SEMAJE Reimagines a Gospel Classic With New Album 92
- SEMAJE breathes new life into Vickie Winans' 'I Hear the Music in the Air' with an uplifting, celebratory take.
- SEMAJE's album '92' pays tribute to the decade that shaped his musical identity as he introduces himself to the world.
- SEMAJE credits his COGIC upbringing with teaching him to give his all in every performance, no matter the audience size.
SEMAJE is bringing a fresh sound to a gospel favorite while keeping the joy and celebration that made the original so memorable.
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During a conversation with Cheryl Jackson on Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell, the gospel artist discussed his new single, “I Hear the Music in the Air,” a reimagined version of Vickie Winans’ classic. For SEMAJE, the idea came after spending time watching live performances of the song online.
“I started watching all of her live videos of that song,” he explained. “And the energy that the crowd was giving from this song, I mean, it was just celebratory.”
SEMAJE said the timing felt right to bring that kind of uplifting energy back to listeners.
“Every song don’t gotta be sad. Every song don’t gotta have a depressing ending,” he said. “We can just be glad about it, shout about it.”
The song is part of his new album, 92, a project that serves as an introduction to SEMAJE and pays tribute to the decade that shaped his musical identity. Jackson correctly guessed that the title had a personal meaning. SEMAJE was born in 1992, and the album features songs connected to the sounds and influence of the ’90s.
“This album is me introducing myself to the world,” he said.
SEMAJE’s musical foundation also goes back to his upbringing at Rock of Ages Church of God in Christ in Detroit. He credits his COGIC background with teaching him to give everything he has whenever he steps behind a microphone, whether he’s performing for thousands or just a couple of people.
“Wherever you go, if you’re singing in front of thousands, give it your all. If you’re singing for two people, give it your all,” he said.
That mindset continues to shape how he approaches gospel music and ministry.
SEMAJE also opened up about a major personal transformation. After struggling with sleep apnea and being told he stopped breathing nearly 34 times during the night, he decided it was time to make a serious change.
He underwent VSG surgery and says the decision dramatically improved his quality of life. SEMAJE shared that he went from 290 pounds and wearing a 2X to 191 pounds and a medium.
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“I’m happy to be in this space. I feel better,” he said.
For SEMAJE, the transformation isn’t simply about weight loss. He sees taking care of his body as part of his responsibility and faith.
“I wanted to take over my health because I wanted to be a good steward of my body,” he explained.
Now, with a new album, a reimagined gospel classic and a renewed approach to his health, SEMAJE is stepping into a new chapter. 92 is available now, giving listeners a chance to hear the ’90s influence that helped shape him while experiencing his own modern take on gospel music.
