It started two years ago in January 2011 when a young group of Winston-Salem State University students and church friends thought of the idea to start a Christian inspirational musical group.
Timika Peterson has been the mastermind and leader of the gospel group called Timika Peterson, The Few Chosen & Stereo.
“Our music is in between Christian and inspirational, that way we can appeal to people from different religions,” Peterson said. “Those who don’t believe in God, but they believe something can still be motivated.”
Within just two years, the group has blossomed. They have traveled to perform in Charlotte, Greensboro, Atlanta and other cities for youth events and conferences.
In fact, last year the group performed on a large platform with many well-known gospel artists such as Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, and Lecrae in front of an audience of 10,000 during Carowinds’ annual Joyfest concert.
The group went national in June when they traveled to Nashville, Tenn. to record a segment on “Bobby Jones Presents.”
“It was great seeing that person that you see on TV every Sunday and finally getting to where he’s at,” keyboard player Derius Kelly said.
“Bobby Jones Presents” is a television show that typically features young, new, and rising artists of this generation. It airs Friday nights on the Impact channel.
The group consists of nine members including singers and band members.
Prior to the assembly of the group, most of them fellowshiped with one another through church or school.
“Education is very important to us,” singer Shamara Morrison said.
The group was inspired to sing because of their desire to impact young people.
“Seeing the young people, made it easy to have a relationship with Christ,” Peterson said.
Peterson, who took over as the director of Kiddie Land Kindergarten when her mother Linda died earlier this year, said the group members have been involved in music for as long as they can remember.
“All of us started very young in choirs and various groups,” she said. “My mother was a singer. She sang at weddings and funerals, so when she took over the day care, she decided to let my brother and I take over the singing.”
Prior to going out on stage to perform for Bobby Jones, the group was a little nervous. But their host made them feel right at home, embracing them with open arms.
“Everybody’s a little uptight and nervous, so he came out there and broke the ice,” Kelly said.
Morrison said she was more excited than anything.
“It’s just Bobby Jones, anybody who’s in the gospel industry knows that’s who you want to come in contact with,” she said. “He’s one of those people who inspire and push new artists to get out there.”
Before going on television, the group members had to learn some dance moves to go along with their performance of “More Than A Conqueror.” They also had to get dolled up backstage using the help of the crew to pick out their wardrobe and apply makeup.
“You have to be TV ready; it is a learning experience,” Peterson said. “My mom always told me if you feel nervous that means you have no choice but to depend on God.”
They didn’t let their nerves hinder their performance. In fact, after the show the group got positive feedback from Jones himself.
“It opened bigger doors for networking and more engagements,” Peterson said.
The experience has inspired the group to continue growing.
“We want to stay hungry and not settle,” Kelly said.
Peterson said the group is elated about the future.
“The sky’s not the limit anymore, it’s the moon, it’s heaven,” she said.
Asia Wilson is a senior at Lenior-Rhyne University and an intern at the Post.