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Archived Mail Item
Dec. 14, 2007 - "God has put a lot of places on my heart throughout the years, but recently the greatest burden has been for the Hawaiian Islands. I imagine when concert promoters mention Hawaii to most bands it evokes an image of surfing and sipping virgin pina coladas on the beach. But that's not what I think of. I think of the lost souls that smoke, sell, or even grow marijuana. I think of a place where secular reggae runs the radio and you can find dreadlocks and rasta colors virtually everywhere you look. I see a place that is steeped in Rastafarian culture; a set of islands that are so into reggae that they have created their own musical subgenre; Jawaiian (a blend of Jamaican and Hawaiian sounds)." Mark Mohr"For the last 20 years I have seen countless Rastafarian reggae bands tour Hawaii from Jamaica, Africa and the mainland--all preaching their message of Rastafari and Ganja (marijuana). It pains me to see this. You see I was raised in the Christian church. But in my teens I was lead astray into Rastafarianism and drug use through the music of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. In his songs Marley spoke of God and quoted the Bible and through this belief system I thought that I had found everything that I was looking for--a religion that attempted to justify my use of Marijuana. I was wrong. Thankfully my prodigal soul was lead back to the Lord and I have been sober ever since. For the last 18 years I have been feverishly trying to reach youths that have been led astray as I once was. In short, a trip to Hawaii would be a major answer to prayer for the harvest is ripe on this beautiful set of islands."  This is where you, the die-hard Christafari fans come in. We need your help in promoting this tour and helping us find places to play. So if you can put us in touch with any churches, organizations, ministries, clubs, festivals, venues, etc that would be interested in hosting the band for a concert, please don't hesitate to contact us. Christafari will be touring with a full band and supporting acts such as the award winning Avion Blackman (www.avionblackman.com), and Solomon Jabby (www.solomonjabby.com). For more information on Christafari, visit their newly redesigned website (www.christafari.com).  We are also pleased to announce our new partnership with Kevin McIntyre and The Positive Music Agency, who will be handling future booking requests for Christafari, Avion Blackman, 'Imisi and various other artists. If you are interested in booking Christafari, please contact Kevin McIntyre (kevin@pmareggae.com) immediately as we are filling up the tour schedule for Spring 2008. Potential Hawaii dates are: Feb 22nd through to March 9th 2008. Please let us know if you have any leads! Thanks for your support! Blessings in Christ, Kevin McIntyre POSITIVE MUSIC AGENCY USA: (512) 535-7642 UK: +44 (0)161-870-6651 BRAZIL: +55 62-3293-4477 Fax (toll-free): +1 866 802 4188 E-mail: Kevin@pmareggae.com www.positivemusicagency.com Positive Music Agency 1942 259th Place Lomita, CA, 90717, USA  The Positive Music Agency. Representing the Best in Gospel Reggae and World Music: Christafari, Papa San, Avion Blackman, Mr. Lynx, Monty G, St. Matthew, 'Imisi, Isaac Blackman and the Love Circle, Solomon Jabby, RedCloud, Nengo Vieira and more... For more information on our new album and Christafari's complete bio, please read below... CHRISTAFARI To The Foundation  Mainstream reggae has never been more popular thanks to artists like Bob Marley, Sean Paul, and Matisyahu. Over a decade before Matisyahu introduced the world to his unique brand of Hasidic Reggae, Christafari was making waves with their original blend of Gospel Reggae. Over the years, these trailblazers have been crafting one of the most impressive catalogues in Christian music. With over 10 full-length releases to date and never-ending involvement in countless compilations, it's no wonder Christafari's cumulative album sales top out at over 400,000 units! In the fall of 2006, bandleader Mark Mohr embarked on the next chapter of Christafari's career, creating what has become their most exciting album yet. This time around, Christafari takes us To The Foundation. On their rootsiest effort to date, Christafari revisits their musical and spiritual foundation with dramatic results. Full-bodied horn melodies, heart-pounding bass, and precisely executed drum rhythms form the perfect background for front man Mark Mohr and his various guest vocalists (a veritable who's who of the Gospel Reggae arena) to flex their talents, moving from roots reggae to lovers rock to dancehall and back again. Lyrically, this project is jam-packed with the unwavering Word of God. Christafari continues to display their dedication to utilizing sound doctrine and a host of Biblical references on every single song--ensuring that the Gospel is clearly proclaimed with no compromise! With To The Foundation, Christafari has managed to record an album that is both timely and timeless. "I don't strive to make a hit, but a classic," says Mohr. "When in the studio, I think 'How will this sound ten or twenty years from now?' I want to record music that will endure for decades so that the message of Jesus Christ will continue to bear fruit for generations to come." With this album Christafari is boldly marching forward, continuing to pioneer a blossoming genre while shaping the future of Christian music. MINISTRY STATEMENT: Christafari is far more than a band. Founded by Mark Mohr, an ordained minister, they are an evangelistic, counter-cultural, drug aversion ministry, using reggae music and the spoken word to reach a wayward generation. Mohr clearly sums up the purpose of Christafari's new album: "With the release of To The Foundation, it is our desire to see listeners build their lives on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ--the Chief Cornerstone. We want them to be firmly planted in His teachings and moving forward in His Spirit." BULLET POINTS: Christafari is back with their rootsiest album yet! All live instruments with plenty of horns and percussion Perfect for fans of Matisyahu and Bob Marley A classic sound with 14 special guest appearances! Powerful lyrics straight from the Bible With 17 years of Ministry, Christafari has an established fan base TRACK LISTING: 1. Freedom Step (Intro by Avion Blackman) 2. Bozrah 3. Rooftop 4. Hunger & Starvation / Satisfy My Soul 5. Fear Not (Feat. Avion Blackman) 6. Never Give In (Feat. Mr. Lynx) 7. Eternal Reverberations 8. The Prodigal (Feat. Ace Winn & Letitia Ugwueke) 9. My Defender (Feat. Avion Blackman) 10. Taking Over (Feat. Koen Duncan) 11. To The Foundation (Feat. Ace Winn) 12. Be True (Feat. 'Imisi & Avion Blackman) 13. Nairobi (Feat. Sheldon Blackman) 14. Too Many Cannibals (Feat. 'Imisi) 15. Triumphal Entry (Feat. Sherwin Gardner & Mr. Lynx)  CHRISTAFARI BIOGRAPHY Mark Mohr and Christafari are trailblazers, continually pioneering the genre of Gospel reggae in the U.S. and throughout the world. They have performed at two Olympic Games and even played for the President of the United States of America. With their blend of traditional roots and contemporary dancehall reggae, they proclaim a positive message of hope and salvation to a lost generation. After almost two decades, Mark Mohr and Christafari are still standing strong as the leaders of a genre (Gospel Reggae) that was once considered by some to be just a "fad" or "novelty." THE NAME Pronounced CHRIST-AH-FAR-EYE, in Greek, the original language of the New Testament, Christafari is the name given to "a group of people who collectively represent Christ." CHRISTAFARI HISTORY Christafari was founded in 1989 by songwriter, producer, and lead vocalist, Mark Mohr. Raised in a Christian family, Mark strayed from his spiritual upbringing during his teens and turned to drugs, alcohol and even growing marijuana. After having an undeniable encounter with God at a youth camp just before turning 18, Mohr re-committed his life to God and took what he now calls his "Freedom Step out of addiction." At that point, his greatest desire was to help others step out of the same bondage that once entangled him. He felt God impressing on his heart to start the first gospel reggae band in America. It would be a counter-cult, drug aversion ministry that used the conscious sounds of reggae to bring the lost into the light. This fledgling band was birthed just two weeks later at a camp talent show. "The best advice I was ever given was to go to Bible College so I could be theologically and doctrinally sound," says Mark. He studied at BIOLA University in Los Angeles, majoring in Christian Education. During his years at BIOLA, the group continued taking shape as Mark wrote songs for Christafari's first three albums, "Reggae Worship Vol. 1" (Frontline), "Soul Fire" and "Valley of Decision" (Gotee). "Valley of Decision" went on to become the best selling gospel reggae album in the history of the genre. LION OF ZION In 1999, after recording two albums with Gotee Records under the tutelage of Toby Mac, Mark branched out on his own, founding his own record company Lion of Zion Entertainment with the goal of "Reaching the World Through World Music." With their broad distribution channels, Lion of Zion has had a hand in introducing the rest of the world to artists like Sherwin Gardner, Monty G, Stitchie, Mr. Lynx, 'Imisi, Tiko & Gitta and three-time 2006 Marlin Award winner Avion Blackman (Who is also Mark's wife and the bassist for Christafari). Over the years, Lion of Zion has released 25 gospel reggae and world music albums including Christafari's growing catalog of albums; "WordSound&Power", "DubSound&Power", "Palabra Sonido Y Poder", "Gravity", "Gravitational Dub", "Reggae Sunday School" (Kids) and their latest studio offering, "To the Foundation." With "To the Foundation" Mohr set out to take his ever-evolving band back to their roots and record an album "That wass both timely and timeless." His efforts paid off as "To the Foundation" is already GospelReggae.com's all-time bestseller, doubling the numbers of "Gravity", the band's previous top-seller. Through his band and various artist compilations, Mohr was arguably the first to record and distribute internationally gospel reggae, dancehall, soca, me-reggae, jungle, raggamuffin hip-hop, dub and various other styles. Mohr has always placed the popularity of gospel reggae before his own band. He is the founder and president of GospelReggae.com, a webstore that boasts the largest selection of gospel reggae and world music in the World. AWARDS In 2006, Mark Mohr received a lifetime achievement award for his significant contributions to Caribbean gospel music, Christafari received four Marlin Award Nominations, five Urban Gospel Industry Award nominations and were nominated for Best Reggae Album by the En Sound Music Awards. The group took home Album of the Year in 2005 (UGI) and received three awards for Album of the year, Best Artist/Group, and best Producer from the Urban Gospel Industry Awards in 2004. Their "Gravity" release was also nominated for two Marlin Awards in 2004. The band's dynamic performance in Sweden in 2003 landed them a Concert of the Year nomination from the Connection Awards. Christafari was nominated for the 2002 Marlin award for International Artist of the Year. Their album, "WordSound&Power", was also nominated for four Marlin Awards in 2000. Christafari even received a Reggae Album of the Year nomination by the Tamika Awards in 1997 and a Dove Award nomination in 1996. TELEVISION, FILM AND MEDIA Christafari has been featured on CNN Headline News, MTV News, MTV Brazil, The Family Channel, TBN, BET, The 700 Club, TBS, Steel Roots and the Day 7 show with Greg Laurie. Their videos have been in heavy rotation on channels such as BET and their albums have held strong positions on the Billboard Magazine charts. Their music has landed three movie soundtracks including the Sundance Film Festival Selections, "Naturally Native" and "Meet me in Miami". Mohr and his wife Avion also regularly produce songs specifically for the ABC Network/Disney and have earned placement on shows such as "General Hospital" and "One Life to Live". They have also been featured in such publications as Billboard, CCM Magazine, Reggae Report, and The Beat. There is no doubt Mark Mohr and Christafari are recognized as one of the main forces in American reggae and Gospel music. "Their music is beyond that of Bob Marley." - Makeda Dread, 91 X PERFORMANCES Now an ordained Pastor, Mark Mohr and Christafari have brought their own unique brand of gospel reggae to nearly every state in the U.S. and some thirty-five countries around the world (including a church plant in Trinidad and Tobago). The band's first major tour was in 1995 with Reggae Sunsplash, North America's premier reggae tour, traversing 46 cities and performing before more than a quarter of a million people. They have played at virtually every major festival and many of the country's most prestigious venues like the Greek Theater and Irvine Meadows. The group has shared the bill with such top names in the reggae industry as Aswad, Bunny Wailer, Lucky Dube, Big Mountain, Burning Spear, Pato Banton, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, The Wailing Souls, Sister Carol, Capleton, Israel Vibration, Culture, Buju Banton and Wayne Wonder. "They were a great bunch of guys to have on the road. I've nothing but praises for Christafari in terms of their professionalism and the kind of people they are. I would definitely consider them for another Sunsplash tour." Reggae Sunsplash Tour Producer Wayne Sinclair The group recently returned from touring Brazil and Argentina. In Buenos Aires, Christafari played before 22,000 enthusiastic fans. The group spent New Years' Eve 2001 in London, England, sharing the stage with multi-platinum artist Kirk Franklin before an overflow audience of 15,000, bringing in the new year with praise to the most high--Christafari style. When Christafari played at Reggae on the River, the "World's Greatest Reggae Festival," Mohr had the privilege of baptizing three new converts in the river. Mark Mohr and Christafari have also been featured on festivals such as the Bob Marley Festival Tour, and the Renegade Festival (2000). In Washington D.C., on the steps of our nation's capitol, Christafari ministered to their largest audience to date - a crowd of over half a million. Additional performance highlights included the 1997 Presidential Inaugural Ball, touring with DC Talk, Indigenous Olympic Games, the St. Kitts Music Festival with Kool & The Gang and Maxi Priest, the Nashville Music Awards, festivals such as Creation East & West, Kingdom Bound, Cornerstone, and Spirit West Coast. They played in the main amphitheater of the Olympic Village during the 1996 Olympic Games and performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. "Christafari is one of the most entertaining live acts in Jah Kingdom." - The Beat Magazine, Tom Orr Over the years, Mark Mohr and Christafari have been Gospel Reggae ambassadors to the world, touring over 40 of the United States and visiting some 35 nations on 4 continents including Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Curacao, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Grand Cayman, Guyana, England, Estonia, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, Suriname, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda and the United Kingdom.  In 2007 they completed a summer tour which saw them perform in the United States, the UK, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark. They played in virtually every major festival including Notting Hill Carnival, Foundation Fest, Creation Fest, Greenbelt, Frizon, Gavle City Fest, Wildfire, Flevo Festival, Gouda Fest, Glow Fest and the Tara Festival. They have just returned from their first major tour of Brazil, where they hit 8 major cities including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and the islands of Sao Luis (Brazil's Reggae Capital) and Florianopolis. Plans are already in place for Christafari to return in October 2008. |
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