THE INDIE POST MAGAZINE
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Gospel Artist, Bonita Burney Simmons Aims to Help Heal America with New Song, America Bless God!
Interview By: Gina Sedman
Hi Bonita! Thank you for your time. What's your story? I was born in Stamford, Ct. and raised in Kinston, N.C. I did not start with music, it somehow started with me. Music has always been there since I was three. My parents noticed that I was singing with the radio unable to talk clearly but could mimic the sounds from the radio.
What was the most memorable moment in your music career? To date, the most memorable moment in my music career was being the musical guest in Kassel Germany for the Voices United Concert. (Invited by New Bern, Craven County native, Jeffrey Staten)
What was your most challenging moment? My most challenging moment was my first performance after my father died on July 15, 2018.
Who are your musical influences? Too many to name, but I’ll try. They are Tramaine Hawkins, Dolly Pardon, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Kenny Rogers, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle, Mary J. Blige, Barry White, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Shirley Caesar, Vicki Winans, CeCe Winans, Luther Barnes, Debra Barnes, Le’andria Johnson, Mary Mary, Tamala Mann, Andrae Crouch, The Winans, Jennifer Hudson, Gospel Keynotes, Jackson Southernaires, John P. Kee, Yolanda Adams and Fantasia.
If you could do a duet and or have someone, write a song for you from your favorite artist, dead or alive, who would it be? *Tramaine Hawkins and/or Marvin Winans.
What is the last song you’ve listened to by another artist and who are your present favorites? (One Thing by Marvin Sapp) My present favorites are Bonita Burney Simmons, Cece Winans, Tamala Mann, Todd Dulaney, Vivian Jamison Hargett, Le’Andria Johnson, and Donald Lawrence.
What was your most embarrassing moment while at a live performance or interview? Live performance at Bethel in Kannapolis, N.C. 2015/2016 I forgot the opening lyrics to a song that I wrote (re-arranged) But I had time to go to my car and listen to it before I had to sing it.
How many singles/albums do you have out presently and are there any projects in the works? 4 full albums, 3 singles, and 1 live album to be released any day now.
What are your weird habits or traditions before performing live or recording? Yes. Consecration. Something's still coming through fasting and praying. (No TV social media, early morning prayer, and realignment with what God has spoken and declaring His will over my life)
What advice would you like to give to an upcoming artist? Be true to you that God has called! Be the authentic you. Take notes of those that you admire, study your craft, but never allow yourself to be boxed in! Be consistent in your love for God. Love God, serve God, and be confident in knowing being called and chosen by God requires allowing Him to guide you; trust Him and follow! Don’t be anxious for the stage, God is preparing you for a Platform!.triedbyfireinc.org
END OF INTERVIEW
Disclaimer: The Bible scriptures posted below by The Indie Post, taken from The New American Standard Version Bible Verse, are not the words of the above interviewee.
"John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him."
"Romans 10:9-13 9 [f]that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, [g]resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, [h]resulting in salvation.
11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE [i]PUT TO SHAME.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13for “EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”
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