NOSAKHERE   PAPASOUL

​

​

​

 
Hey there friend,..

 

Get cozy, pour you a glass of something wet and let me tell you a bit about myself. First let me quickly thank you for enjoyably sharing your time with Papa. As I gratefully, and courageously share my life with you. Let's start in the south. Where I felt like a young black child awake in my own permanently perpetual dream, since the day I was born. A wide eyed child steeped in endless curiosity. Youngest of three kids, the only boy and readily stimulated by people of all types and the whole new world around me. Feeling mostly excited but precautious. Playful but shy, while smartly respectful of others. Brimming with boundless imagination.

As I (no more than 6yrs old at the time). Contemplated what my own superpowers would be to help save the planet!.
Fast forward several years, whoa,.. easy there,.. not to far forward. Let's focus in for now just before the teen years. Where I was first thrust into the role of song leading. For a modest but faithful crowd of tolerant listeners. Well,.. they weren't exactly there for me. As we were all singing to the good Lord. I had no clue what I was doing vocally at that age. But fortunately I had not one, but two willing coaches!. By coaches I mean the facial expressions of my two sisters. Both willing and unburdened by discretion.

Swiftly letting me know at the exact moment in which I either sang well, or sounded like a hungry cat locked in a spinning dryer!. Continually conducting the whole room in song. While peeking over a podium I could barely see over. But that was but one place I would meet the challenge to get fully adjusted in my own shoes in life. Designed just for me, my voice, and a confronting but vigorous path ahead.
 
 
Skip to a particularly defining moment at "Lanier Middle School". Where the football team at the time was Champion and dominating. With majorettes so fine and charming. They were the perfect addition to the furiously stylistic, and booming full orchestration band!. Sun shining down on us all at the big game. Roaring cheers in the stands and everybody couldn't be happier there. But not me, not this time. I could only hope to enjoy such a banging jamboree again as I waited on the school bell to ring immediately!. Only so I could jet my way five miles home so fast I'd be mistaken for a frantic sweaty breeze!. Oh why the sudden urgent escape you ask?,.. Let me indulge you as I should have previously mentioned several crucial details from much earlier that day. Here we go,.. So while in class I exchanged words with a much older, much bigger, known bully and suspected gang member. Who was left back enough times to almost be school principal. By the way, you on that second glass yet?, if not you may need it. So pour you another,.. I'll wait. Oh good you're back, so this dispute was over a scraggy, musty, poorly assembled, fossilized-pre-chewed gum, and graffiti covered school desk. Of all things, we had managed to beef over the one ratchet item neither of us walked in, or would walk out with. I may have sat in it all of 30 minutes, while day dreaming my usual cast of imaginative characters in my head, long enough to warm the seat just right. Which was no problem, or at least I thought?. Then I made the mistake of coming back to it. After my return from a 45 second bathroom break. Little did I know that this other grown disgruntled employee,.. oh I meant to say "other student".  No judgment in how I saw it please. I'm telling you my story, he was huge and I was only 11.  He had sat in this same chair for just seconds and gotten up already, for a most definite and swift return. Without my knowledge of him doing so at all. So what happens next catches me completely off guard!. As I see the red eyed glaring stare of a much larger, territorial and dangerously entitled feeling grown Uncle of somebody's. Who I'd then, although technically a student. Describe as a menacing and mentally troubled, angry half grown man. Rapidly making his way towards me.
 
 
Hit by the combining smells of cigarette smoke, weed, and gin first. 10 seconds before his quickly swelling frame actually finally made it to this chair in question. As he towered over me anxiously, with a vicious look in his eyes. That spoke of chemical imbalance, hidden burial sites, and the cries of his victims. Demanding that I move immediately from his property or suffer the consequences. As I recall his exact words were,.. "ON MY LIFE CUZ,. RIGAMORTIS BOUT TO SET IN RIGHT WUR YOU JUST SAT BOY!!!". My first thought was,. Uhhh,.. Ohhhhh SNAP! I wore only these one pair of pants, I cannot pee in them now!. #this just got real 4real. I thought surely everyone could hear my heart banging in, and back out of my chest. Oh and why can't I swallow?. Mouth instantly way too dry,.. oh wait there it is,.. GULP!.  But my intelligent side, while clearly in my feelings about the seat I still currently believed my own. Was honestly thinking,... get the F' out of here mane I've been sitting here all day!. Plus my Dad could take this guy!. The problem was A, my Dad was at work, & B. what I said out loud was,.. GET the F OUTTA HERE MANE I'VE BEEN SITTING HERE ALLLLL DAY!!!. Immediately all the blood in my body got hot with panic. As in a nervous reflex I looked directly to the left as if those words jumped from the wall, instead of my mouth. But it was too late!. His pupils instantly dilated and glazed over. With both fury and delight, as if he had only hoped for this moment. Typically out of nowhere a rowdy instigating crowd of school kids gasped in shock and yelled out Ohhhhhhh +@!#$_!!!, (obscenities)- without hesitation the second after my outburst.
 
 
But this was a supposed learning environment?. So I could assume certainly everyone could foresee my inevitable demise, prompting them to get help right,.. right?. Then those  words of the surrounding students finally came,.. FIGHT, FIGHT!!! they chanted with absolutely no restraint. How helpful of them. All they helped was themselves to a ringside seat view of my sudden slaughter!. It was like they had overpaid for tickets and demanded the upgraded roman gladiator show. Huh?,.. WHAT!,.. Uhmmm, I'm 11. Where was my teacher?. How would I escape?,.. Why didn’t I choose any other words than those?. Words that would have me eating stale cafeteria food by now. Or sketching girls butts on my folders in class as usual?. Words leading anywhere but in the crushing grips of this moment!. Keeping in mind that it wasn’t just him, but a gang of guys that made up his crew. All primal provoked and likeminded. Simply products of our environment?, yeah possibly,.. but we could all technically be that. No time for judgment when you're being snatched out of a chair, and spun around so fast. That you lose all sense of gravity and direction. Until finally a huge black Timberland boot politely re-directs your face. To the familiar, sticky, urine smelling and jungle juice soaked floor!.
 

 
In that moment all I could think of beyond survival was the sure principle of the matter. Which was my believed innocence, and honest thoughts of having done no wrong returning to my own seat. Something must have came over me as I exclaimed in a muddled voiced whimper- Jesus Help!. The next thing I remember is somehow getting to my feet, launching three big wild fist clenched swings. As the room yelled- WHOAAHH in reaction, like some group commentator rally to a hyper fight scene. This desperate but courageous rally of mines had blazingly backed this guy up!. I saw an intrinsic look in his eyes I'll never forget. What I saw in the reflection of his eyes was him effectively taking in the view. Of somehow an unexplainable and new being in front of him. Yet I was the same scrawny big lipped little 11 year old. Except within me, something much greater took presence.  For the first time ever realized, in that moment when it was surfaced from within. As a result of such compelling circumstances. This transition helped me to hold him off just long enough. Long enough for the teacher to better late than never finally return, getting in between us ordering that we both stop. Wearing a game face 5 times my normal size. I glanced briefly at my fuming opponent as I returned to the exact seat I had sat in before. For the remaining 12 minutes of the school period, before the final bell. Resting very unpleasantly in the "what now???" of all this. Having been temporarily separated by the teacher, breaking up what would later become in the other guys request, "continued after school" present day!. I think his exact words were, "N_ _ga you better get picked up in a spaceship when dat bell ring!". Followed by bizarre enthusiastic groans, that immediately knotted up my stomach with piercing nausea. Ok so remember the part about me jetting home in a frantic blur?,.. yea,.. this is it. Long story short, I thankfully and swiftly made it home that day without any further confrontation. To this day I haven’t topped that five mile home speed record I set that day. By all means laugh as much as you want, I seriously didn’t know how many there were coming for retribution. I barely escaped school suspension which would trickle down into a second whipping at home. In our Family we were loving, but trouble and hospital bills simply weren’t in the budget. So I never even mentioned it to any of my Family. This is the first time I've ever really spoken on the matter.

​

​

Hey ya still with me I see,.. cool. Hang in there and focus well now. Because right here's the lesson: As bad as the whole thing was. I learned the hard way that nothing could have been more self punishing. As the tormenting fear that I let suffocate me, in the whole misfortunate event. Dashing home in a wise but dark fear pooled misery. You see knowing when you're threatened helps you to make better choices to prolong survival. While fear itself is simply an unreal feeling of torture, followed by the associating choice we make to live in it. I learned a lot about myself in just one of what would be many defining moments that day. For instance how to first think like a chess player long before I spoke. Doing so quite diplomatically when I chose to voice myself. Even learned that I could take a real beating, as long as I fought to survive and overcome. I also learned that I was capable of seeing the principle of a thing or situation quite clearly enough. Regardless of what I was up against. I still honestly feel it was my chair to sit in. Even learned to stay fit because,... well you never know. But MOST importantly I learned that if I had not called on the right One for help. I would quite possibly not have the pleasure of telling my story to you now. Seriously ever since that day, I've been faithfully calling on Jesus Christ for strength always. Whether for a disaster I stumbled into myself, or just for guidance and inspiration. I learned that God is here all along watching over not just me, but each of us. Regardless of my faults and imperfections. These real life experiences would be the fibers of clarity and wisdom I would since draw from. Scoping my very being, vision, and creativity. As I continued to draw strength from almighty God, to get me through entire worlds ahead
of tribulation, trials, and seemingly impossible situations.
 

 
So now a teenager, I got a few hairs on my chest. As a young enterprising hip-hop/r&b artist who's finally growing nicely into his own body, talents, and charm. Only to be relocated in a completely new part of the city. A flat footed song-fish out of water at the time. Starting again at ground zero getting adjusted to a fast changing atmosphere. After working odd jobs including everything from construction to vacuum salesman, I did all but keep my day job. As none of those uniforms would fit like the one perfectly tailored for me as an artist. Especially being young, determined, and highly optimistic. With high hopes, big dreams, and no looking back. So we're moving on up into a predominately white neighborhood. Wait a minute here, It was a complete social hard drive upgrade. Into a then modern psychological floppy-disk. I was in quite a need of an entire communal reconstruct!. A very fast learner, with a strong intuitive nature and high emotional IQ.  I very soon learned the ropes, and a whole new savvy for survival. #Babymuscles #Newswagg. A few new like minded friends, a few talent shows, local carnival contest and house parties later,.. I was beginning to find my way into who I thought I should be?. But much like my still growing body and mind, my spirit and artistry was still deeply under construction.  So much so that I literally identified myself as a beautiful yet predatory wild animal. Thus stage naming myself "Pantha", in a group called Sol Katz. Uh yea, I know how that sounds,. Couldn’t tell me nothing at the time though. I thought surely,.. what's cooler than a Panther right?.  So sleek, so sexy and muscular with that uninhibited growl,.. is exactly how I would move across the stage,.. and well ok you get the point, I've defended it enough lol. But my identity was far from being my only crisis at that time. Don't get me wrong, we were a hot group then adored by the young girls. Considerably for what was available. In this all male, all black, handsome and now suburban 18 year old alpha male friends group of 3. Now newly relocated, pumped and growingly ambitious in our objectives.
 

 
So, cut to several plane rides back and forth from city to city. Often Atlanta, not excluding the hometown, plus Cleveland, Houston, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Indiana, and finally D.C. Plus a black female manager from Italy, and another managing team from California. With a young determined and charismatic group of music brothers no longer virgins. Talented, and heart throbbing young men. We: (Jag, Lynx, & Pantha- were young lions ready to conquer the world. Our 3 previous residents from combined locations of  Dallas, Orange Mound, and myself from Memphis TN. Drawing many adoring fans, one crowd continuously larger than the next. Then something amazing happened. It was feeling like our season on that special summer I'd never forget. We had put in major work by this time, and it was time our paid dues, paid off just a little. I can remember it like yesterday,.. the three of us in Lynx's drop-top. Leaving a photoshoot while blazing festively in the sweet breeze. A familiar tone had caught wind as well as all of our ears, for the very first time. It was our SONG PLAYING on the radio!!!. Being broadcast on the hottest and biggest station in the city!. Something about the first time you hear yourself on the radio. You feel like you're floating on air waves, heard by all. We turned the volume knob high as it could go, then turned it more. Dancing and performing our jam like an impromptu street show, right at the stoplight!. We were young, cocky, naïve, but for that moment we felt like we were on top of the world.
 
 
Eventually after much hustle and grind, and the success of a new hot cd. We had labored tirelessly to record at "Da-key Studios" in Memphis. We at last had landed ourselves a record deal with then known Elektra Records now owned by Warner Brothers. Needless to say it was the most exciting time in my life. With only a few contracts to finalize, we were one pivotal phone call away. From a life long dream finally becoming a reality!. Or so I thought right?,.. Except one single small thread tear of a difference, in a management team meeting at Elektra Records. That ultimately lead to, let's just call it a parting of ways. For one particular Boss in question. But perhaps your question now might be,.. which Boss?. Oh well let me tell you this. All you really need to know is that is was the one Boss who held the keys to the golden door of our record deal. So when the phone call we had been waiting on for a life time had finally came in December. On without doubt the longest Christmas ever. It was a world shattering bomb dropper!.

So no record deal, no big contract, no big cash advance and no more Sol Kats. I had even since before this earth shattering event just renamed myself "Planet" . Due to what I had hoped was, and would then be my evolving singular style. Ironically I had just been hit by a giant meteor sized cataclysmic blow. Asking God and myself despairingly, "What Planet is This?'.  But I digress. The band of three had grown wearied from the loss. It was the final straw in countless struggles we had suffered as a team for years. Arriving up to that promising point. As we drifted apart going our own separate and at the time empty handed ways. Battle scarred and mentally scattered. Each of us left to pick up the broken pieces of our hearts and dreams. I couldn’t help but feel I had let everyone down. Particularly as the guy known with the ability to bring that extra wow factor on cue. I was now experiencing the biggest loss I had ever suffered in life. Taking second place only to a soul splitting divorce and miscarriage. Which I failed to mention was simultaneously happening along with an eviction notice from my apartment at the time. Due to obviously tapped out funds. While battling threats of incarceration for minor misdemeanors of acting out. From  frustration, financial vulnerability, and nearly every attacking and overwhelming anxiety imaginable. It was just one of those things where I was wounded by life’s perils. My fresh blood was in the water as I was drowning at sea among the starving sharks. Within this same time frame, I lost my Grandmother, and two Uncles. Also while riding in all my troubles. To Sunday morning service in the car with both my parents. I suffered a damaging car crash. Temporarily and partially immobilizing me physically. Limiting usage of my neck, upper back and shoulders. Including a concussion from this accident. All result of being disastrously rear ended by a reckless motorist in a speeding van. My parents both unfortunately sustained injuries as well. Oh and as the tip of the mushroom cloud on the currently exploding bombshell of my life. After my hospital release 24hrs later. I was robbed at further life threatening gunpoint not even two blocks from my own apartment. For literally my last $10!. If only I could have just tapped myself out of life right along with my funds, ex-wife, hopes, and dreams. At least that's how I felt in that moment. What about my friends?,. my future?,. my big plans or love life?. My Family that I so wanted to take care of?. Before all this I was head high in the air like Kalvin from McDonald’s walking through the neighborhood with a new job. Ha!. With one phone call it was all quickly a thing of the past. Where was all that swagger and bright eyed gleaming shine once held?. I was a young lion remember?. Well at this point I would have felt lucky to just wake up Garfield. I would have thankfully settled for even Tweety bird at that point. Anyone,.. just not myself. Not at that point of my life that I considered the wet scummy soil beneath rock bottom. I simply couldn’t accept myself at my absolute worst, or could I???,...
 

 
Suddenly I'd remembered I'd been down before. Seriously my eyes are watering just reminiscing all this. But just as in life I push on with my real life story. While open heartedly revealing this to you in this very moment. Which is for me,.. nothing less than openly and somewhat apprehensively challenging.  Yet cathartic ever still. Now as I said,.. I'd been down before right?. Once again something had come over me. All of the sudden the soil I was deeply buried under began to shift. My clarity once again stayed impartially in tact. I had remembered how my punishing myself with paralyzing fear of what only fear itself falsely conjured of the future. Was unquestionably no less than voluntary mental, and spiritual, suicide. Being mindful of this, I began taking a far more considerable look at the chess pieces on the table. I found a small slithering crack in the soil and wiggled a pinky toe. Something was trying to get my attention. It was then I remembered who I had called on before in a sea of my own darkness. Perhaps wise whispers of my provident destiny ahead. I cried out to God, I prayed diligently in fight relentlessly against my adversity!. Winds had shifted. Soil began to crack, and the drops of rain fell heavy. As they loosened the dirt, while sustaining my fragile thirst for life beyond the paralyzing pitfall. I began envisioning myself again on life’s chess board, not yet fully as the formidable. But by God's grace I had finally emerged from my own metaphorical grave, back to life’s plane.
 

 
With a renewed spirit and grit on circumstance, I began the road of emotional, spiritual, and creative therapy. It was no easy road ahead, my mind and muscles were both sore in hopes of rehabilitation. But never more determined. Moving forward with that newly refined sense of clarity. I began asking myself the crucial and fundamental questions. Who am I?. What do I want?. What am I here on earth to do?. Then what resulted was an entire paradigm shift occurrence. I had realized the answers to all of those questions. Answers that had so little if anything at all to do with what I previously, and naively considered successful. I had then by the grace of God finally been introduced to myself. This I soundly tell you, was life altering and purely transitional. You can take that to the bank!. Because after being once broken and unable to accept myself at my worst. I had now learned to do just that!. Accepting all of me while picking up the pieces of my past failures and misfortunes. Truly learning that character is something only developed in the "what now after". As in what you do now, after you get back up from life’s devastating knockdowns. I had been blessed in my brokenness. Because when my spirit split in two. My God and Savior Jesus Christ entered directly into that broken space, making me become whole in ways never before.
 

 
Becoming my testimony and song of overcoming victory ever since. It blows my mind when I think about how little I knew and how fast I was going in all the wrong directions. Before my eyes were opened to my truth, and most authentic path. Which was the fact that I was put here on earth to first serve God. In any of the many ways that are in His will to do so. Such as serving the hearts and minds of many, as a caring human being and living master expressionist. Through my voice, my song, and the arts. With an ultimate message of spreading the goodness of God's love in abundance to all. Through my growing existence, and practical everyday ordinary living. As the best Christian, man, and human being I can be. Including lessons taught by my mistakes, trials, overcoming victories and amazing gifts. Given to me by our loving and merciful God. It was also a newly gained path of true freedom, I could never alone have obtained. Because I was willing to let go of all of the false external attachments that I thought made up who I am. Including a less than authentic image of self, where it was not best aligned in truth. Make no mistake now, I am by no means perfectly all put together. My weaknesses while very real, I have surely not let define me!. A work still in progress, yes this is me. I still have my few days where I scream out "Jesus take the wheel" please, before I drive things crazy!. But what a wondrous revelation in life, when you let go of who you think you want to be. While faithfully, and fully embracing who you are in the fullness of God's design for you. I had been forever empowered by the very thing that broke me. God did that for me. For this He will forever get all of the glory and praise. I had at last learned my true value. That my potential is infinite just as my Creator in heaven. Once aligned in spirit and mind by God All Mighty in design. I knew that going forward, I would walk within the best version of myself yet!.
 

 
Turning the page to a new chapter, new beginnings, in a whole new city and newly defined name. I was now and will forever be "Nosakhere Papa Soul". Best befitting title as my birth name "Nosakhere" in Nigerian meaning God's way is the only way. While "Papa Soul" means Fathered soul or spirit, as in Fathered by God. Here I stood reborn, fearless and focused. With less than $200 to my name. A few recording materials, art pieces, a duffle bag of songs and clothes on my back. I left Memphis to seek new enterprising opportunities, on more promising and fertile grounds. It was onward to all the future would hold. With no turning back, I was now storming the streets in the windy city Chicago!. Complete world changer in a system shocking city swimming in a sea of skyscrapers!. I almost didn’t notice how FREEZING it was. Uh, I said almost lol. Wow, this was a new breed of cold. It was as if old man winter saw that my coat was made not from Chicago. But from a city that only casually dabbled in coat making. Then ravaged my bones in its chilling winds so strongly. I had to penguin walk in quick circles to generate still insufficient body heat. But not even the bitter "hawk" of cold could stop me now!. I delightfully walked block after block of downtown Chicago, until I put holes in my shoes the size of quarters. A monstrous pace in comparison to the home I once knew. Big city lights, L-trains and every nationality and race you could think of. Plus a few I didn’t know but was willing to learn as well. I knew I was in a whole new world when I once stood in line at an industrial sized grocery store. Struggling to comprehend five different languages from five completely different races. All talking with one another at the same time in the same line. I loved it!. I was that wide eyed kid all over again. Drinking in a plethora of new sights in the city multiplied beyond anything I had ever previously known.
 

 
After wandering the streets of Chicago, learning a new domain to claim. While scaling endless miles of the sights of Chi-city streets, and carefully through some gang territories. Traveling urgently only by foot, to and from gigs in a single minded fashion. With fire in my belly and just a guitar in hand. I threw caution to the wind and strolled into a few safer hot spots and night clubs. Where I would there first test my skills on the spot. It had been over two years since I set foot on stage. I was about to find out whether I could still rock a mic or not. My friends it was now or never!. I hear the announcer say my name while at a open mic session. In a hyped and packed house of awaiting listeners. I'm talking Apollo style. I take a deep breath and approach the stage. Snatching the microphone with confidence and spoke with flare and authority!. At my very last words there was a respectful pause,.. Then I was suddenly blasted by crowd applause. I could feel the electricity in my body. I say this humbly but it was how I felt. It was as if the clouds opened up and the angels said, look who finally showed up. I felt God had once again been waiting on me all along. We were just getting started together again!. I was undeniably inspired to formulate my new big and soulful sound. Finally taken in under the wing of my Uncle, Ex War Veteran and former boxer among other fascinating things. Along with my Aunt with Masters and Bachelor Degrees and accepting nature, with my three welcoming cousins. At that time residing on the west side of Chicago suburbs. Still processing my big move to Chicago from Memphis and all the events leading up to the present. I would pour myself into my craft like never before. Using only a few modest but well efficient instruments and studio gear, saved up for over the summer. Selling my very own handmade beaded necklaces for ladies and men. As well as homemade pies all prior to my move to Chicago. Night after night in that house with those same instruments and a creative storm. I pushed anyone’s tolerance to the limit so bad until my very supportive Uncle still relocated me to the upper attic of the house.
 
 
Needless to say they had big hearts and a lot of patience. Never fazed me a bit as a now attic dweller. All I needed was a pen to write with, and an outlet to plug in and play. Even arranged my surroundings well enough to begin discreetly having sessions with other aspiring artist. Yes!, I had transformed the attic into a cool and eclectic recording spot.
In between extracting any great life stories out of my Uncle as we enjoyed many enriching conversations for the both of us. I would hop the L-train and B-line all the way down lake street to downtown Chicago. For an exciting adventure on the great Lake Michigan. Sifting sensitively through a world of sounds. That would speak to my sharp creative eyes and ears, while being exposed to all around me. As I absorb everything from traffic, trains, and wind transitions, to colorful multicultural conversations. All while in a sea of Chicago Cubs fans. I would meditate on the beach and write many songs there. Then receive more inspiration while cruising the boat rides in the golden sunshine of the most beautifully enchanted summers of this great city!. Later in the spring of the city during an esteemed poetry slam show and performance in Oak Park. The moon was full and it was just that special indescribable something in the air. Stars above were aligning to open an even more substantial path for my artistry. After yet another exciting crowd pleasing performance. While meeting many great new artist and public figures, connecting with the cultural arts scene. I caught the eye of a local cable producer with her own cable show and production company. I bravely introduced myself and exchanged numbers with her.
 
While promptly volunteering myself as an assistant loading up video equipment in a subtlety imposing manner. I would there have a light conversation with this producer. Who had not yet been persuaded that she needed me at the moment. Not long from that very night. I was agreeably allowed access behind the production scenes at "Community Essentials" Comcast cable set. Due to well, let's just say a sudden occupational vacancy, and boss like demeanor. Along with her welcoming and collaborative spirit. I was able to assert myself on the scene. I was familiar with television production. As one of my previous California team managers, slash extraordinary publicist had landed me a major announcer's job on a major network. But this had been a few years back. I needed to work now!. A few meetings later with my new producer friend, and we had become partners in production. In between working long hours of editing, shooting video, and all things business with the show. We would go out for drinks and dinner, as we painted the town for all this great city had to offer. Back to the grind where things were steadily gaining momentum. Where once again the challenge of new essential roles would be taken on in my path. I had landed myself multiple positions in that same production company. First as a sound engineer, then a voice-over. Gradually moving up to camera man before being promoted as Creative Director and finally Host of the show. Even reproduced the shows video intro, amidst rewriting the shows theme song as well. We went on to produce show after show together. Working with everyone between authors, ceo's, mayors, state reps, artist, gourmet cooks. With other widely known famous film producers and star actors. Even watched in awe on the movie set of Robert Townsend. As I watched him and my entire surroundings close up, soaking in all I could both in front and behind the camera.
 

 
 
Things were moving at a respectable constructive pace, as I started to spread my wings in many areas. One particular area being Chief producer for the C.E.O of an educational program for Chicago's inner city youth. It was there where I would write dozens by the dozens of hip, fun, and educational, songs for the young kids of Chicago. With these original productions and others cleverly crafted. I began making thousands of dollars as a producer for new promising clientele. But I couldn’t stop there. As a student of advanced art in school and later College. Winning first, second, third, and purchase prize. Dominating in the town gallery competitions. I began using my art skills as well to be as formidable in the game as I could. Showing colorful unique paintings in pastels for cultural centers. As they hung in display for potential buyers and respectable crowds in classy Barista's, and galleries.  Clickable view of art and more in the above Enterprise tab of every page here.

Constantly writing more and more songs during all this, while at the same time landing a job as an independent contractor for professional voice overs. With a well known, well paying and prestigious voice acting company. That I am still currently on file with today among other desirable prospects.

 
In between wearing multiple hats at the cable television station, and voice-over gigs. As well as developing projects and designing websites. Along with one of a kind CD covers and graphics for my own releases and new clients. Including video production for artist and product marketing. I would also serve as Mentor at a local Y.M.C.A. developing the skills of many inspiring youngsters. I relentlessly cracked a whip at any downtime of my own. Using it to further hone my skills and crystallize my new and compelling hot sound. My musical mastery exploded in fullness, as did my creative voice in high resonance. Stepping firmly into my fundamental message of love. Ever growing in peak expression, reaching the masses with songs written in the key of life. While making the people surely move with my very fingers on the hot pulse of soul, funk, hip-hop, and r&b. A true visionary fully in my element. Readily using videography and a host of global online stores. Whose distribution companies span the globe nationwide and overseas. Including Europe, Asia, Russia, London, France, India, and Japan to name a few. For digital distribution stores such as: I-Tunes, CDbaby, Spotify, Google play, Amazon mp3, Shazam, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music, Napster, eMusic, Tradebit, Deezer, 7digital, Saavn, AWA, Kdigital, Yandex, boinc, Guvera, 24-7, Medianet, Groove Music, iHeartRadio and many others.
For more than 18 albums written, produced, and recorded by the grace of God and yours truly.

 

 

I must mention with great humility, & gratitude. That as of Feb. 13 2021 I am now happily married to Cassandra Bell.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

Becoming now more aware of my highest potential. Constantly evolving with the greatest spiritual intention. I move through life and artistry with optimal clarity in a creative romance of masterful expression. I have exceeded well past what was once envisioned for myself. Which still continues to surpass all that I alone had pictured before. There is not the slightest bit of delusion that God alone has indeed carried me far beyond what I ever could have imagined. Blowing my mind with His gifts and grace given to me each moment I live. Most people can see where you have arrived in whatever current success.
Which by the way, is defined by what success is to you. But what we don't usually take in with that is all of the scars, scratches, and buffering that makes the polished version that you or I am today. Everybody wants their crown in life but few desire to bear the weight of it. Although many with and before us share in that weight. We simply need the courage to lift these very crowns over our heads. I find that I am most alive when standing in the truth of my intent as a spiritual and human being.  My intent being to serve. With compassion for others and compelling excitement, and love.  As a nourishing soul, a bright and genuine voice, and harmonious vibe. Influencing others to truly look and see themselves within, and the possibilities of their own fullest potential. By their own God given design. Doing this with both a sense of balance and encouragement. As I humbly let my light shine with good works, glorifying our Father in heaven. This is why I am especially committed to sharing my voice and vision. As just one of many like minded vessels. While constantly seeking the awe-inspiring lessons and treasures of life itself, in ways that are immeasurable.
 

 
Some of you may be thinking of the ways you are already doing so now with pure joy and gratitude in your hearts. While others of you are wondering how to do so?. It's much simpler than it sounds. First admit to Christ Jesus you need Him to strengthen and help you. Then find a need in this world and fill this need to the best of your God given abilities for good reasons. As long as there is earth and fascinating and imperfect people here, there will always be a need to fill. One of my biggest joys in serving others. Is knowing that I by the grace of God have put to use what He has given me as well as made an impact on someone's life. No matter how big or small through any means of my being or artistry. So often an unexpected response to a kind word or moving song fills me with complete elation and gratitude brimming over. Especially in expressing God's love and our strength in Him. No matter how we work it out in ours lives, with whatever diverse abilities and gifts we all may have. A message that will forever be far greater than I. This is when I feel my highest purpose being served.
 
I am a magnanimous soul, warrior of love, and a weapon of inspiration!.
Now as a prolific writer, artist and music producer. Having built a globally circulated, extensive and still growing library of songs. Widely noted as timelessly compelling, loved, and greatly adored by listeners worldwide. I can say that I am gladly and finally making my mark in this huge world along with so many great others. Yet in all this I find that often our greatest joys are the simplest of things.  Like appreciation, kindness, giving, gratitude, a new idea. Creative flow, a captivating view, feel, taste, intoxicating aroma or sound. I have discovered that when you find a single song you love, it's like finding a home of music for your heart. When we find places like that we keep them near and dear. This is what I share with you all. I have written many songs, about everything from the worldly and romantic, to the spiritual, and healing in God's absolute love. Even put in my 10,000 hours with my craft developing my voice and irreplaceable practice of excellence.
I believe the best album you will write as a constantly evolving artist is always the next one. Which means your current, latest and greatest album, may have to take second place. To the next best one you've yet to write. Even if you never actually get to write it, having left this world already. So I treat each album like my only opportunity to leave my best impression and best creation. With a challenge of highest quality standard, most epic adventure, and maximum jam to the fighting finish. Leaving me forever in between my last and next greatest work. Like a musical romance of life's creative dance with God the Master of all my inspiration. Because after all, you never know when you last dance the joyful dance. So remain forever young at heart and play on my friends,.. play on!. It's been most fun with you here sharing my life journey so far with you. I sense now that I have gained a new friend with you. Having bared all, opening up my crazy-fun enlightening and exciting world up to you. I thank you again for sharing your time with me. I hope to hear a few true life stories of your own as well. Stay tuned as there is always more to come.

 Visit (Enterprise tab) above or copy/paste link to enjoy a special audio narration and video in my exciting  Life Awareness show@

VIDEO-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTHruUqeuVY    

 

FREE AUDIO SHOW!-  https://soundcloud.com/user-93623437/joy-and-grattitude-copyright2018nosakhere-papa-soul

​

​

 

I asked myself what would I say if the good Lord allows me make it to 100 years of age?. What would be my most defining statement in all those years of living wisdom?. Then I thought to myself, it will probably be the same thing that I will say at age 40. Then again at age 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and hopefully 100 years of age. Which is plainly this:
 

 
Ask God what He wants for your life then listen immediately. Praying for Him to give you the spirit of truth so that you may receive and understand His word, and righteous ways. Then trust Him with absolute conviction. Surrendering to Him staying faithful and obedient. Knowing that He is eternal, and has already predestined of His goodwill the path for your life. In all of His fullness of riches, grace, love, and blessings. None of which you could ever do alone. If you think there's some magical secret to life,.. there isn't. Simply getting a relationship with God our Father of all creation. Is the greatest there is.

Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Ac 4:10-12 NKJV
 
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Php 4:19-20 NKJV

​

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ro 8:31-39 NKJV
 
As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 NKJV
 
May God continue to richly bless all of your lives!!!.
 
Sincerely the artist: Nosakhere Papa Soul

​

Written and lived by the grace of God. 

​

​

​

​

Nosakhere Papa Soul©2018PapaSoulProductions

​

​