VaShawn Mitchell is one of gospel music’s leading men of praise and worship. His songs “Trouble Don’t Last Always,” “My Worship is For Real,” “Nobody Greater” and “Turning Around For Me” have become Sunday morning favorites.
Although his latest single “God My God” has all the makings of a hit record, Mitchell’s message is all about the King of Kings. The gospel singer says the powerful ballad was birthed during a challenging time.
“After my first back surgery, the pain worsened, which threatened another operation. My chiropractor said if you don’t want another surgery just call on the God you sing about,” he explains. “This truly served as a reminder to call on His Name … that God’s Name has ALL power. His Name is a strong tower … I run to and am safe.”
After Mitchell’s recording, which also featured Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy along with Tasha Cobbs, I spoke with the humble Grammy Award nominated artist about his music ministry.
JET: What’s your inspiration for writing as well as your favorite song?
VaShawn Mitchell: Everyday life. It is important that we write songs that can live longer than we can. I want to write songs that people can pick up years from now and say I needed that record.
I think my all-time favorite would be “My Worship is For Real.” It’s always one of those timely songs that meets you where you are—when you’re there. I was on the verge of doing other things and God said –”Hey, I want you to do this.” He gave me this song in the middle of my seesaw of life to give. It was the song that put me on the right track to know that God is my greatest power and that I should seek after Him more.
JET: How did you start working with Tasha Cobbs?
VM: We grew up together in Full Gospel. Tasha was one of our lead praise and worship leaders and she has always been amazing. She’s from Atlanta and served under Bishop William Murphy’s ministry. It was amazing when she asked me to produce her record—it was a no-brainer. I am a fan and a friend—those type of relationships when you put them together, all you can do is bring out a sound that God is pleased with. A lot of people asked who is that singing on “Nobody Greater”—it was Tasha Cobbs.
God is looking for singers who will not sing, but lead. She is one of those people who leads people into a place where they understand that God is bigger than they are. God takes a vessel and gives them a sound that is bigger them—it has no choice but to blow up. I expected it. I know that labels have other issues that they deal with, but I expect it. I expect, but God has more power. This is nothing. We will see what she releases next and watch what God does.
JET: What encouragement do you have for upcoming artists in the business?
VM: God didn’t give this to me because I sing so well—but He gave it to me because He can trust me with it. I encourage everyone to be trusted. God gives us gifts to sing. But when He can trust you…that’s when He gives you the platform to take it because He knows what you’re going do when you get there.
JET: What’s next for you?
VM: Well, right now I have no downtime. I’m in school for music business. I plan on graduating next year with my music business degree. Education with experience will take my music ministry and my brand to the next level.
JET: What can people expect from this project?
VM: This recording was unplugged—you never know what will happen—sing, dance or who’s going to worship. This year marks my eight live recording session; my 18th year in gospel music and this year I will 38 years old. Eight means new beginnings. It’s the year of eights, the year of unexpected, the year of open doors and God will continue to make things new.
Check out VaShawn’s video for “God My God” below:
God My God (Vashawn Mitchell) from Mark Tutson Jr. on Vimeo.
About Effie Rolfe
Effie Rolfe is a media consultant, personality and speaker. For years, she was the “voice of inspiration” each Sunday morning and middays on Chicago radio. She also speaks at schools, churches and workshops. Effie writes for several publications and is the author of The K(N)ots Prayer. Visit her Website effierolfe.com; like her on mseffierolfe.com and follow her via @effiedrolfe.
