Republished.
Lamar Bryan has dedicated much of his talent to performing at nonprofit events aimed at combating gun violence, as well as spreading his message through performances in local churches both in and outside Philadelphia.
LAMAR BRYAN
Philadelphia native Lamar Bryan has emerged as a beacon of inspiration and hope through his contemporary and inspirational music. A talented singer, songwriter, and composer, Bryan's musical journey began in earnest in 2011 when he joined Divine Connection, an Artist Development Production Company focused on nurturing emerging talents.
Bryan's music career is deeply rooted in his faith and the loving influence of his mother, who often sang to him. This grounding in spirituality and family has shaped his approach to music, making it a powerful tool for healing and inspiration in communities plagued by challenges such as gun violence.
Throughout his career, Bryan has dedicated much of his talent to performing at nonprofit events aimed at combating gun violence, as well as spreading his message through performances in local churches both in and outside Philadelphia. His involvement in these events reflects his commitment to using his voice to effect change and bring solace to those affected by violence and hardship.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Bryan has explored other avenues of creative expression such as acting. He has participated in two plays, "Looking Up" and "Women Under Fire," written and directed by Tanya Banks of the Tanya Banks Production Company. These experiences not only broadened his artistic repertoire but also deepened his resolve to use performing arts as a platform for spreading faith and positivity.
The influence of gospel artist Smokie Norful has also been pivotal in Bryan's artistic life. Inspired by Norful's soul-stirring song "I Need You Now," Bryan felt a profound connection to his message, further motivating him to dedicate his talents to worship and the service of God.
Bryan credits Divine Connection for not only honing his artistic skills but also for teaching him the nuances of the music business, including stage presence and audience engagement. The artist development company played a critical role in helping him understand how to effectively communicate his message and connect with his listeners on a deeper level.
As he continues to evolve as an artist, Bryan remains committed to his mission: to win souls for Christ and use his music as a conduit for spiritual healing and inspiration. Through his songs and presence, Bryan hopes to leave a lasting impact by providing a source of strength and inspiration to both young and the old.
(This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University's South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.)