importance of spiritual development...all through song. Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling released their first CD titled Destined for Greatness independently to great acclaim. The title track single 'Destined for Greatness' garnered quite a bit of radio airplay and remains a top choice on radio internet stations. The song was later recording and released in 2011 by Ricky Dillard and New Generation. Today, Higher Calling has grown into a 45 - voice, powerhouse gospel choir known for their skillful vocals, energetic performances, trendsetting style and overall excellence in ministry. Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling have shared stages with many gospel greats to include Fred Hammond, Ricky Dillard, Hezekiah Walker, the Clark Sisters, DeWayne Woods, LeAnn Faine, Donald Lawrence, the late O Landa Draper, Dorothy Norwood, Prophetess Juanita Bynum,Pastor William Murphy, Vashawn Mitchell, B. Chase Williams, and countless others. Additionally, the ministry has been nationally-televised with appearances on BET's Bobby Jones Gospel, Gospel Music Channel's The Kitchen Sink, and the Gospel Superfest. The choir has also ministered at the Dorsey Convention, GMWA, the Full Gospel Baptist Church Conference, Rhythm of Gospel Awards, COGIC Convocation to name a few.

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