Our Exclusive Interview with Decipha: "Those Who Are in Christ Cannot Rely on the Things of the Earth"

Born into a family of musicians and being a middle child, Decipha was captured by the Lord at a very young age to promote the truths of God in a very bold manner. While still perfecting his craft as an artist, Decipha looks to flood the ears of everyone who hears, with the reality of who Christ is and the true God who is eternal life.

While preparing for the latest CTZN Collective Album, touring overseas, working full time for Children's Hunger Fund, Decipha looks forward to releasing more chapters from Analytics, a new EP in the Spring, and a sophomore album to be announced soon.

Hallels:  Thank you so much for doing this interview with us.  I have read that you came from a family of musicians, how has your family influenced you in your music ministry?

My Mother is a singer and has grown up singing and acting. When she was in the army she sang in the band. I witnessed her singing in front of many crowds, stateside and in Germany. I remember going on field trips and it so happen to be to see my mother singing at a production put on by the military. I remember that my mother would leave to travel to different places in Europe to perform; even singing for former Vice President Dan Quale with my older sister on one occasion.

After marrying my step Father who was a Christian, we began to be a church singing family. My mother would practice songs with my young brother, my older sister and myself, to be ready to sing in church. We practiced stage presence, vocals, even things we would say if asked. My mother constantly made up songs to sing, even during Christmas she organized a community choir where she remixed "little drummer boy" and even wrote a rap to it.

My brother is a naturally gifted musician. With no formal training or schooling, he has been able to master piano, drums, and production. While my sister who is a dancer singer and actress, was always in show choirs and stage productions.

Growing up we were all involved in music in some capacity, whether it was through church, community events or school. I believe God used this to shape and mold me into who I am today, lyrically, and socially. Musical theater is what I first went to school for in Chicago, following the footsteps of my cousin Velisia Lekae who has been in Broadway musicals such as "Motown".

Hallels:  For our readers who may not be familiar with your music, how would you describe your style?  Who would you say are some musical artists you admire?

I would describe my style as a mix of Midwest fast chopping (Tongue twisting) hard-hitting music, with East-coast lyricism. The Musical artist I admire are people like Eminem, KB, Swoope, Ludacris, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Jackie Hill and Odd Thomas. I feel Like I HAVE to have these people on the list because I quite literally know when I listen to them I am easily inspired to do more.

Hallels:  You are a founding member of CTZN Collective.  Tell us more about CTZN Collective.

CTZN Collective is the result of years of Kareem and myself growing together and learning the same lessons by experiencing a lot of the same mistakes. We one day looked up and realized we had close to 30 songs together. Yet, it is also sparked out of a passion to serve and build with other artist who desire community and are also on a journey towards Christ as artists. A many of you might not know, I am something of a geek. When it comes to comics, and movies, and current events, as well as simply learning random things, as an artist I use all of those simple life learned lessons to point to Christ and to esteem Him greatly. A lot of times artist can feel lonely on their own minds, and it is this truth that allows for them to be susceptible to unique attacks by the enemy. This is why marriages for artist need to be on constant watch, why pornography thrives for artists, why even suicide plagues the minds of artist. We by no means think that artists are the only ones experiencing these things, but CTZN Collective seeks to use what God has given us to point and promote the true Kings, the realest reality, and a sustained identity...that is only found in Christ.

Hallels:  Congratulations on the release of your new single "See My Day."  Tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it.

The inspiration behind "See My Day" came from the title of my upcoming EP "Deo Volente (God Willing)." I wanted simply to point people to a truth about God, that His will is perfect, that His way is pure, and that His Path is truly righteous. For those that walk according to His will, we cannot help but look forward to more of Him. We are in a paradoxical position as Christians, because we are satisfied and content in Christ, but Darn'it our truer desire is to have more, and more of God. In fact we desire to see others chase after more of God. If there was one attack on the Christian faith I would say to be more watchful about, it is the attack on Christology in Christendom. More often in our literature and orthopraxy today, we see an esteeming of man, a lifting up of ME and a lessening of Christ and what He has said. In order to believe things like the Prosperity Gospel, Christology has to be limited if not eliminated. Even in less distracting "Christian Circles" do we see a "YOU CAN DO IT, You CAN MAKE IT" attitude when it comes getting what you want or desire. There is a sense in which God is okay but Christ is offensive to us. He demands to much while at the same time you give nothing and he has to be the one giving everything (His own life). We have to either re-define what Christ says or ignore the Bible altogether in order to continue in the directions we head that do not promote Christ in all His beauty. I digress, but "See My Day" is a simple reminder that, those who are in Christ cannot rely on things of this earth, we do not look forward to trivial events and perishable materials. NO we rejoice to See the Day that Jesus is ruling reigning and making His home in the hearts of men.

Hallels:  Are you currently working on a full-length album?  If you are, who are you working with?  And when it be released?

I am working on two Projects, as mentioned "Deo Volente" will be an EP with some surprises. Then "Wrath & War" is the album I am currently cooking up. I plan to continue working with Jah Rockin as far as production is concerned. I am hoping for a winter release of DV and a later Summer release of W&W.

Hallels:  I have read that you are also working for Children's Hunger Fund.  Can you share with us more about this ministry?

While I have recently left Children's Hunger Fund to serve as Youth Pastor at Holy Trinity Church in Chicago, I will tell you that Children's Hunger Fund is an amazing organization that seeks to serve children in need by providing resources to local churches who then reach out to families by building relationships with them. The organization has been around since 1991 training pastors and church leaders on what Biblical Gospel centered mercy ministry is and they serve in places all around the world, with offices in Chicago, LA, and San Antonio.

Hallels:  For our readers who would like to find out more about you and your music, where can they go?

Please visit the CTZN Music websire www.ctznmusic.com and click on DECIPHA. You can find links to my facebook, twitter, and Instagram there.

 

 

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