Sjuwana Byers & Children of God

Sjuwana Byers and Children of God hail from one of the South's regional hotbeds for gospel music, the great state of Alabama, home to hundreds if not thousands of gospel artists that go from community to community spreading good southern gospel music. Born and raised in a religious environment, Sjuwana was always part of this kind of culture. Just Havin' Church (their first Rampart Street release) aptly fits the description for having a good ole fashioned, foot stomping, hand clapping gathering any time and anywhere the Spirit moves them. It's just how they do things down South, even today.

Sjuwana formed her group, Children of God in 1992. A group that today consists exclusively of family members, as she made sure all her children either sings, plays an instrument, or both. In 1997, Sjuwana Byers and Children of God signed with internationally acclaimed Jamalar Agency and Rampart Street Music, a roots music agency and record label located in the upper 9th ward neighborhood of New Orleans. As a result of this, Sjuwana Byers and Children of God have made appearances all over the country, and abroad in Italy, Spain, Germany and France. Some major festivals have included the Vienna Jazz Festival, Gospel Festival of Gijon, and the Beaujolais Festival in France.
Sjuwana formed her group, Children of God in 1992. A group that today consists exclusively of family members, as she made sure all her children either sings, plays an instrument, or both. In 1997, Sjuwana Byers and Children of God signed with internationally acclaimed Jamalar Agency and Rampart Street Music, a roots music agency and record label located in the upper 9th ward neighborhood of New Orleans. As a result of this, Sjuwana Byers and ?Children of God? have made appearances all over the country, and abroad in Italy, Spain, Germany and France. Some major festivals have included the Vienna Jazz Festival, Gospel Festival of Gijon, and the Beaujolais Festival in France.
Sjuwana's song writing and performance style is not at all typical; in fact it's quite individual, especially today. Sjuwana's music is deep-rooted, traditional and gritty; much like quartet groups from the 1950's, such as The Caravans that featured Shirley Caesar and the Davis Sisters. Sjuwana has also had the privilege to perform with such notable gospel quartets as Keith (Wonderboy) Johnson, Lee Williams, Darrell McFadden & The disciples of New York and the Canton Spirituals.
Over the years, Sjuwana Byers and Children of God have received numerous awards and accolades. Some of these include Best New Artist of the Year (1998) from the American Gospel Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, Best Artist Award (2006) from the Ester Wooten Gospel Quartet Convention and Best Gospel Quartet (2010) from the ?I Hear Music Awards.?
Sjuwana Byers and Children of God have 4 CDs under their musical belts. Just Havin' Church, released in 1999, topped radio charts in Florida, Alabama, Colorado, Tennessee, Ohio and the Carolinas with their hit single, ?Nobody's Fault,? while their second release, Alive in Greenville, did equally well with regional radio and was a big hit in Mississippi, Alabama and Texas. 2005 saw the release of Pick Up The Pieces, Sjuwana's prayer that post Katrina New Orleans and her survivors will be able to pick-up-the-pieces and come back better and stronger. Sjuwana's most explosive project to date is her most recent; Alive In Cincinnati, ?After The Storm.? Recorded live at the House of Deliverance Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, this collection of original music is a testament to Sjuwana's relationship with God, the Almighty and her purpose as a performer of Gospel music. Alive In Cincinnati is currently receiving airplay from radio stations all over the south and throughout the mid-west.
Sjuwana's Children of God are Nikkita Bowden, Joellyn Bivens, Anthony Gray, Christavious Gray and Darius Byers.