Brothers In Unity (B.I.U)

David was excited when he wrote Psalm 133:1 -- “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” We all know that’s true, but what happens when these brothers can sing?! Well, add God to the mix and you have Brothers in Unity. BIU members Melvin, Terry and Accie Griffin not only share the bond of brotherhood, they also share a distinct sound that empowers the soul as the Lord’s anointing shines through in their music. Their new album, STAND, delivers their message loud and clear: Just Stand!!

Growing up in a family of 10 children (seven boys and three girls), the brothers of BIU were a part of a big family living in the small town of Hobgood, NC. With strong Christian parents at the helm, every member of the family learned early in life that going to church was a privilege, not an option. As their mother, Evelyn, had always exhibited dynamic talents as a singer and poet, there is no doubt that the brothers of BIU got it honest. Another dose of the music gene was passed down from the father’s side of the family. Accie Sr. wasn’t much of a singer, but his own father was the church musician and his mother was the praise and worship leader. It’s plain to see that a rock solid family background in music and in love for the Lord has given BIU a lot to be thankful for in its journey down the road to success.

In the 1990’s, Big T and AC put their inherited talents to the test and moved to Las Vegas as the duo, Double Trouble. Singing at nightclubs, casinos, and other secular venues, the young men knew they weren’t fully experiencing all that God had for them. Realizing the true starting place for success and happiness, the two brothers totally gave their lives to Christ, moved back to North Carolina, and changed the name of their duo to Brothers in Unity. It was at this time that BIU completed itself by the addition of the youngest brother, Melvin. Performing at every opportunity, the group’s contemporary style received great responses from young and old alike. Here in the early stages of their career, it became evident that the Lord was working through the ministry of BIU to change people’s lives.

In 2000, after Melvin graduated from college, BIU was free to travel more and sing at a larger variety of events. The group performed at the Apollo, the Urban Network’s Impact Convention, and other venues. In 2002, BIU sealed its success when it signed with Messiah/Philadelphia International Records. Although BIU is no longer affiliated with the company, the contract launched the group into receiving widespread recognition as serious performers and recording artists. BIU has since gone on to receive several nominations for awards. In 2004, the group was honored with the “Rising New Star” award (Best New Artist) at the Gospel Awards in Sarasota, FL. BIU also received in 2009, Group of the Year, by the GMWA NC Announcers Guild.

To further highlight their success, BIU has shared the stage with many artists in the music industry. Major artists include Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful, Kim Burrell, Deitrick Haddon, KiKi Sheard, New Breed, Mary Mary, Trinitee, Fantasia, 57, Virtue, Rizen, Sounds of Blackness, Tye, Tribett, Michelle Williams, Lachelle Griffin, Tonex, Beverly Crawford, Carolyn Traylor and many others. In 2010, BIU went on tour in South America and toured in Germany with Apostle Mal Williams. While performing with big names in both the secular and Christian industry, BIU holds firm in making a big statement: God is the real star and he has the power to bring us from the “guttermost to the uttermost.” BIU also wants people in the secular industry to know that it’s possible to do God’s will, have a street sound, not conform to the world, and still be successful. As a matter of fact, BIU was once offered a signing bonus worth over a million dollars to sing R&B, but turned it down. They knew that if the world could offer them a million, God would bless them so much more if they stood on his word.

The bro