Liz Kallon

Simply put, Liz Kallon is an anointed psalmist. She has been given a special gift by God for the people of God for such a time as this. Not only does this talented songwriter and singer have the ability to bring others into the presence of God with her, but this African Queen has brought her special style of praise to the shores of America. Liz Kallon, an award-winning artist, known for classic songs heard all over Africa, is preparing to release her United States praise and worship debut, Shine, Shine for Jesus.

From her humble beginnings in Monrovia, Liberia, one thing was quite clear from the start; God had a plan for Liz Kallon. Her mother was ill and her father was absent frequently working in diamond mines, so she ended up being raised by relatives. But one thing was constant in her life and that was music. At the age of 7, she had her first “songwriting” experience; words came to her followed by music. Songwriting turned into singing and she was known, even as a youth, for her musical talent. At churches, she was being called upon to sing frequently; opportunities were coming to her left and right.

But it wasn’t until a “divine appointment” that her path to music ministry became clear. At 17, she had what many long for: a husband, a child and money to spare. But in spite of those things, she had a huge emptiness in her heart. She had visited one church after another, but she was not saved. One morning, she decided that if God was real that he needed to save her by 6PM or she was going to take her own life. That same evening, she ended up a club and abruptly decided to leave, hopped in a cab, not sure where she was going. Miraculously, while riding in that cab, she heard the voice of God telling her to step out and go to the church on her right. She knew at that time of day, no churches were open, but she followed the voice anyway. Dressed scantily clad, she stepped out of the cab and walked into the church, the minister already aware that God was sending someone that He wanted saved. That night, right at 6PM, she received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. That was just the start.

Although she loved Africa, she always aspired for something more. In 1993, opportunity came knocking. Rep. Joseph Newsome, from Rhode Island, was part of an effort to build a “bridge” between the United States and Africa. One of those bridge-building efforts was giving scholarships to Africans. Liz was determined that she would receive one of those scholarships so she would have the chance to come to America. In spite of the fact that she arrived after all the scholarships were given out, God showed her favor with Rep. Newsome and she ended up coming to the United States anyway, ultimately earning her degree in Cosmetology after 2 ½ years. In addition, she became an image consultant. She furthered her education in other fields as well at the University of the District of Columbia studying Child Development and Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Those studies and her desire to help the less fortunate laid the foundation for her work at as a Case Manager at the Volunteers of America in Washington, D.C., where she currently helps the homeless.

But her passion for music was always there and her music ministry flourished during her time in Africa. “Shine Shine For Jesus”, a song that came to her prophetically in a dream, became one of her most popular songs. She debuted the song on a Christian television station, to rave reviews and it has since become her theme song. The song was sung all over Africa, from the jailhouses to the streets. Songs like “Step By Step With Jesus”, “Mama’s Prayer”, “Diamond In My Word”, “He Is King”, and “Come And See the Lord” and albums like Let Jesus Be The Answer and Lord I Lift Your Name On High have blessed countless people. She received accolades including the Liberia Association Award for Best Female Vocalist (2001), the Liberia Association Award for “Most Famous Song” for “Shine, Shine for Jesus” (1997) and she had the opportunity to perform at Afrikin Gtua (the African version of The GRAMMYs) in 2001.

She is thrilled at the success she’s had. “Success is not money or acquiring things,” says Liz. “Success is when lives are being transformed by the gifts God has given you. Success is when what you have done has benefitted others. Throughout her career, she’s been blessed with many who have helped her along the way. God used people like Christie and Lawrence Norman, Massey Domingo and Bishop Garlington Johnson to open doors for her.

But it was Maudeline Swaray who saw the gift in Liz Kallon and decided to sow into her. Swaray Productions, Maudeline and Gebah Swaray, took her under their wing and took her into the studio to cut her first project in the United States. The title of the project is called Shine Shine For Jesus, after her signature song. With strong Caribbean, African and Reggae influences, Shine, Shine For Jesus, is a wonderf