Gospel Music Artist Benita Farmer Speaks About "Jesus As the Main Ingredient" to Her Life & Music

A native of Philadelphia and a graduate of the prestigious Temple University, Benita Farmer remains a local, national and international vocal trailblazer. Her energy and passion for vocal proficiency is an innate ability inherited from her mother, Gospel phenomenon Bishop Barbara Ward-Farmer. Despite being a respected vocalist, one of Benita's greatest joys has been collaborating with her brother Lawrence Farmer IV. The two are responsible for much of the success of Benita Farmer and New Journey's 2008 sophomore project "Come Home". "Come Home" received national attention and was in rotation on over 250 radio stations. This project fueled Benita to further her impact in the Gospel Industry.

Benita Farmer's musical wealth has afforded her with the opportunity to travel internationally and perform in Prague, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. She has shared the stage with other great artist such as: Tye Tribbett; William McDowell; Yolanda Adams; Tonex; Eric Roberson and Fred Hammond. Ebony Magazine has noted Benita as one of the Best New Artist in Black Music. In addition to this national recognition, the state of New Jersey previously noted Ms. Farmer as their "Top Independent Female Vocalist".

In addition to her solo career, Farmer has been a music educator for 14 years. Benita counts this as one of her most rewarding experiences. She has impacted and inspired thousands of children in the depressed area of Camden, New Jersey. Within her community she also serves as the Assistant National Minister of Music for the Churches of the Living God Incorporated.

In the spring of 2014, Benita has returned with an invigorating musical masterpiece, "Mender of Me". Benita has partnered with renowned producer, Anthony Bell (Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Jazmine Sullivan, Usher ad Jewel) an up and coming songwriter, Angela King and Bishop TD Jakes Executive Minister of Music, Jamar Jones. The song is melodic medicine for the soul. It speaks to the pains of life, while providing the answer to our most distressing realities. "Mender of Me" is sure to enhance Contemporary Gospel music. 

Hallels:  Being the daughter of the Bishop Barbara Ward-Farmer, how has your mother influenced you both spiritually and musically?

Well, for those who may not know, my mother is a world renowned Gospel recording artist and a legend in her own time. Her choir, the Wagner Alumni Choir  was a recording choir and toured for years. With my mom as the music and dad as the management, my brother and I accompanied the choir on various engagements and on tours. Experiencing this forever shaped the way I viewed the ministry. Most people would agree that their sound was well beyond their years. I'm talking about a 12 piece band that included horns and a rhythm section. Being surrounded by this great sound influenced me a great deal. This opened my mind musically and spiritually.  

Hallels:  Besides your own mother, which artists would you say influenced you the most? 

I grew up listening to the Winans Family (All of them), The Clark Sisters, Take Six, Commissioned, the list goes on and on. 

Hallels:  Congratulations on your new album "Mender of Me," how did you get to work with DREAM Gospel for this album? 

Thank you so much! I'm so excited! Last year, my manager Gregory Gay and I had conversations about the direction in which to take the music ministry and he mentioned DREAM and the possibility of a deal in the works. I was like ok and kind of forgot about it. Then around the beginning of January, he was like, they want to sign you. I'm like no way lol! We prayed, I signed and the rest is history in the making. This is truly a GOD thing, I am so honored to have this chance to touch lives and impact people through music on a larger scale.  This is the year of manifestation and I am ready for everything God has in store.

Hallels:  If you have one message you want to convey through this record, what would it be?  

All of your answers are found in Jesus. The scriptures say in Acts 4:12 neither is there salvation (found) in any other......, people are in need of a solution to their problems and situations and often take the wrong advice which leads them down the wrong road when all you need is Jesus.  He's the key, he's the source, and he's the main ingredient. 

Hallels:  In my review I raved about the title track "Mender of Me," which is my favorite song.  What was the inspiration behind the song?

Well, I teach music in Camden, NJ, which is reported to be the most dangerous City in America. Working in Camden has inspired this song to come forth. I see too many people walking around and operating in a state of brokenness. The Bible is clear in 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ that If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. So whatever the circumstance, however big or small, you can always turn to the "Mender".

Hallels:  Which songs on the record speak to you the most right now? 

Well, "Not Alone" was recorded many years ago and it still resonates with me till this day. It's a constant reminder that if you stand for something, you may be alone but you'll never be lonely. Also, "All I Need Is You" is special to me because it features the late great Ernie Saunders of the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir. He did ALL of the background parts for this particular song. His vocal control was amazing....just amazing.

Hallels:  For our readers who would like to purchase your new record or/and find out more about you, where can they go?

We hit digital outlets on February 17th.  Im looking forward with great anticipation to hitting about 20 stops on my CD promo tour. so give us a shout out and we'll get there (smile).  In the meantime, you can connect with me via my website They can reach me at my website @ www.benitafarmermusic.com and on social media Twitter: @benitamusic  and facebook - www.facebook.com/Benita-Farmer-Music 

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