Marjane'

Anyone who has been blessed enough to hear Marjane'sing knows that this young woman has been gifted with something special. The powerhouse vocalist is no stranger to the gospel music industry having racked up a total of twenty-one industry award nominations and wins including a 2012 Rhythm of Gospel Award Nomination for Music Video of the Year, a 2011 Heart & Soul Gospel Award and the 2010 Ensound Music Award for Best Gospel Female Vocalist. A 2007 Semi-Finalist for BET's famed program, Sunday Best, Marjane' (pronounced mar-ja-nay) has been stunning audiences everywhere. Now the Los Angeles-based singer is readying her third J Jane Music Group project, Grateful, starting with the release of the CD's first single, "Walking In Favor". A groove-laden, urban-tinged track about the favor of God, "Walking In Favor" not only showcases the songstress' smooth yet dynamic vocals, but also her remarkable songwriting skills. The lead single will be released on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 and will be available for purchase on iTunes.

"Walking In Favor" isn't just the title of Marjane's new track, but it's a mindset that she wants the people of God to embrace. "One day I was thinking about my life and career and all I could see was favor," says Marjane'. "I could clearly see the call on my life and decided that I was going to continue to walk in God's favor. Before I knew it, I was putting pen to pad and the words just came. It was like I was writing a letter to the Lord. 'Dear Lord, I want to walk in your favor. Protect and surround me with your love and mercy, Lord." Already, she's seen audiences rave about the song. Recently after completing a live performance of the song, the audience continued to sing the hook for 10 minutes after she left the stage. It's those types of responses that make Marjane' realize that "Walking In Favor" is a message God's people need to hear, especially in today's trying economic times.

One of today's most talked about independent gospel artists, Marjane' began singing at the age of two. She honed her singing skills at Heritage Christian Center in Denver, Colorado, under the direction of popular praise and worship leader, Pastor Joe Pace. She was featured on the church's choir album called Praise Him All Ye People. She was named the Runner-up for the Christian Artists Talent Search in Charlotte and the Second Place Winner for the Steve Harvey Talent Search. In 2009, Gospel Music Channel (GMC) named her as a Top 100 Indie Artist and she was nominated as a London MP3 Music Award Nominee. In 2011, she won two Rhythm of Gospel Awards and was nominated for an Independent Music Award. Her videos have been seen on GMC and BET's Video Gospel. She's also been blessed to open for Karen Clark Sheard and share the stage with Dr. Bobby Jones & The Nashville Super Choir on BET's Celebration of Gospel.

An exceptional vocalist who knows how to weave her beautiful soprano voice around some of the most captivating tunes, Marjane' has released two projects to date: Keys To My Heart and Won't Let Go. Her new release, Grateful, will be released this fall. For more information about Marjane', log on to www.marjanemusic.com.

- Andrea Williams- Tehillah Enterprises

Marjane’
Won’t Let Go
J Jane Music Group (release date: July 28, 2009)
www.marjanemusic.com

Earning a first round Stellar Award nomination for Best New Artist for her debut album, Keys to My Heart, Marjane’ (pron. Mar-jan-ay) offers a second helping of her breezy west coast sound on Won’t Let Go.

The sophomore album from Hawthorne, California’s Marjane’ is extremely pleasant listening, a mixture of light and airy melodies, body-swinging dance club rhythms and fresh R&B vocals. While some gospel artists send congregations to shouting fits, Marjane’ gets congregants dancing and swaying in the spirit. As such, Marjane’ is similar in style to other young artists such as Coko and Tonya Hairston Ware.

The songs are a collaboration between Marjane’ and producer Marvin Paige. They range from the extended mellow ballad “Holy Spirit” to dance tracks such as “Get Your Breakthrough” and “Can’t Nobody” (as in “can’t nobody do me like Jesus”), complete with effective male rap interlude (artist not credited in the liner notes).

Won’t Let Go is not gut-wrenching, heart-rending, emotion-soaked gospel; the lyrics are upbeat, confident and hopeful, ranging from praise and worship to overcoming struggles to grasping the golden ring of life.

“This Joy” is the opening track, current hit-bound single and the album’s finest moment. Like an overture of what’s to come, “This Joy” captures all of the smiling bounce of Won’t Let Go in four minutes and fifteen seconds.

Small wonder this independent artist received a Stellar nod: listening to Marjane’ is as refreshing as hearing Pacific Ocean waves lapping on the California shore and feeling the mist of the water on your skin.

Four of Five Stars (July 26, 2009)
Bob Marovich
Black Gospel Blog
www.theblackgospelblog.com
- Bob Marovich/Black Gospel Blog

By Foladé Bell

Up-and-coming gospel artist Marjané (pronounced Mar-janay) has been singing since age 2, with an upbringing in the Baptist church. Aware of her talent, she put church on the backburner as she sought other avenues toward the musical career she’d imagined. Segueing from the church to R&B showcases, Marjané soon realized that there was a greater focus on her outward appearance rather than her voice. Realizing that her desire was “to sing, not sell sex,” Marjané rededicated her life to Christ. Still, it was not easy transitioning from the secular lifestyle to the world of gospel. “Part of me wanted God, and part of me wanted to keep my old ways,” says Marjané. “It took knowing God’s word and prayer to show that I could not have both.”

Pushing forward, Marjané rediscovered her relationship with God through her writing. Self-released in July of 2007, her first album, “Keys to My Heart,” originated as a love letter back to God where “you’ll experience and hear the intimate relationship I have with Christ.” Standout tracks include “Appreciate Each Other,” a clear representation of Marjané’s vocal strength and range, and “Now I Believe,” a moving ballad that talks about the struggle of trying to do it on your own, reminding us that all you have to do is trust in God. The up-tempo, “Clap Your Hands” recognizes that God is there in the good and bad times and He deserves all the praise.

Married for three years with a 12-year-old son who is his mom’s biggest fan, Marjané never discounts the role her family plays in support of her career. “As an independent artist, to know that you have the support of your family is great because I understand that some will not celebrate the favor I have on my life.” Her husband, who works as a graphic designer, creates all of her marketing materials, including album designs and artwork. With her foundation in place and the knowledge that God has transformed her into what she was meant to be, her belief is that “my gift will always make room for me.” Not willing to compromise her vision, Marjané’s faith in God allows her to continue striding forward toward her vision.

Despite lack of label representation and only a smattering of airplay, Marjané garnered a first-round 2008 Stellar Award nomination. Not slowing down, she is hard at work on her second offering, “Won’t Let Go,” which is due out later this year. Featured track “Holding On” is already creating buzz among her fans. Dedicated in part to those who have been struggling with the economy and the many who lost their homes in the California Triangle Fires, “Holding On” Demonstrates Marjané’s passion for her music ministry and the depth of her security in God. “We can’t lose focus of who we are and what God has called us to be. I am a woman of many visions and dreams that I hold secret in my heart. My relationship with God is real, and I want people to hear it in my music.”

Copyright © 2009 The Nielsen Company. All rights reserved.
- Folade Bell