Why We Sing

Candice Dixon sits down with Daytin Thomas for an honest conversation about faith, music, and identity beyond the gift. Dayton shares his journey from perfectionism to surrender, what it truly means to be a worshiper versus a singer, and how his upcoming album bridges the gap between CCM and gospel music. Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www....

On this inspiring episode of Why We Sing, Candice Dixon sits down with singer and songwriter Joy Johnson for a heartfelt conversation about discovering her gift, the difference between singing and worship, and the importance of living a surrendered life. Joy Johnson shares candid stories about her spiritual journey, the influence of her family, and how her relationship with God shapes her music an...

In this episode of Why We Sing, Candice Dixon sits down with our new co-host, Jh'Quan Dunn, to discuss his journey as a musician, the importance of music in both church and everyday life, how his relationship with God and the Holy Spirit guides him during church services, and much more! Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@UC...

In this episode of the "Why We Sing" podcast, our guest co-host Aniya Hall sits down with two of Baton Rouge’s standout Christian rap artists, AV Mitchell and Calvin Brown (also known as 180 Slim). They dive deep into their personal journeys—how they got started in the Christian rap scene, the challenges and transformations they faced, and the powerful impact their music has on communiti...

In this episode of Why We Sing, Candice sits down with our own, artist and educator, Rose Britten, affectionately known as Radiant Rose! We delve into creative expression whether that be through things like singing, music, dancing, spoken word. It’s an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss! Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube...

In this episode of Why We Sing, Candice sits down with Melodie Simmons, Entrepreneur, Content Creator, and Worship Leader at Bethany Church. Tune in as we dive into Melodie’s journey of faith, creativity, and the heart behind her worship. It’s an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss! Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@...

In this episode of Why We Sing, Candice sits down with Victoria Armstrong, founder of Curate for Women and co-owner of 4th Floor Film Agency. Their conversation moves through topics of courage, overcoming self-doubt, and the journey of creating spaces for women to connect and grow. They touch on the powerful impact of music and how certain songs become personal anthems during different seasons of...

In this episode of "Why We Sing," we sit down with D'Lisia Lloyd, a singer and songwriter with a unique and powerful voice. Growing up in a musical family, D'Lisia discovered her love for singing at an early age, but her journey wasn't without its challenges. She shares her story of navigating the music industry, her moments of doubt, and the passion that keeps her singing de...

In this insightful episode of Why We Sing, we delve into the journey of Nancy Armstrong, a psalmist, teacher, and recording artist with a powerful voice rooted deeply in faith. Nancy shares her personal experiences from growing up in a musically-inclined family to becoming a celebrated figure in the gospel industry. The episode covers her motivations, the challenges she has faced, and how her fait...

Minister, author, and rapper, Dr. Jameson Alston joins us on this episode of Why We Sing where we delve into how he started rapping, his call to ministry, his journey to using his gift again for the glory of God. Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@UCFMDigital For more information on Why We Sing and United Christian Faith Minist...

In this episode, Pastor Mark Ellis discusses why we sing at Christmas and the importance of music to this holiday season. We explore how the origin of Christmas music is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative where angels celebrated the birth of Jesus with songs of joy and praise. This has continued to inspire the tradition of singing during the Christmas season. Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check...

In this episode, Melvin Ukaegbu discusses his journey as a singer-songwriter and engineer, starting from his musical roots in Nigeria. He shares insights on balancing multiple talents, his songwriting process, and his vision for creating Christian music that reaches beyond traditional church settings. Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www.yout...

Elder Ernest Bowman Jr. is a minister of music and the adviser of the Southern University Gospel Choir. With over a decade of experience guiding young voices, Ernest brings a wealth of knowledge about music, leadership, and spiritual growth. In this episode, we'll dive into Ernest's musical journey, his approach to mentoring young artists, and the profound impact of gospel music on both pe...

In this episode of "Why We Sing," Timothy Britten Jr, our passionate music director, shares his deep connection to music and its role in ministry. He discusses the importance of creativity and exploration in different musical genres, emphasizing the impact of music in uplifting and changing lives for the kingdom of God. He shares personal experiences and insights into the spiritual and t...

Join Candice Dixon as she interviews Xavian D. Lewis on this inspiring episode of Why We Sing. Xavian shares his journey as a singer, from his viral video performance of "A Change Is Gonna Come" to leading the gospel choir at Alcorn State University. Xavian offers profound reflections on the importance of music in conveying emotions, bridging barriers, and connecting with God. This episo...

Angela Manuel Davis is an athlete, international fitness evangelist, and motivational coach. As a former member of the USA Track and Field Team, Angela was a five-time All-American who held world rankings in the 100 meter dash. Her spin classes have become a wildly popular source of spiritual inspiration for many; Oprah even calls her classes "church on a bike"! In this interview, Angela...

Mark Ellis Jr., the Youth Minister of Music at United Christian Faith Ministries, discusses his lifelong passion for singing and music, and the influence of his musical parents. He also describes his role in directing the Ablaze Youth Choir and the challenges and rewards of managing a large choir. Mark emphasizes the importance of intentional ministry in music, discusses the intersection of passio...

In this episode, preacher, producer, and podcaster, Brenda Palmer highlights the incredible power of music to shape our emotions and thoughts. She shares openly about how intentional music choices were key in lifting her from a difficult season. Brenda explains how music tells us how to feel and the importance of becoming more aware of what we are meditating on and confessing in the music we liste...

We had the pleasure of talking to the multi-talented, singer, songwriter, producer, and podcaster, Isaiah Roberts! Considering the pressure and expectations of others that came from being the son of well known pastors, Touré Roberts and Sarah Jakes Roberts, Isaiah was, at one point, unsure about releasing music. However, as he came to better understand his identity in God and how his parent's...

Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, discusses her experience playing music, the power and need for music in her life, and the nearly 3 year ministry God has given her with her weekly Winning Wednesday Prayer with the Mayor. Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@UCFMDigital For more information on Why We Sing and...

Our Minister of Music, Nancy Armstrong, caught up with Leonard Burks at the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in New Orleans, Louisiana. Leonard is a songwriter and composer of many popular songs including “Everyday Is A Day of Thanksgiving”! Hosted by Nancy Armstrong Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@UCFMDigital For more information on...

Our youth co-host, Keondra Anthony, sits down with Dr. Kedric Taylor, the Band Director of the Human Jukebox Marching Band of Southern University and A&M College. Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@UCFMDigital For more information on Why We Sing and United Christian Faith Ministries, visit https://www.ucfministries.org

Poet, Teaching Artist, & Community Activist, Donney Rose, discusses the merger of hip-hop and gospel music, sensory detail in music, the responsibility of an artist to reflect the times, and so much more. Donney Rose is a poet, teaching artist, essayist, and community activist from Baton Rouge but currently living in Bowie, MD, with his wife, Leslie D. Rose. Donney has worked extensively in th...

Minister, Singer and Songwriter, Jackie Gouche, candidly shares her life experiences, overcoming drug addiction, her career in the music industry and as a worship leader, and the long legacy of music in her family that she passed on to all three of her Grammy nominated sons; Davion Farris, D Smoke (Daniel Anthony Farris), and Sir Darryl Farris (Inglewood SiR). Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check out...

Dr. Joel Tudman, strength and conditioning coach, author, and Associate Pastor at The Potter's House Dallas, describes how music enables him to hear from God, how he delivers prophecy through singing, and our individual convictions around music. Hosted by Candice M. Dixon Check out the Why We Sing video podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@UCFMDigital For more information on Why We S...