The Tribune

STEP FWD, a faith in action Christian movement that has a UK Top 10 Christian Music Chart, has added Bahamian Keith L Rolle of the KLR Management Group to their international panel of judges.

With a focus to “further inspire those with a passion for God and music, and bring light to society, using a medium people can relate to,” Step FWD recently welcomed Mr Rolle to their ranks to assist as a judge for their Top 10 Christian Chart that rotates hits every month.

“We congratulate Keith on the work he has done through the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards, KLR Management Group and other initiatives, and his efforts to support and empower others in the Caribbean music scene. Because of his experience and vision, we wanted to work with him,” said Dennis O’Neil, Step FWD’s founder and operations manager.

“The Step FWD UK Top 10 Christian Chart is a very cool combination of consumer and industry interactivity,” said Mr Rolle. “I’ve always been a fan of the diversity of UK Christian music, so the prospect of discovering new music, new artists and helping to build new bridges between nations, gives me great pride to serve and assist Dennis O’Neil.”

Step FWD UK’s unique monthly online music chart began in March 2014, and has been breathing new life into the UK Christian scene. By scouring popular online music and video websites such as Youtube and SoundCloud, new and relatively unknown UK artists now have the opportunity for their music to be listened to alongside more recognised industry professionals. In addition to the judges, the public and music industry professionals choose favourite artists.

“There are currently over 90 judges from all across the UK and overseas,” said Mr O’Neil. “All music released in the respective month is sent to the judges and published on our website for online voting worldwide. This way the judges and the public weigh in fifty-fifty to create the UK Top 10 Christian Chart.”

UK Gospel artist Lyrical Soldier was also enthusiastic.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea. Here in the UK we are trying to build up the gospel industry and it’s a long time coming to plug in and offer a platform for artists like myself, to showcase what our music is doing,” he said.

By facilitating artistic growth and development, while recognising passionate performer’s ability to uplift and minister, Step FWD aims to prove itself to be less about competition and more about providing global showcase opportunities.

“Development, management and distribution have always been the KLR mandate,” said Mr Rolle. “So wherever we feel called to meet a need with an opportunity, we will do our utmost to support.”

More information on Step FWD can be found at www.astepfwd.com.