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Soul Influence’s Journey Home
After being away from home for over 6 years, the members of Soul
Influence are finally returning home. In what is predicted to be a
ground breaking tour, Soul Influence will be travelling for 14 days
to Kenya and Zambia in the ‘A Child at a Time (ACT) Tour’.
The ACT Tour will not be a safari for the group; there will
be no staring at Lions, petting of Zebras or gawking at mountains,
it is all about work. Of the 336 hours to be spent in Africa time
will be evenly divided between 4 projects and 20 concerts with part
of the proceeds from the concerts benefiting the group’s current
projects.
The purpose of the trip is two fold. One is to visit and connect
with the projects that the group supports directly and indirectly.
The group shall be taking with them medical supplies, medical
equipment and general hospital supplies for the Arthur Davidson
Children’s Hospital in Ndola and it shall be taking musical
instruments to the Mully Children’s Family in Kenya for the home’s
musical program.
The group will also be travelling extensively and performing in
concerts to various audiences. This Concert Series is more than just
entertainment; it is educational. It is a model of self-empowerment
that encourages the community to use their resources and talents to
fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic and combat the stigma faced by those who
have HIV/AIDS.” The ultimate goal is to motivate and inspire our
people to develop a strong sense of community, a sense of purpose
and an awareness of their proud and rich African heritage.
Soul Influence is an a cappella septet, African in it's
choice of rhythm and beat, Afro-jazz in its musical style, Christian
in its conviction and lyrics, service to God and fellow man in it's
focus.
The groups’ name
reflects its desire to Influence Souls through its music ministry.
It can be felt in the simple melodies, which you’ll find yourself
humming to long after you’ve heard them. It is comprised of young
people from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of
Congo, who headed a call to work for God through the unifying power
of music and its ability to transform lives.
Soul Influence believes that its purpose for being here on earth is
greater than itself. That is why they are more than just a singing
group. Their prayer is to reach out to both the local and universal
community and in so doing better the society we live in. They are
the self-declared AIDS Ambassadors of Africa to the world. By
raising their voices in song, they hope to raise the awareness of
the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. Soul Influence worked hand in hand
with the York Region AIDS Committee in support of the Stephen Lewis
Foundation as well as the Hopes and Dreams Team. They are currently
in partnership with Compassion Canada in order to raise awareness of
the plight of children around the world and specifically in Africa.
Soul Influences’ mission and objective is to reach a
diverse audience and get an increased response that is intended at
preventing the transmission of HIV, providing care and support,
reducing the vulnerability of individuals and communities to
HIV/AIDS, and alleviating the impact of the epidemic. Through our
ministry of music we hope to strengthen and support the fight that
is already underway to combat this HIV/AIDS.
For more info on Soul Influence, take a look at their webpage,
www.soulinfluence.org and for
info on their itinerary in Zambia and email
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December
2006