Alive in South Africa by Israel and New Breed

The Christian music industry is replete with artists who have made excellent contributions to our spiritual development through their gifts. We are eternally grateful as the lyrics from their songs have in many cases become valued in our journey through salvation. Israel and New Breed are definitely a breath of fresh air in Christian music. I must confess that my initial exposure to cross-cultural worship didn’t occur until college. It seemed as if I was caught in a cultural vacuum. My discovery of the vastness of Christian music, and it’s power to erase barriers, was my awakening as a professional musician.

Fresh off a string of successful music projects, (Israel and New Breed’s last musical offering, Live From Another Level was nominated for a 2005 Grammy), Israel and New Breed have taken it to another level with their newest release on the Integrity Gospel label. The chosen venue: South Africa

Israel Houghton , the group’s multi-talented leader, is considered a pioneer of cross-cultural worship. He serves as Worship Leader at one of America’s largest churches: Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. Israel’s newest project, Alive in South Africa is a musically broad 2-CD set. It blends traditional African anthems of praise, new material, mainstream worship standards, and favorites from previous albums. Fans of Israel will enjoy hearing “Friend of God,“ “New Season,� and “You Are Good� again.

To further the cross-cultural theme of the project, Israel invites internationally renowned jazz artist and Cape Town native, Jonathan Butler to lead the thousands in attendance in a rousing praise tune entitled, “Come and Let Us Sing.�

I experienced the group live in concert three years ago, I left the venue having experienced the presence of God, not a concert. I again stand amazed at Houghton’s ability to bring people together for the glory of God. As I listened to Alive in South Africa, I praised, worshipped, wept, danced, and prayed. If only all Christian music evoked the same passion for God in the listener.

I believe Christian music is made better through the efforts of Israel and New Breed. Their “brand� of music beckons people from all walks of life into deeper relationship with God through passionate praise and worship. Join Israel and New Breed as they take you on an adventure of worship with no limits or boundaries!

Rating: 10/10

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