print: GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: I Am Somebody (Lady Peachena & New York's Sunshine Choir) | September, 2006 on BlackGospel.com

Lady Peachena & NEw York's
Youth Sunshine Choir
(I Am Somebody)

September, 2006 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Em Fergusson

The incredibly uplifting album, I AM SOMEBODY is a unique and inspiring project produced by and intended for children. The virtuous voices of toddlers and adolescents aged 3 to16, is both soothing and refreshing. This set of youngsters sing their hearts out for the Lord, while Lady Peachena’s powerful vocals ring out songs of strength and encouragement, with a motivational message that simply states, “I Am Somebody”.

The charismatic figure and director, affectionately known as Lady Peachena, has certainly found her calling as the shepherd and director for these impressionable children from New York’s most notorious borough. A Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter artist and daughter of the late Bishop James L. Eure, Sr., Lady Peachena has been blessing audiences with her songs of faith for years.

I AM SOMEBODY is not a recent recording. This anointed children’s release was originally produced over fifteen years ago at one of Brooklyn’s best known tabernacles – the Institutional Church of God In Christ. On the website, NYSunshineChoir.com, Lady Peachena explains that during the time of the recording, she did not have a budget, so she only pressed up 500 cassettes. Releasing the songs this year was a decision based on an incident Lady Peachena experienced with her granddaughter.

“I heard her singing a song full of curses that she'd heard on the radio,” said Lady Peachena,” realizing that I already had recorded the positive songs she needed to hear, I searched around in my office for my only cassette tape of those songs, and played them for her. She loved THEM! So I eventually renamed the CD, ‘I AM SOMEBODY!’ and decided to officially release it this year.”

Adding a touch of old-school, Lady Peachena and New York’s Sunshine Choir, proudly boast about having God’s power in their lives, on the lively track, I’ve Got It. Lady Peachena leads the choir, declaring that God’s power is inside, “It’s God Within Me/I’ve got it/I’ve Got The power!” Other upbeat songs, such as Do The Right Thing, sends a strong, no-nonsense message to kids that they ought to believe in themselves and do the right thing, regardless of what may stand in the way.

All the selections were recorded in Brooklyn, while Lady Peachena was teaching at the Communications Arts at Public School 3. The ensemble of adolescent students wholeheartedly sharing the powerful message of God’s love, is touching. The joyful tune, ‘His Light Still Shines,’ mirrors the name of the choir. The children lend their vocal talents to this musical treasure that spans time, while remaining relevant to what children experience today.

The songs are simple for children to follow and easy to learn. While most songs testify of how important it is to obey your parents, believe in God, and follow the right path, Lady Peachena and the choir also give thanks to American heroes on the Sunday-School song, ‘They Are Our Heroes.’ The patriotic melody emphasizes the importance of our legacy and being proud of who we are.

The uplifting compositions on this project send a positive message to our children, who are faced with so many negative messages in the world today. Lady Peachena readily agrees.

“[The songs] should be heard and sung by children all over the world. Just hearing these nurturing messages will motivate children everywhere to love themselves, respect the rights of others, and to succeed in school, " states Lady Peachena.

The only disappointment with ‘I Am Somebody’ is that there are only 8 songs for children to enjoy and stops rather short and sooner than perhaps expected. This did not hinder me from listening to the album several times over. Parents, guardians and grandparents, the children in your lives will certainly fall in love with this disc. Lady Peachena has certainly followed the leading of the Lord by releasing such a delightful project that’s filled with inspiration, joy and positive reinforcement.

To learn more about this project and where you can buy the album, visit the website www.nysunshinechoir.com.