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Industry News
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Ramiyah
A mighty sound indeed, with lyrics written by PAJAM, Ramiyah is a gift of classic religious themes based on everyday experiences. "It's not common for young people in this day and age to listen to gospel music," says Stephanie. "We show them it's cool to stand up for God," adds DeLaurian. A declaration that's heard loud and clear on the up-tempo track, "Here We Go": "If you came here to dance/and to clap your hands/and to praise Him like it's like your last chance/can you holla/holla." But the uplifting messages on Ramiyah are also delivered in contemporary ballads like "I Told You," that tells of a young woman who finds balance when she decides to face her loneliness and challenges with faith. Then there's the symphonic backdrop and powerful harmonies on "Waiting," a prayerful wish for redemption, which showcase their vocal range and choir trained roots. "I was about 5 years old when I started singing with the choir," shares Sherise. Though it's tough nowadays for them to make it to regular services, "all of our churches have been in full support of what we're doing," says Stephanie. Undoubtedly true since they've spent most of their lives worshiping in the house of the Lord. Each of them even heard about the auditions to be in the group that way. "Paul Allen and I attend the same church so he asked me to audition," says DeLaurian, one half of the rap force in Ramiyah. "They approached me at a gospel concert," adds Sherise, the other rapper of the bunch. "I was referred by Sherise," laughs Tracy. "I was singing at a talent show for my church when they asked me to audition," says Stephanie. The strength of Ramiyah might be their energy, performance, and solid production but these young women are aware of the reality that most girl groups don't last, "But when you're chosen to do something there's no getting out," adds Stephanie, "this is ordained by God." It's that type of conviction that shines in every song on Ramiyah and ultimately certifies them as one blessed act here to stay.
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