True worshipers make journey to 'shine like stars'

The Jakarta Post Jakarta

The atmosphere was joyous as the leader of True Worshipers, a group of Indonesian gospel musicians and singers, encouraged the 1,400-strong audience to sing along during the live recording of the 10-song Shine Like Stars album.

The audience, mostly young people, shouted and clapped their hands, while singing: "We will shine like stars above, shining in Your light guided by Your love, let Your fire burn in us burning like the sun as we glorify, show Your kingdom come in all earth."

The live recording on April 14 at the Balai Sarbini convention hall in Central Jakarta ran for two hours and involved more than 70 performers, including 50 choir members, eight singers, eight musicians and six dancers.

"Our music is aimed at praising and worshiping (God), and each of the musicians and singers brings her or his own touch to every song," True Worshipers leader Sidney Mohede said.

The eight singers who performed that night were Sidney Mohede, Ruth Sahanaya, Lita Zen, Nindy Ellesse, Sari Simorangkir, Bella Prasetyo, Alvi Radjagukguk and Jussar Badudu. The musicians included noted guitarist Daniel Sigarlaki and keyboardist Ucok Rajagukguk.

Jeffry Waworuntu, the show director for the event, said that after postproduction, the album was expected to be released by early June in three formats: cassette, video compact disc (VCD) and digital compact disc (DVD).

"This year we will increase the number of copies by 20 percent over last year's. Our last album,Take Us Higher, sold 100,000 copies," said Jeffry.

Alvi said True Worshipers would be more productive in the future and produce more and better albums and performances.

"Most importantly, we want to be a blessing to nations, starting with Asian countries, and show the world that Indonesia still has things to be proud of," he said, adding that the group would perform in Singapore in July. (004)