The Rhythmic Lounge: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! Kimberly Kent: Native of Indianapolis Indiana the industrious mother of 10 children and 2 grandchildren. Married for 12 years to Samuel Kent, III. I come from a musical family and remember my mother singing me to sleep at 3 years of age. This sparked a fire in my heart that could only be expressed through music. Early in life I began to sing in several local churches. My craft evolved more as I learned to play several musical instruments: the viola, violin and piano. I also directed several local church choirs and am currently the Director of Worship at my home church, Justified by Faith under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey McGhee.
TRL: Who were your musical/spiritual influences growing up? KK: I know it is common to say I started singing in church. I wasn’t allowed to listen to certain types of music growing up so I learned to value gospel music as my musical outlet. From Sandi Patti, to John P. Kee, Mississippi Mass and so on. As I grew up I began to appreciate some secular artist; Boyz to Men, Whitney Houston, En Vogue, Toni Braxton, Babyface, Celine Dion etc. My taste in music has matured and I now enjoy and respect all musical genres.
TRL: Your debut CD “The Journey” was released about 3 months ago! How did the title come about? KK: For the longest time God has had a calling on my life. And subsequently I have learned that when God calls you to do something he is very intentional in His plan. It will all come together. As long as I can remember I have always sung in church and taught music or directed: from church choirs to singing with a group. My aspiration was to have someone write a song just for me, but that never happened so I continued to sing as background in a gospel group. In 2013 I had major throat surgery for the second time on my vocal cords and was told that I may never sing again. And that if I chose to sing I would not be able to hold notes or project my voice. Still God had a plan for my life. After a recovery period I was able to sing but there was something missing. So I began writing my feelings down when I came across the scripture Romans 8:28. I called my best friend and she talked to me about hiding behind others and staying in the box that others had put me in. I needed to walk in the authority that God had given to me. After praying I turned in my resignation from the gospel group August 19, 2015 and began “My Journey”, whose mission statement is as follows: I am a minister of the Word in song, and I've been strategically created to walk this ‘Journey’ of worship both to God and in my lifestyle. My prayer is that you never end your journey of worship and high praise unto the LORD and that "The Journey" will be an asset in your life, drawing you closer to our Heavenly Father; soaking in His presence, embracing your healing, and increasing your faith. I invite you to share your journey experience with me as I share mine with you. My desired outcome is to spread the gospel message to all. My greatest success in this journey will be the opportunity to travel not only in Indiana but throughout the world spreading the gospel message in song.
TRL: How did JHM radio get started and what is the main focus? KK: At JHM RADIO, we are focused on providing Real, Raw and Relevant talk shows about all areas of life that Inspire Empowerment with Excellence while providing great music from different genres with the highest levels of listener satisfaction. This network was created as a tool for individuals with a heart to help and serve others to be able to reach the masses in a larger capacity while providing enjoyment and fun to the communities around the world through media and business. Pastor James Hawkins Is the founder. I currently have a show called The Journey with KMK on Monday 5-6 EST!
TRL: Do you have any upcoming events that you’d like to mention to our readers? KK: I have several conferences coming up, please feel free to go to my Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter page and follow me! Also you can become a fan of “The Journey” at Jango.com.
thejourneykmk@gmail.com | thejourneykmk.wordpress.com | 317.657.2384 For Ministry Opportunities, contact: Angela M. Smith at NataphConsulting@outlook.com