Utilising a combination of catchy, sing-along melodies, penetrating lyrics, searing rap vocals and a poignant live show – Fruit Vendor creates a fresh sound that appeals to a diverse audience.

Fruit Vendor’s work is nestled firmly between the socially conscious protest songs of yesteryear, carefully crafted to deconstruct listeners’ pre-conceptions by leading them in with heart-warming acoustic soul and his pure vocal delivery, only to sprinkle them with a dash of percussive rap that leaves no stone unturned. 

In 2014, he won first place in Music Experience’s Cape Town Folk ‘n Acoustic Music Festival competition. A year later at the festival, he was singled-out and commended by David Kramer for possessing a “fresh sound” as an artist whose work contains a good balance between serious and comedic subject matter. Kramer also praised his use of audience interaction. This was mirrored by Real Wired Music founder and SAMA nominated jazz musician Gavin Minter, “(Fruit Vendor) brought something totally new and fresh to the table, unlike anything else we have heard before. He included a folky spoken word element that really impressed us.” 

In addition, Alma Café’s Richard Tait has called him “…the most complete performer I’ve had the privilege of watching. His guitar playing, singing, songwriting and even his banter is exceptionally good.”

In 2015 he won the Western Cape leg of the South African Artist Development Association’s nationwide talent competition.

He has played at numerous events and festivals around South Africa and has shared stages with David Kramer, Die Antwoord, Kahn Morbee (The Parlotones), Prime Circle, Karen Zoid, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, Matthew Mole, aKing, Hemel Besem, Albert Frost, Adriaan Brand (Springbok Nude Girls), Tony Cox, Jitsvinger, Melanie Scholtz, Tribal Echo, Majozi, Richard Stirton, Zoe Modiga, Lana Crowster, Donovan Copley (Hotwater), Paige Mac, Siphokazi Jonas, Eden Myrrh, Alysia Harris (USA) and Chris Redmond (UK).

His debut EP entitled “Giants” was released independently in 2016.

I make soothing beats & sample packs 🥀

WorshipMob is a Jesus-centered movement, to encourage:  identity in Christ, unity of believers, & freedom in worship.

Some artists enter the studio determined to make a radical departure from who and what they are, or indulge some musical flavor of the month in a bid to expand the fan base. In either event, those strategies often backfire — though in staying true to his calling, GRAMMY® winner Chris Tomlin thinks not of popularity, but rather the populace his music can touch and encourage.

“I’m not trying to make a different kind of record,” says Tomlin of his latest effort, Love Ran Red “It’s still the same path I started down: writing songs for the church, songs people can sing, songs that connect with people in their heart and move them in a way only songs can. That’s not changed — and yet this collection I feel is the strongest I’ve ever done.”

That’s setting the bar quite high for his tenth studio recording, given that his last effort “Burning Lights” kicked off 2013 as a No. 1 album. It also led to sold-out tour dates, Billboard Music Awards, being named a BMI Songwriter of the Year and receiving the K-LOVE Fan Award for Male Vocalist of the Year and Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year.

Yet Love Ran Red picks up where its predecessor left off. True to its title, it expresses beating-heart faith and channels love’s ceaseless flow into a dozen songs to get the blood pumping and spirits soaring.

To that end, Love Ran Red shows Tomlin reaching and stretching forward, even as he leans back on what’s always worked best. Produced by longtime friend and collaborator Ed Cash (Kari Jobe, Vince Gill, David Crowder* Band, Dave Barnes, Steven Curtis Chapman), the album strikes stirring tones of hope, praise and the peace found only in God’s presence. 

Kim Walker-Smith has quickly become one of the strongest voices in worship music. She is a passionate worship leader with an anointing to bring an entire generation into an encounter with God. Her heart is to see people transformed by experiencing God’s love and for this generation to see themselves the way God sees them. Kim has been a part of Jesus Culture since the beginning of the ministry and now serves as president of the Jesus Culture Music label. She carries a genuine heart to see worship change the course of lives and nations. Kim is married to Skyler Smith and together they have two sons, Wyatt and Bear.

Hosted by Ant McDonald, The Beautiful Pursuit is a podcast for the passionate ones. The ones who feel a fire in their bones, and the ones who wish they did. Originally dreamt up as a worship podcast (for worship leaders and musicians), The Beautiful Pursuit is more like a falling into the deep well of worship and never climbing out. To live encouraged. Inspired. And built up in Love.

BenDanielGerber is following