Artist bio

Renee Joseph-Fortune who hails from the beautiful islands of Trinidad and Tobago, daughter of Bertrand Joseph and Debrah-Cooper Joseph began her musical journey at age 3; performing before an audience of thousands. Even at such a tender age, Renee possessed and demonstrated an astonishing level of boldness; a boldness which is even more present in her now and is a key component in the formula which results in Renee' being such the amazing and sensational artiste we see and hear today. This 34 year old Singer/Songwriter continued on her musical journey which lead her to participation in the Trinidad and Tobago 'Full Gospel Music festival', and popular local singing competition-' Digicel Rising Stars'. Renee' also functioned for years as a Wedding singer and once worked with local artistes such as the phenomenal Nisa and groundbreaking recording and performing artiste, Russell Leonce. Those experiences coupled with the mentoring in her earlier years by vocal coach and producer, Mr. Cleon Richardson and the musical influences of Helen Baylor, Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell and Chrisette Michele, proved to be extremely valuable and effective in Renee's development as a vocalist. Though Renee may be labelled by many as a Gospel Jazz and soca artiste, (this being her predominant style), she definitely showcases her versatility in performing a wide variety of musical genres which includes Afro, Reggae and other international genres. This versatility has been captured on her debut album called 'Shades of Praise.’ Renee also gives much credit to her husband, Emile Fortune; a musician and the founder of 4Tune Productions, as he helped her to push the envelope, break away from the mediocrity and give form and substance to her individuality and sound. Renee's music is all about expressing adoration to God, through which others are encouraged to seek a closer, personal relationship with Him, and experience the blessings and joy in this life which so many only ever dream or think about. Her mission is to touch lives and help others to connect with God. A mission and passion which is fueled by her life's experiences. Which such boldness and style which lends to the assurance that beauty is not only in the eyes of the beholder, but also in the ear of the listener, Renee' is poised for greatness. Anointed, appointed and blessed by God, Renee hopes to be a voice of hope, comfort and encouragement to this generation and is committed to the mission of positively influencing the lives of all those who would experience the music and ministry of Renee.

Title

OLUWA IS

Medium/Genre

Gospel / Inspirational

Artist Statement

Being a believer in Christ is truly a purpose filled but challenging walk. I battled with my faith in Christ in my heart and mind, because I struggled with infertility and as a result endured years of miscarriages. This brought much ridicule throughout the years, self-doubt and depression, almost losing all hope. However in 2019, God sent a timely servant who prophesied that He was about to give me a son, because I endured during the tough times and remained faithful. In 2021, I was lovingly chastised by God to open my heart again allowing Him to mentally and physically repair and heal the pains that caused much damage in my life. I was able to see where I overlooked personal traits hindering my breakthrough, which brought me to a place of complete surrender of my life to the loving arms of God. This artwork, entitled ‘Oluwa Is’ speaks about celebrating the miracle and deliverance that God promised with the birth of my son in 2022. Because of Him, I won the battle against infertility and the miscarriages I experienced for ten years of my marriage. I am now equipped with a powerful testimony and can rejoice at Satan’s impressive defeat. From almost losing all faith, to becoming stronger in my mind and heart, I know God is truly faithful and beautifully just, to fulfill all of His promises. In Yoruba, ‘Oluwa Is’ means ‘God Is’, and for me, God is anything and everything I need for my life. I aspire to inspire everyone battling with infertility and lost hope, to know and believe that God truly is everything we need Him to be.

How it fits into contest

“Yes you are Yahweh...” The starting lyrics of ‘Oluwa Is’, is packed with the power, assurance, confirmation and authority of who God is. In the scripture Ephesians 6:19, Apostle Paul firmly declared despite his present condition of imprisonment, he desired to continue to be used by God to speak and reveal the mysteries of the Gospel. Thus, ‘Oluwa Is’, is a bold declaration of the mysteries of God and His miracle working power to save and deliver us out of all forms of bondage. This wonder working power of Yahweh defies the limitations of the intelligences of this world. No mathematical equation, geographical location or historical reference can deny the existence of the living Triune God. The mysteries of His power are available and revealed to all who diligently seek after God Hebrews 11:6, and His godly wisdom and understanding Proverbs 4 5:9. Therefore, it is imperative that our hearts and minds be open to His will to fully grasp and unlock the truth of His word.
In this life we may never fully escape the bonds that we fight against daily. However, our perceived bonds should never hold us back from being ambassadors of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as Apostle Paul acknowledged his obvious physical bonds of captivity Ephesians 9:20, it did not diminish his testimony of truth and his determination to continue to write and speak the truth. ‘Oluwa Is’ also encourages us to speak, sing and boldly declare that we are set free from spiritual bonds and demonic control, and as such we can live a life of enriched testimonies of the miraculous goodness of God. From the intentional worship chants to the African infused lyrics and music, ‘Oluwa Is’, is a song of celebration of a victory already won. This victorious battle cry is fully achieved when the whole armor of God is in place and proved to be effective in protecting us from all attacks of the enemy. God is everything and in His omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient state, He has provided all that we need to live a continuous victorious life.

Credits

Video Director: Christian Morris (Augmentech Studios)
Project Co-ordinators- Krystle Bascombe & April George
Dance team: Posettdanceco

Special thanks to Sponsors:
Allison Brown
Angel Glow Designs
Danzelments
Denim Inc. - Body, Soul and Spirit
Fancyfunfaces101
Heather’s Golden Touch
Kion Raymond
Mr and Mrs. Joseph
Mr. and Mrs Humphreys
Ramdin Family
Something Special With A Touch of Glam
Terry David
Vivid Heart Photography
ZMARI

Music / Sound Sources

Written & Sung by: Renèe Fortune
Produced by: Reuel Lynch (Deer Panteth Productions)
Mixed & Mastered by: Emile Fortune (4Tune Productions)
Additional Vocals: Reuel Lynch.
Background Vocals: Renèe Fortune

Transcript / Lyrics

Song: OLUWA IS
INTRO
Yahweh, Yahweh, Yahweh, Yah, Yah, Yah

VERSE
Yes you are Yahweh,
You provide for me like the sand on the sea shore
Every day that I’m breathing
I am reassured,
Mathematically, You multiply
Geographically, You reside
Historically, You show me
You’re the same
Today and forever more

PRE CHORUS
You take my sins away,
All my Goliaths You slay,
You are amazing
Lifting me up when I’m down
Setting me free from my bonds,
You are sustaining
Breaking me from my Spiritual holds
Delivering me from demonic control,
Emotionally, physically, scientifically,
You’re the best for me.

CHORUS (Repeat x2)
Oluwa is (God Is) Yahweh oh
Aye ah aye oh na na na,
Sing hallelujah
I Josin (Worship) You Baba(Father)

VERSE TWO
Yahweh, you are the best indeed,
From Canada and London to the West Indies,
You provide all of my needs
Protecting me from (cough 2x’s) “sorry”
No more will I stress oh God
You peak my interest oh ‘cause
Pressure makes diamonds
And every day helps me remember how

PRE CHORUS
You take my sins away
All my Goliaths You slay
You are amazing
Lifting me up when I’m down
Setting me free from my bonds,
You are sustaining
Breaking me from my Spiritual holds
Delivering me from demonic control,
Emotionally, physically, scientifically,
You’re the best for me.

CHORUS (Repeat x2)
Oluwa is (God Is) Yahweh oh
Aye ah aye oh na na na,
Sing hallelujah
I Josin (Worship) You Baba(Father)

WORSHIP CHANT {Repeat x2}
Aye ah aye , Na Na Na
Aye ah aye oh, Na Na Na
Aye ah aye , Na Na Na
Aye ah aye oh, Na Na Na
Oluwa Oluwa Na Na Na
Aye ah aye oh, Na Na Na
Yin jigga, (making praises) Yin Jigga Na Na Na,
Aye ah aye oh, Na Na Na

Yahweh oh aye ah aye oh Na Na
Oluwa is yeah
I Josin you baba

CHORUS (Repeat x2)
Oluwa is (God Is) Yahweh oh
Aye ah aye oh na na na,
Sing hallelujah
I Josin (Worship) You Baba(Father)

Yoruba words and meaning
Oluwa Is – God is
I Josin – I worship
Baba – Father
Yin Jigga - Making Praises

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