INTERVIEW: Prophecy’s Davian Chase Only Male To Make It To 242Untapped Finals

By Arthia Nixon for The Bahamas Weekly

Davian Chase is literally the last man standing in the 242Untapped final four. The 18 year-old who blew away the judges with his jazzy rendition audition of Total Praise is still in the running for the coveted record deal with Elevation Records, a music video and $5,000 in cash and prizes. Produced and hosted by Vincent ‘V-Mac’ McDonald, 242Untapped, a reality singing contest with aims to find the next Bahamian superstar, is airing on Cable 12 on Saturday right after the evening news and right here on The Bahamas Weekly.

“I auditioned because I believe that singing is what I was born to do and for the past 15 years, I have been doing just that,” says Davian. “Singing is something I really enjoy. From a child I have been in love with microphones, the stage and the applause, but God had to show me that singing was more than just having a good voice and being applauded, it was about ministry. That is why I auditioned.” “I sing because I am happy” Davian sang when asked why he loves music, before adding: “I sing because music is the only art form that you can really express yourself. I remember many times in different seasons of my life, I had to sing. I have been anointed to do this. God has given me this voice to minister to people and along with I have the drive because I know it’s not me but God through me.”

The Church of God of Prophecy crooner revealed that his song going into the finals will be a Walter Hawkins favorite but didn’t want to spoil the surprise. Instead, he went on to say how it was a pleasure to get critique from the judges, especially Judge Nadene Moss who he met prior to the show during her vocal workshop.

“I have a whole lot of influences,”Davian admitted when asked who he looked to for musical inspiration. “I love jazz and soul music – music that reaches the soul. As a Christian, I love gospel, music that saves the soul. So the marriage of those genres creates music that that reaches and saves the soul. So I would listen to artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Kim Burrell, Kierra and Karen Sheard, Anita Wilson, JMoss, Smokie Norful, Fred Hammond. I also am a worship leader so I listen to other worship leaders like Tasha Cobbs, William Murphy, Nadene Moss, Jonathan Nelson, Preashea Hilliard. I also love the vocal stylings of other artists like Amy Winehouse, Ledisi, Stevie Wonder, Lalah Hathaway and Beyonce`.” With one more chance to shine before the possibility of being named the 242Untapped winner, Davian gave us the thing that he is most excited about should he take the title.

“It would probably be getting the recording contract,” he said. “I have been told I should go in the studio for as long as I could remember. So to win this would be a ‘finally’ moment for me.”

This video shows the very first episode in which some of the best… and not so best singers belted it out for a chance to earn their place. Check out Davian’s audition with Total Praise.

For more videos, visit www.242untapped.com