7Cubed Interview with Mark Mohr of Christafari
Jan. 14, 2010 - 7Cubed: How exactly did Christafari start as a band? Did you start out with the many members or did you add members as time went by?
Christafari: I started Christafari back in 1989 at a talent show at a Christian camp. It started with just me and throughout the years I've brought in more members and various instrumentalists.
7Cubed: Having been performing and making music for 20 years, how has Christafari evolved as a group? And how do you see the band progressing into the future?
Christafari: As musicianaries, we are more of a mission team than a band, so while some members may transition in an out over the years, the mission, vision and leadership remain the same. Our purpose; to preach the gospel to every nation through the medium of gospel reggae is concrete. However, our sound has evolved over the years. We've done dub albums, Spanish recordings, a kids album, and delved into Jamoo and world music on past CDs. We've definitely evolved sonically throughout the years, as any band would that spans two decades. I refuse to become a Christafari cover band that clones past songs on future recordings. Even our latest release "No Compromise" still has an experimental side of it.
7Cubed: What has been the fondest memories of the journey so far? Can you share any amazing God sized stories that came through your vision?
Christafari: It's so hard to pick just one. Every city in every country that we have visited we encounter more people who's lives have been forever impacted by the Lord using our music. We are privileged to witness thousands of conversions per year and see drug addicts get set free just like I was years ago. We've seen so many saved and even the deaf receive their hearing back! Recently we ministered to a room full of Marine recruits during their boot camp and 300 of them prayed the sinner's prayer. The letters that we have received from those Marines as they prepare to go to Afghanistan are priceless.
7Cubed:
"No Compromise" seems to be a motto for Christafari. Share why you believe this so strongly and how you would encourage others to never compromise the things of God.
Christafari: I remember as a kid getting Keith Green's album called "No Compromise". It made such an impact on me. Small compromises can bring down even the greatest of Christians. It only takes a small axe to fell a big tree. As Christians we have to be diligent in shedding light on the gray areas in our lives. We must not settle for second best-or even less.
7Cubed:
Your latest cd tackles many issues and we wonder what compelled your hearts to bring them to light?
Christafari:
God put them on our hearts through His Word, messages from our pastors, our relationships, life experiences and the many places that we have visited. One of the issues that comes to mind is abortion. Given the state of our nation right now and my counseling experience with friends that have regrettably had abortions in the past, we just had to sing about this "Silent Holocaust" that has already taken 50 million innocent lives.
7Cubed: To encourage other artists for God, in your musical and faith filled journeys how have you dealt with any criticisms and obstacles you have faced?
Christafari: Once you know who you are in Christ, and clearly define your mission statement and what you are called to do, it doesn't really matter what others say. The safest place for you in all of creation is the center of God's will. You may face trials, tribulations and persecution, but God is right there with you. You just have to know which voices to let speak into your life (God and the godly) and which ones to ignore (your detractors and anonymous idiots).
7Cubed: Is there anything laying our your hearts right now that you want people to know?
Christafari: Seek Christ while He may be found. He loves you more than any father, mother or lover ever could. He created you and knows you inside and out-yet He still loves you. He has a plan for your life and wants to give you purpose, hope and grace. Will you put your life in His hands? Please check out http://www.christafari.com and click on the links "Ministry" and "Tell me about Jesus" for words that will forever change your life!
7Cubed: Thanks so much guys for spending some time with us! May God bless your journey as you continue making GREAT music!!
Christafari: No problem, it was an honor. Please pray for us as we continue to take the gospel of Christ to the nations!
