Holy Hip Hop Jam

O'negia, MCH resident

The Holy Hip Hop Jam held at Carver Park Church on March 8 brought together Christian rap musicians and fans to celebrate and worship God. Organized by Pastor Ahmad Washington, spiritual development minister at MCH, the concert featured performances from two of our youth, Ema and O’negia, Washington, MCH Youth Care Counselor Femi Ariya as well as artists The Warriors ATX and Puntin.

“The Holy Hip Hop Jam started with a vision I had to bring the Christian rap community together and make people aware that God is using rap music in this way,” Washington said.

The Holy Hip Hop Jam was sponsored by MovementUP, The Rise, Grind4God Magazine, Carver Park Youth Ministry, The New Day Holy Hip Hop Alliance and Soul Fishing Media. Carver Park pastor Gaylon P. Foreman opened the doors of his church to provide a venue for the diverse crowd, including several MCH youth and staff, to come together through music.

MCH performers Ema and O’negia were part of the performing arts summer class taught by Washington in 2013. Ema had never rapped before the class and became skilled at writing her own lyrics and performing. O’negia had shown an interest in Christian rap last spring and began working with Washington in May of 2013.

“Ema got more comfortable as she went on and did really well. O’negia really seemed to tap into something personally during his song and you could tell his delivery was coming from his heart,” Washington said.

Both youths’ parents and family members were able to attend the concert to see them perform their songs.

Another Christian rap and music concert will take place at the Harrell Memorial Chapel on Friday evening during ReCreation Weekend hosted by Spiritual Development from March 28-30. 

Ema, MCH resident

MCH minister Ahmad Washington

Femi Ariya, MCH Youth Care Counselor

MCH minister Ahmad Washington started out the concert performing with his own two children.