Spotlight on: Music and faith go hand-in-hand for Genesis Terrell

Zeke Jennings | By Zeke Jennings | The Jackson Citizen Patriot
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on September 13, 2011 at 8:00 PM
WEB-Genesis Terrell.jpgGenesis Terrell

Genesis Terrell wants his music to appeal to a lot of different people because a lot of different music appeals to him.

His hope is that by doing so, his Christian message will reach a lot of young ears.

Terrell, 30, will release the first single, titled “Recover It All,” off his upcoming album of the same title on Sept. 27.

Terrell is an active member of Holy Life Temple Church of God in Christ in Albion. His website is He also is on

Q: Where does your love of music come from?

A: My mom (Karla Archer-Poindexter) is an amazing singer. For as long as I can remember, she’s been singing around me or singing in church. … I was shy about (singing) at first until I was about 18. I went to a performing arts high school in Columbus (Ohio), and I was in choir and all that. I would turn down solos because I just wasn’t as confident. Then, an opportunity came along to go out to Las Vegas and do some singing and open for the Neville Brothers. From then on, it was like, “This is what I’m supposed to do.”

How would you describe your style?

It’s really hard to put it in a box. I’ve had different opinions on it, because I’ve had some traditional worship, new age worship, rock, funk and rap. … It’s a melting pot of music. I do a cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” but it’s like “Amazing Grace.” Then I have stuff that is — I don’t want to say hardcore hip-hop — but it’s Christian music for people who may like that style and that kind of delivery. Then, I have stuff like Michael Smith and Amy Grant that’s more traditional worship.

Do you worry that mixing so many styles might overwhelm listeners?

A reason that this (project) has taken me so long is a fear of that. Even now, I’m still teetering with things. … Take Usher, for example. He’s known primarily as an R&B artist, but he released a song a few years ago called “OMG,” which was strictly a pop song. They released it to the pop radio stations, but not the R&B and rap radio stations. So, I thought about doing things that way (with marketing).

What are your interests outside of music?

My focus is has always been and always will be ministry and sharing God’s gift. … I’ve done a lot of traveling, made a lot of friends and lost a lot of friends. At the end of the day, I can’t imagine success like that. Success is me being effective at ministry.

How do music and ministry fit together?

I do praise and worship at my church and sing on my praise team. … Music is an avenue to reach teenagers and children and bring them to Christ.


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