The Tribune

BAHAMIAN musician, songwriter, artist and producer Jawanza “Spike” Munroe has been nominated for two South Florida Gospel Music Awards in the categories of Best Gospel Hip-Hop Artist of the Year and Best Gospel Album of the Year.

Notwithstanding the prestige of being nominated, Jawanza said he does not believe a person is honoured by what they receive, but for what they give.

“To be able to say that I am nominated for a SFGMA is euphoric, especially because I am the second Bahamian to be nominated,” he said.

In 2013, Lynn Terez Davis-Nixon was nominated and won Best Gospel Praise and Worship Artist.

Jawanza began his musical journey at the age of four, receiving private training from Ruth Northsong as a classical pianist. In 2005, he obtained a scholarship from Florida Southern College for Music Performance, graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Business.

Jawanza went on to acquire a second Bachelors degree in Business Administration in 2014.

“I study any and everything I can get my hands on,” the artist said. “You have to have a passion and love for the music business, not just the love for cheap applause.”

Jawanza said he begins his day asking the question, “How can I make the most out of my day.”

Describing himself as a Renaissance man, Jawanza said he has finally come into his own.

“Before I went solo, I danced and sang backup for Soldiers 4 Christ Group. At the time I was very shy, just beginning to understand myself and my gift, and constructing my own character and personality,” he said.

From this experience, he said “Spike” was born and he emerged as a solo artist.

Under the name of Spike, he has released two albums, “Like A G”, which includes the well-known song “Soldier”, the first song released to radio stations in the Bahamas, and the album “God Be With Me”, which he is nominated by SFGMA. He is presently working on a third album.

“I believe there is a universal principle when it comes to achieving a dream or goal: Passion and Vision”, Jawanza said.

Highlighting the need for the Bahamas to invest in our artists, he said: “Our country is filled with an abundance of unexploited talent – musicians, artists, producers and songwriters. We need to support and invest in them.”

He encouraged artists to remain humble and disciplined. In his Spike persona, he dedicates his free time to assisting other young artists with songwriting and production.

Spike is the recipient of the 2005 Cacique Award for Best Songwriter and Performer of the Year, and won the 2006 National Pacesetter Award in Creative Arts.

“I attribute all I have accomplished to the hand of God and my parents Simeon and Annette Munroe, who went above and beyond to ensure I excelled,” he said.

The South Florida Gospel Music Awards is a global awards show that embraces gospel artists, pastors, choirs and musicians from around the world, including the Bahamas, the Caribbean, South America, Japan, Africa, Europe and the United States. SFGMA seeks to honour and recognise excellence of independent gospel artists. This year’s SFGMA has amassed over 250 music submissions.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2015 SFGMA ceremony will take place November 6 and 7 at the Covenant Center International in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The winners will be announced at the ceremony.

Bahamians can support Jawanza by casting their votes at http://sfgma.com/sfgma-nominations-2015.

Select ‘Best Gospel Hip Hop Artist of the Year 2015’ and ‘Best Gospel Album of the Year 2015’, click the box next to Jawanza “Spike” Munroe and press submit.