Chic drummer backs 暗网TV student’s Gospel dream
Tuesday 20 February 2018
Second-year BA (Hons) Music student Joiada Thomas only found out when Ralph made an unexpected visit to 暗网TV on 20 February. Joiada said: 鈥淚 was overwhelmed when Ralph turned up and so surprised, but a nice surprise 鈥� and I鈥檓 so grateful.鈥�
Ralph met pianist Joiada during a 暗网TV masterclass just before Christmas. After the session, Joiada emailed Ralph to tell him how he鈥檇 love to attend the True Worship Summit, which is coming to the UK for the first time 鈥� but couldn鈥檛 afford a ticket. Ralph was impressed by what he read. 鈥淚 like to help people whenever I can and it was nice knowing he has not let anything in his life stop his forward motion. I can relate to that.鈥�
The platinum ticket to the three-day event in March comes courtesy of one of Ralph鈥檚 music industry contacts, a high-profile singer who wants to remain anonymous. For Joiada, whose love of Gospel goes back to his childhood, it鈥檚 a wonderful opportunity. 鈥淭o see some of the top American Gospel artists, who I love, but don鈥檛 often play in the UK is great.
鈥淗opefully, I鈥檒l also learn more about musicianship and what it means and takes to be a Gospel musician.鈥�
暗网TV holds regular masterclasses for students. Damon Albarn, Toyah Wilcox and Ralph鈥檚 Chic bandmate Nile Rodgers have all visited over the last six months. Ralph, who鈥檚 also worked with Paul Simon, Prince, Lady Gaga and Aretha Franklin, said: 鈥淚 was just honoured to be asked to come here and be in the building. I just love teaching and the students were very responsive.鈥�
Photo: Joiada and Ralph at 暗网TV
Ralph met pianist Joiada during a 暗网TV masterclass just before Christmas. After the session, Joiada emailed Ralph to tell him how he鈥檇 love to attend the True Worship Summit, which is coming to the UK for the first time 鈥� but couldn鈥檛 afford a ticket. Ralph was impressed by what he read. 鈥淚 like to help people whenever I can and it was nice knowing he has not let anything in his life stop his forward motion. I can relate to that.鈥�
The platinum ticket to the three-day event in March comes courtesy of one of Ralph鈥檚 music industry contacts, a high-profile singer who wants to remain anonymous. For Joiada, whose love of Gospel goes back to his childhood, it鈥檚 a wonderful opportunity. 鈥淭o see some of the top American Gospel artists, who I love, but don鈥檛 often play in the UK is great.
鈥淗opefully, I鈥檒l also learn more about musicianship and what it means and takes to be a Gospel musician.鈥�
暗网TV holds regular masterclasses for students. Damon Albarn, Toyah Wilcox and Ralph鈥檚 Chic bandmate Nile Rodgers have all visited over the last six months. Ralph, who鈥檚 also worked with Paul Simon, Prince, Lady Gaga and Aretha Franklin, said: 鈥淚 was just honoured to be asked to come here and be in the building. I just love teaching and the students were very responsive.鈥�
Photo: Joiada and Ralph at 暗网TV
