NEW WORSHIP FRIDAY: Afrobeats Worship, Anchor Hymns & Dreaming The Impossible
The Beauty of The Heart of Christ
Anchor Hymns introduces “The Beauty of the Heart of Christ,” a brand-new EP that they describe as “simple songs that tell of God’s nature and that can be passed down generations.” The new project is inspired by the collective’s love for the hymnal tradition and their passion to reignite fresh songs in line with this rich Church heritage. It features six songs that are all meditations on how Christ compels us to love him by loving one another. Recorded live in one take as friends gathered around a piano and an acoustic guitar, the project sought to incorporate an element of “call-and-response” at its core. This detail is meant to encourage listeners to actively participate in singing, and to do so particularly in community.
“It’s a beautiful river of friendship and melody, winding down the hill from the wellspring of Scripture,” said Andrew Osenga, founder of Anchor Hymns.
“The Beauty of the Heart of Christ” is rooted in 1 John 3:16, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us […]” encouraging listeners towards a response of mercy and generous living out of the abundance of God’s love.
Bless The Lord (x10,000)
Afrobeats Worship launches their debut single, “Bless The Lord (x10,000),” a unique reworking of Matt Redman’s classic worship song. Made of Kanji Mbugua and Rashon Murph, Afrobeats Worship brings a unique twist to the global Church’s worship by infusing their African roots into songs that have shaped the modern Church. “Bless the Lord (x10,000)” emerged in a studio session alongside Kenyan artist Rigga as the three musicians pondered on how to rework a beloved Church anthem to make it relevant for younger generations.
“We have seen young people in our lives choosing not to listen to Christian music and it’s alarming to us,” says Kanji. “We wondered what it would look like to create music that young people can vibe to and experience the same powerful truth of God through.”
This unique debut single creates a fresh avenue to connect with God for the African Church and beyond. Initially released on social media, the song quickly gathered attention and Afrobeats Worship saw an overwhelming response. With Redman’s encouragement and excitement, they went on to record the single with additional contributions from Trevor Brown (vocal production), Polycarp Otieno Fancy Fingers (guitar work), and Kenyan collecting Pambio.
“We approached the new arrangement from loving the original with the goal to create a song that young people who love this genre can connect with,” Kanji concludes.
With this introductory release, Afrobeats Worship trailblazes new paths in the worship sphere and seeks to awaken fresh excitement about Jesus and worship in today’s Church.
Jesus, Worthy of our Worship
Vineyard Worship announces a second single recorded live at Dreaming The Impossible titled “Jesus, Worthy Of Our Worship.” Dreaming The Impossible is a festival for young people from churches everywhere which grew to 4,000 this summer. Vineyard worship leaders and songwriters Jon Solway and Beth McNeil explain the heart behind the song:
“It was really on our hearts to write a song that was simply and utterly focused on Jesus. While there are times for other songs, our primary goal is to worship Jesus and nothing more.”
“Jesus, Worthy Of Our Worship” elevates Jesus and echoes the song of Heaven that is and will always be singing ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.