Otis Kemp is a man after God’s heart. He is spreading the Gospel through his gift of music, and empowering the youth with his gift of entrepreneurship. He is a family man balancing it all as he climbs to the top of the ladder of success. It wasn’t always this way for Otis, and that’s why he is using his time to focus on his purpose, his dreams, and making the world a better place in his own way. Looking at Otis, one might assume he was an athlete (he stands 6’6” tall), but instead, he uses his stature to stand firm in his belief of The Lord. The Bible says that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7), in that case, Otis seems to be on the right track. Literally. He is using the lessons of his past adversities to construct a brighter future for at-risk and underserved youth with the Appleseeds Performing Arts Academy. Otis wasn’t formally trained in music, but he started singing at the age of 10 at his local church. But who needs vocal training when you’ve been blessed by The Lord. His hit single titled,“The Reason” has gained more than 800,000 views on Facebook and YouTube combined (and still climbing), proving that when you are blessed with a gift-there is absolutely no need for instructions, it comes already well crafted. Here is what Otis had to say during his interview with FEMI:
You’re from Carol City, Florida (by way of The Bahamas). Florida is heavily influenced by the Hip-Hop scene. What made you want to do Gospel music?
“I’ve always known my legacy of music that I leave in the Earth had to represent the King.”
You merge Hip-Hop and Gospel to create your sound. How would you describe your music in your own words?
“Well, my style of Gospel is not traditional. We actually call it Life Music. It’s a musical mixture of Hip Hop, Gospel, and RnB, so it definitely flows with all genres.”
Growing up you were kicked out of many schools in South Florida. Now you own several private schools in the Miami area, as well as Appleseeds Performing Arts Academy, in Pompano Beach, FL. What made you decide to open these education/art centers for the youth?
“Because I was a challenged student, I understand the needs of students. If you can give kids a place where they can express themselves and the gifts they have in a positive manner, and show them how to tunnel their anger, frustration, and fears, then they can have a brighter future. That’s what Appleseeds Performing Arts Academy is giving these young kids.”
You have come a long way from the days of being kicked out of school. One thing I like to ask people who have either faced trauma, had a troubled past, and/or all of the above is: “If you could talk to your younger self, the younger troubled version of you, the version facing all of the adversity-what would you say?”
“I would say make education your primary source of achievement. Put it in the forefront and master it. Also, have self-control and discipline, and always stay humble.”
Your single “The Reason” is making some serious waves. Tell us how that single came about.
“The Reason” is the song that I wrote at a time in my life when I was transitioning from leaving one place in my life to another. During this time, I had to remember what my mom and my dad instilled into me from a young boy, “If you put God first and make Him the reason for everything that you’re trying to accomplish, that’s when it will manifest.”
You’ve worked with big artists such as Rick Ross, and Flo Rida. Who are some artists that you would like to work with on this journey in Gospel music?
“John P. Kee, PJ Morton, Red Hands Band, Fred Hammond, Doobie Powell, Kirk Franklin, TobyMac.”
Clearly, you have a message and a mission. What message would you like to get across to all of the youth that you are trying to reach, as well as your gospel audience?
“That one thing in life that every individual has in common no matter what color you are, no matter what ethnicity you are, no matter where you’re from, is that we all have time in common. Time waits for no man. Make the best out of the life that God is giving you. Don’t waste time. Don’t procrastinate. Whatever your dreams are, whatever your passion is, go forward! If you put God first, He will bring you through and to the destiny that He designed for you.”
I can testify that Otis is right about keeping God first, and I look forward to seeing what God does next with His faithful servant. If you want to keep up with Otis Kemp you can check him out here:
Instagram: @iamotiskemp
Website: https://ampl.ink/PaQNx
YouTube: Otis Kemp
