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Prince of Ghana: Gospel Singer Micah Stampley Calls the Churh to 'One Voice'

Jessica Brooks - BREATHEcast reporter
[ Oct, Thu. 6 2011 08:36 AM EDT ]
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Micah Stampley calls for unity on his newest project One Voice that will be release October 18th.
On his fifth project, international recording artist Micah Stampley has his eyes set on one goal – to hear the body of Christ singing as “One Voice”.

Known for his instant bass to soprano range and the diverse styles of music he packs into one album, Stampley is returning with his latest project One Voice. The husband and father of five took time out from traveling the world with his ministry to fill in his BREATHEcast fans about his vision behind the album, what listeners can expect from it and other interesting happenings including becoming a prince.

BC: One Voice, the title in itself is a statement. What's the meaning behind the title and how is it lived out in your music?
 
Stampley: The title One Voice is a call to unity. There is great calamity, discord and turmoil in our world today. One Voice is a form of alarm or sound to cause the Christians to first stop fighting amongst ourselves and lead by example. Only then will we be able to help the world at large become more unified.
 
BC: The title track "One Voice" has such beautiful lyrics. What's the story behind this song?

Stampley: The greatest tool for me in my life was growing up in a Christian home. It gave me a priceless and solid foundation that is still allowing me to succeed in life today. The one thing I did lack growing up was having the opportunity to worship with other cultures, races, etc. I now see the world through a different lens. My wife Heidi, who also had the same upbringing as I, began writing the lyrics and melody to this song. My heart dropped when she began to sing it to me. I immediately heard every instrument that should be displayed on this composition. I wrote the music in the bridge, but the bulk of the song was written by Heidi. Lyrically the song is extremely strong. The song is a prayer to God and a letter to the world.
 
BC: Going beyond cultural, geographic, and all other barriers, how can the church unite and become one voice?

Stampley: The church can start by not intimidating others with their various ritualistic views of who they believe Jesus Christ is and learn to love people back to health. I believe there are guidelines we have to live by as true followers of Christ, but many times those biblical roadmaps are used as regulations, bylaws, rules and whipping post. The greatest witness any believer could have is to first live the life of a Christian before others and love people. I believe if our lives are lived with love toward others, Jesus Christ will pull them into His kingdom.
 
BC: Its always hard to narrow your music into one category. On this album you have songs that  are driving like "Hosanna" and ones that are more mellow like "One Voice". How would you describe this album musically?

Stampley: Well, even though there are divers styles/sounds throughout this project any listener can still feel the cohesiveness in the work. I have never been a one dimensional type artist, so the "One Voice" record tells the story of the different, but strong musical influences on the artist and the profound God-given message of love, unity and wholeness. There's praise and worship material. There are deep worshipful tunes. There is also a very contemporary pop melodic adventure in this piece of work as well. The One Voice project has a lot to offer, so I pray that the listeners can appreciate the journey.
 
click here to view the BREATHEcast album review for Micah Stampley's One Voice

BC: Aside from music, we know that you also have a non-profit. Can you tell us about it and what's the overall vision for your ministry?

Stampley: Operation- I BELIEVE is the heart of this ministry. It's the main focal point of what I do. The music gets the attention of the people to enable us to do what we are really called to do: serve people. Everything we do is totally out of pocket and can become quite expensive. However, we are continuously gleaning from others who are successful with this type of work. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and providing shelter on a mass level is where our hearts are, and we are looking forward to seeing our vision come to full fruition as we continue obeying the call of God for our lives.
 
BC: Along with singing, and your non-profit we understand that you are Prince Micah Stampley? What's that about, how and when did this happen?

Stampley: Several years ago I was a guest at a conference in Riverside, California and the keynote speaker was a king from the Se State, Ghana West Africa. Though I didn't know this when I met him, over time we developed a very close and strong father/son relationship which resulted in him wanting to legally adopted me as his son. He has 2 biological daughters (Princess Anna and Princess Demaris), but no biological sons. He's a wonderful father and incredible leader to his family and his kingdom. My royal name, His Royal Highness Prince Micah Martey Adamtey, was taken from my grandfather. It is the greatest honor!

My job as the crowned prince is to support my father’s vision as king of the Se Kingdom and to see the people grow in various areas of their lives. It's a responsibility that I take very seriously and take great joy in being the one God allowed to fill this position as a servant to His people.
 
BC: What are you hoping that your listeners ultimately take away from this album?

Stampley: My prayer is that the listeners won't walk away with just another musical melodic adventure, but also will walk away from the One Voice album with a renewed heart towards individuals who are less fortunate than we are, a motivation to serve God, serve people and focus on the purpose of Jesus Christ for our lives.

Micah Stampley's album One Voice will be available October 18th.

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