C.A.I: From listening to your music you sound like a seasoned artist. How long have you been ministering and is this full-time?
Bori: As far back as I can remember, I have always been absorbed into and intrigued by music. However, it wasn’t until the 6th grade (age 11) that I really began this journey. I fell in love with drums and since then my musical and instrumental world has grown to accommodate a variety of instruments. Nine years ago my parents encouraged me to play guitar for our church. Thankfully I took their advice and my confidence grew from there after seeing people impacted by my obedience. It didn’t take long for me to realize that God had great plans for me in the music ministry world. I don’t yet do this full time; however, my involvement with music consumes much of my time.
C.A.I. At what stage in your life did you realize that you were called to minister in this way?
Bori: Sometime between 1999 and 2000, I went through a spiritual maturity in which I took a critical look at my faith. Shortly after, I began to explore the gifts I have been given through various experiences. However, the Soul Oriented vision itself did not form until 2006. It’s been a gradual response to a call which I believe has always been on my life.
C.A.I: From the start of your ministry to this present time what has the journey been like for you?
Bori: The journey has been a challenging one. It has been filled with successes, failures, and many battles and victories. Over the years I have played in various bands and started and collapsed different projects. Through it all, I am still here and God has been faithful. I find that since the creation of Soul Oriented, I have been faced with more challenges from the enemy. My parents have helped me understand the gravity of what I am involved in by reminding me that the Devil does not want this project to succeed nor will he stand around while I pursue it. They have supported me and encouraged me to remain in prayer and close to the cross of Jesus.
C.A.I: So you work on a project called “Soul Oriented” as a solo artist, but you are also a member of the band called The Fire Life. Tell us about the various projects you are involved in?
Bori: In early 2007, I formed a band called Firelife with my long time friend Luke Frenette in which I sing and play guitar. It has only been a year or so, and yet so much has taken place. Every day we are progressing and making an impact along the way. I am also a producer and certified recording engineer locally. I work with many artists in a variety of musical styles. Currently I am producing and co-writing Christian Pop artist Ben Clark’s debut album titled Not Enough. I am very enthusiastic and excited about this project. I can’t wait to finish it.
C.A.I: What I find interesting about this project “Soul Oriented” is the innovative way you take real faith-filled scriptures from the Bible and deliver them in a format that is contemporary, soulful and trendy. Why such as emphasis on incorporating scriptures?
Bori: To be honest, it was only an experiment at first. I was simply trying to help my brother with a little scripture jingle. Clearly God had much bigger plans. I realized the potential of this concept from the early moments in the creative process. As I was recording the scriptures, I was empowered by the presence of God and his Spirit. I knew that I was not just uttering words or lyrics. This was different all together. The impact its creation had on me and my walk with Christ made me want to share it with others. If the word of God is true and full of life - which I believe it is - then it must be shared. This is just an exciting way to do it. The world is filled with great music both in the Christian genre and outside it, and I enjoy much of it. However, rarely have I seen or heard good music coupled with scripture. I believe that if there were a more exciting and practical way to absorb the word of God, more people would do it. My prayer and desire is to see and hear people young and old singing scripture and internalizing it, trusting that it will encourage, inspire and minister to them. Lastly, I don’t ever have to worry about whether or not God endorses what I am doing. I know He does because it His word.
C.A.I: You have achieved a lot of success in Canada so far. What strategies did you employ to get your music out there?
Bori: There have been many strategies and plans. Some failed and others proved to be successful. I find that besides prayer and total trust in God, my success has been and continues to ride on my level of hard work, focus and dedication to the vision God has given me. It’s just like anything else. If you focus and stick with something, eventually you will succeed. Biblically I have been encouraged by the book of Proverbs.
C.A.I: I’m often exposed to American and British media because of the Countries I travel in-between. But I have never been to Canada. Tell me, what is the trend in Canada regarding the Christian faith in terms of society’s acceptance and the media’s endorsement of it?
Bori: From what I have seen and experienced, many people would rather not speak about their faith. Within the educational institutions it’s not uncommon to be considered closed minded and quite frankly, an idiot for actually believing and following the Bible. Outside the campuses however, I find that many people are just content with repeating whatever they hear about “Religion” and its effects on society without really considering the implications of what they are saying. Every now and then I meet those who actually allow Christ’s life and words to govern their lives. They seem to be the happiest. I don’t imagine it to be much different from other developed parts of the world. Everywhere you go you encounter people of different philosophies and faiths. I don’t see Canada as an exception. In terms of media, there are a many independent outlets for Christian artists. I am constantly discovering new radio stations and companies that endorse and support Christian artists. I am always encouraged when I hear of or see companies like yours doing such. As for major companies, and stations, there are few. The secular organizations are very selective and careful in what they promote and endorse. Particularly, radio stations stay away from anything blatantly Christian although artists like Switchfoot, Reliant k and others have been successful in both worlds. It’s encouraging to see.
C.A.I: I know that there are quite a few major Canadian Christian bands out there. Is there a big market for Christian music in Canada?
Bori: I find that in the last ten years due to the success of Christian artists in the secular world, the market for “Christian Music” has defiantly grown. I like to believe that it’s because people grow tired hearing about heartbreak, suicide, and depression all the time.Hearing a song like “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot projects hope and a universal message which has inspired millions, perhaps because it doesn’t seem so threatening. There is definitely a need and a place for that in the music world and I believe that God uses all kinds of styles to reach people. |
