Raphael Ashanti Music

Raphael Ashanti Born in Fulton County, in the border state of Kentucky but raised in the Midwest-Michigan City, IN; Gary, IN; Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI. Raphael Ashanti, a songwriter and vocalist received his anointing in music through the black Pentecostal church. His early development years centered on listening and performing in live bands which nurtured his love for music and entertainment. After a brief enlistment in the US Navy, Raphael used his GI bill to attend the Milwaukee Area Technical College majoring in Occupational Music. It was in Milwaukee where he met and trained with the two greatest musical influences in his life, renowned jazz vocalist Jesse Hauck and child prodigy, jazz pianist and musical genius Tony King. Armed with a Music Business degree he transplanted south where he attended Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL) where he pursued African American studies and Acting while maintaining his love for music by traveling and singing in the FAMU concert choir. After College, in 1992 Raphael relocated to Pensacola, FL took a job as a Florida State Corrections Officer and concentrated on raising his three boys. A few years later, in 1999 his passion for music motivated him to join a gospel quartet, the Christian Disciples. This union took him back to his beginning roots in gospel music. The group published a self-titled acapella CD and disbanded after three years. In 2002 he became one-third of the urban/contemporary Christian trio the Priest, The Prophet & The Poet under the management of Keefer Cotton of Quad City Sounds of Dothan, AL, an affiliate of ex-heavyweight boxing champ Evander Holyfield’s ‘Real Deal’ record label. The trio appeared at Pastor Donnie McClurkin's annual "Back To Holiness" conferences in Nashville, TN; Teresa Harriston's "Gospel Heritage Festivals" in Atlanta, GA; opening ministries for the world renown gospel hall of famer Dottie Peoples; Urban Youth festivals with Canton Jones in South Florida; to Pensacola's own annual Gospel Songwriters Workshop with Bishop Leonard Scott, William Becton, and Troy Sneed. Under Keefer’s management, the group turned out one publication ‘The Daystar All Stars’ 2004. After the shocking passing of manager Keefer Cotton, who lost his battle with cancer, the group went on to publish two additional projects; a mega-single Alpha & Omega 2005 and their full-length 19 track CD ‘The Vision’ 2007. The trio dissolved in 2008 over differences in direction. In 2009, Raphael began writing songs for his solo project ‘Stronger Than Yesterday’ with creative input from friend, music producer and former Priest Prophet Poet member Rodney ‘Doc C’ Goldsmith aka ‘The Poet.’ This new project took a turn toward Neo-Soul/R&B. This direction has its influence in early childhood exposure to artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Peabo Bryson, and Bobby Womack and others; the music of the seventies. What the adults of that era typically referred to as grown-folk’s-music. Raphael prefers music with great passion and great story lines with good moral and ethical standards. He prefers what he can feel to what he can hear any day. Raphael’s music takes you on a journey of faith hope and personal testimony. Through it, one achieves a true to life sense of inspiration that is sure to leave you emotionally charged, but in a cool, calm and collective sort of way. “I was moved by his voice, so tranquil and so soothing yet passionate. His songs are lyrically well written. This gentleman is well on his way to becoming a household name in the music community. His sound is so moving; the single “The Rain” is so tranquil and soothing. The single “So Many Tears” is a unique track; I have enjoyed listening to his music and I know he will soon touch the world with it.” Sheila Henley, (Henley & Associates Entertainment, Executive Editor, W.I.N.E. Magazine). “His compilation of dynamic songs provides something for everyone who enjoys good music. His sound is innovative, the messages are clear and you will want to hear them repeatedly." Minister Lumon Scott III (East Hill COGIC, Pensacola, FL). “Raphael is a very good songwriter; he has a song for all seasons. His song choices will appeal to the young and the old as he provides tender ballads and toe tapping melodies to uplift your spirit.” Debra Thompson, President (Gospel Songwriters Music workshop, Tampa, FL). “Raphael produces and promotes good clean, wholesome, moral and ethical music. He is creating music that heals the hearts and minds of all who care to listen. He gives you feeling, the boy has got soul.” Rodney ‘Doc C’ Goldsmith (Music Producer, Dzynz Unlimited, Atlanta, GA). “One of the best Independent artist I have worked with. This guy is a Singer’s Singer, a sooth operator, technique and studio knowledgeable, a producer’s dream.” Steve Allen (Producer SquareOne Studios, Nashville *Franklin,* TN). Click HERE to READ ABOUT ME. Songwriter/Soul-Sanga. Website (www.RaphaelAshanti.com) Follow Me (https://twitter.com/raphaelashanti)