ENTERTAINMENT > Music Sierra Leone's Finest John Gbla Takes New Album 'A Date With Jesus' To Another Level Posted by on Jan 29, 2008, 04:16

Born in Sierra Leone where he single-handedly transformed the music of Sierra Leone. His songs used to irritate those in high places. John has been to prison several times because of the nature of his lyrics. Since the age of 16, John has been a social commentator advocating on behalf of the poor Sierra Leonean, who adore his music.

He was also a qualified secondary school teacher and a news caster. He came to England in September 1990 to represent his country and was recommended to study drug education. At present he is a charge nurse and a practice educator.

John Gbla...from riding 'Omorlanke' to "Date with Jesus"one of his best todate

John had a dream in which he was commanded that he own God an album for protecting him from all his days in Sierra Leone. John heard the voice telling him it is time he stop entertaining the devil and minister to God’s people. Since then there has been no turning back for John.

The title of this album was given to John in the dream.The album has 12 tracks. The songs are full of praise for his maker. They are eclectic and infectious. the more you listen to them the more they grow in you.The beat stems form reggae to calypso and high life music. This is to give every one the chance to make a choice. Also this will help in the great commission that we should go out and preach the gospel to the world.

This album is blessed. The devil tried to stop it but God being God intervened. Watch out for the very first track in the album. “Jesus Parade”. This will send you all over the place praising God. It is a combination of Christian folk songs that can get you out off your bed dancing just like David danced.

The song, “Lord Heal The world” is a reflection of the sinful world we are living now. This is where the true picture of John comes out as an advocate for the world.” LORD heal the world” is one of those songs that will move you to tears and will also prepare you to intercede that people are ignorant about the Lord Jesus and they should be made to beware of him. John does not only sing in English there is also a song in French called “Je taime Jesus”. This is for the French Christian community. John said on the day of Pentecost they spoke in a strange language but it empowered them to preach to all. My desire is also to sing in Spanish and Chinese.

“Say goodbye” is a song of hope that through the word of God and the grace of Jesus in your life nothing is too hard for God to deal with. He is encouraging every one in this lyric that if only you put aside all fleshy desires and fix your eyes to Jesus you will say good bye to all the storms of life. This is root reggae with an Ivorian flavour.

Another fascinating song you should sit tight to listen to is “Revival”.

As this is the year of Jubilee John is advocating for a revival before the coming of the Lord. He claimed in his lyrics that man is unable to solve the world’s problems because of our waywardness. He is appealing to all and sundry to take part in this revival. He believes the world need to change. Man has to change his mind set. “Man kissing man, woman kissing woman and children pushing pram for children”. This is a crafty way of summarising the sinful nature of the world.

John’s “Stepping out of Egypt” is a different kind of song compared to the rest. The evangelist is appealing to all Christians that it is time to step out of Egypt. When I asked John what does” Egypt” mean to you/? He said whatever stubborn situation you are encountering that does not seem to go away is your Egypt. It might be your immigration papers, your marital disharmony, domestic issues at home, financial situation. These are all your Egypt. John is indeed preaching his heart away. This is why this is not an ordinary album. It is loaded with anointing of the Holy Spirit. This album will bless your homes. Whatever problems you have just praise the maker with these songs and the lord who has inspired John to write this album will indeed bless you. Be ready to receive your share of the blessed album.

The album will be sold in most shops in Peckham and the immediate vicinity. John will be touring soon to promote the album. We pray that God will give him the energy in between working full time and writing his songs.Read this weekend our exclusive interview with John Gbla