10 Questions with ... Mandisa

NAME:Mandisa TITLE:Musician LABEL:Sparrow Records

Label:
Sparrow Records

Discography:
True Beauty (July 31, 2007)

1) Have you always dreamed about or considered doing music as a career?

There wasn't a moment that happened but it was just something I knew I wanted to do even as a child. I never had any other dream than being to be a singer. I really believe the Lord placed this in me at an early age and I've wanted to do nothing other than this.

2) Why is this lifestyle (recording, singing, traveling) one that you're willing to follow?

One thing is that I feel called to follow it. Sure, some aspects are not easy but I believe that this is what I'm born to do. These can be difficult things to do but in order to be obedient, I need to do what I'm called to do.

3) What's the story behind the first single "Only the World"?

It's a song all about facing difficult days, whether it's a little sickness to more serious things, to remind us that we're only here for a moment. Sometimes it feels like an eternity, but being in with a relationship with the Lord, we're going someplace much better. Second Corinthians 4:17 tells us that "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." That gives comfort and hope, to know we're going someplace much better. I've had several people tell me and comments through Myspace that they were having the worst day and heard the song on radio and were encouraged to remember all these things would fade away.

4) What's the most important message/theme to "True Beauty"?

There are so many themes but one common thread is that every song reflects who I am as a singer, an artist and a Christian. Songs that talk about really all that satisfies can only be found in the Lord; that's where our real beauty comes from, from within. All these songs come down to reflect this walk that we're on. There are fun songs and reflective songs to show who the Lord is and how we can encourage each other.

5) When you walk off the stage, what do you want the audience to walk away with?

My life is a testimony of all things being possible with God. I really do believe we are limited so often by your minds and what we can achieve. We can be a living witness that when we cling to the Lord, see what can happen. And especially for young people, I just want the message to be, "Cling to him." They ask, "How do I find God's purpose?" And the best advice I could give is, "Cling to the Lord and you'll run smack dab into his purpose." Grab his hand and he will guide you. God has worked that in my life to show people.

6) Who has made the biggest impact on your life?

Beth Moore. I traveled on praise team for about five years. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without that time, time to grow in love with God and his word. The power she has is just the power of the Holy Spirit. She is one of the godliest women I know and, oh, that that could be said of me.

7) Which do you enjoy more: the process of recording or the performance?

The performance, for sure. I actually find the studio work to be very tedious, just singing the same thing over and over again, getting every phrase right. I love getting out on stage and worshipping and fellowshipping on stage.

8) Besides the "American Idol" experience, what is perhaps the most memorable moment of your life?

Guess before "American Idol," when I was traveling with Beth, my very first event was spur-time moment. Travis Cottrell was the worship leader that traveled with her and he called me at LifeWay. I was working at customer service department at LifeWay and he called and asked me to come and sing on praise team. That was on a Tuesday or Wednesday and I had to learn the songs and sign language to one song by the weekend. The event was in Charlotte, NC, and there were 14,000 women there. I remember getting in the center of stage with the worship team and they asked me to open with "Amazing Grace" a cappella. I remember everyone there singing, hands raised, every color and every age. It was really powerful. I really love women conferences and that was very memorable.

9) Do you stay in touch with many of your fellow "Idol" finalists?

Oh, yes, essentially all of them. More the girls, than the guys, because we spent so much time on the tour bus and in the apartment during the show for months. But yes, I talk to the girls all the time.

10) If you could sing on any stage in the world, what one would it be?

I would love to sing in South Africa in an outdoor arena. I have seen videos of different artists going over and getting the opportunity to do that. The fervor the people have; they don't hold anything back. Being an African American, I just feel like it would be like coming home. I've actually heard the people will say, "Welcome home."

1) Who would be a dream artist to record with?

Well, I've already recorded with tobyMac and Kirk Franklin, so I've lived the dream. But I would love to record with CeCe Winans, and I grew up with some soul. I would also say Whitney Houston and Shaka Chan.

2) What is your favorite city to visit?

New York. There is no city like it. Every time I go I check out a Broadway show. The city has the greatest food. And I love the people of New York, no matter what anyone else says. I love their accents and they always help me when I get lost on the subway. They are friendly.

3) Musical guilty pleasures:

I'm a closet N'Sync fan. I actually do have all of their CDs, though I haven't listened to any of them recently. A friend actually gave me one of the Justin Timberlake dolls. It's still in the box.