Nhojj » John Martinborough Coming home

Happy Mother’s Day

Nhojj — Sun, 08 May 2011 13:48:08 +0000

Happy mother’s day to all the mommys out there. We wouldn’t be here without your love ~ and this song goes out to you. I wrote A Song for Mother for my mother, and in this video, my siblings and I are singing it for her 70th birthday celebration. Enjoy one of my favorite mommy moments:)

Love & Light
Nhojj

John Martinborough Coming home

Nhojj — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:38:17 +0000

I remember my first time… It was noon, and the congregation watched me make my way to the pulpit. They fanned vigorously, expecting the miracle of music. I took a deep breath, gripped the microphone with both hands, and gazed up to heaven. Everyone in the sanctuary waited. This is the first time I would publicly gives praise and thanks to God.

I was 5 years old, and not yet conscious of fear. I opened my mouth, and the first sounds of my voice escaped my lips. The notes drifted sweetly upwards, past the rafters – my prayer of faith, hope, and love. I took another breath, allowing myself to journey into God’s sanctuary. Here in this traditional meditation, nothing else mattered – only my voice and the joyful sounds in my soul.

Every church member knew my father – the preacher, my sister – the choir director, my brother – the singer. But only my mother knew my heart, only my mother heard the song I sang each day. Only a mother could hear the message, a little boy’s mind was too young to distinguish.

I love you mother for seeing and hearing the music in me and suggesting that first performance that started me on this journey. This CD “Coming home” is a dedication to you, and a gift and to all mothers who love God and their children unconditionally. Please be blessed by this unique sacred musical experience.

“Coming home” features my voice (they tell about 4 octaves:), and the music production of Sam Archer whose work is featured on the movie Soundtrack “Barbershop”. Live violin and cello arrangements on the anthem “It is Well with My Soul” and the meditative “Tread Softly” are performed by my best friend April Roach. The reggae flavored “Eye is on the Sparrow” features Caribbean recording saxophonist and flautist Courtney Fadlin along with my long-time singing partner Timothy Anderson. These special testimonies and much more are all inspired to reconnect you to the God within.

The only original song on the CD “A Song for Mother” received honorable mention at the 13th Annual Billboard Song Contest and held the #1 position on the NY Indie Myspace Healing & Easy Listening, Religious, and Gospel Music Charts.

Imagine journeying into God’s sanctuary. A beautiful and deeply spiritual experience, and exploring faith, hope and love through songs penned over the span of 300 years. From traditional hymns to Negro spirituals, from Anthems to Gospel favorites – all giving testimony to God’s loving power to heal and uplift. All prayerful, joyful and welcoming. Coming to the knowledge that God is our true home.

Minutes passed. And the church erupted in thanksgiving and praise. I remember looking out into the sea of smiling faces, surprised. I had hoped the experience would last longer – that I would have more time to play with the musical notes. But it was alright, because the message was clear. Amen

A Song for Mother Lyrics

Nhojj — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:24:23 +0000

You gave me life
You held me close
A Heart of pure gold

My first breath
My first step

You watched me grow

You called my name
Goodness and light
You gave me hope

This is my song for you

The hours
The lessons
The words and the books

The questions
The answers

The knowledge- the truth

Right and wrong
You made me strong
The power in you

And this is my song for you

The prayers you prayed
The nights you stayed
Down On your knees

The tears you cried, the pain you hide
The joy that you bring
The love you give

The life you live
The truth in your goals

You’re a rose enriching my soul

I honor you
I cherish you
I lift you up

I pray for you only the best
And in the heavens above
That You will hear for eternity
This message of love

This is my song for you

–Words & Music by Nhojj

“A Song for Mother” was written for my mother. I’ve always been a mama’s boy, my mother was the first person who encouraged me and inspired me to sing. When I was 5 years old singing around the house – it was my mother who suggested the I sing in church. I will always love you mother:)