James Fortune
More than Fortune and Fame
By Karly Peirre

 

James Fortune never could do the "Holy Ghost" dance. As a youth, he’d watch the seasoned saints undulate effortlessly down the aisles of the church in this sanctified jug. But Fortune had a new dance in mind and his feet have never stopped moving. "I got really tired of people judging the way young people praised God with dance and lifting their hands," says Fortune. "There is no one way to praise God. That’s when I wrote my very first song ‘My Dance Ain’t Your Dance, My Praise Ain’t Your Praise’, because my praise is not to impress you, but it’s for God."

That song and others grace James Fortune and FIYA’s urban/contemporary flavored debut album with Worldwide Gospel

Records entitled You Survived. Written and produced by Fortune, the CD is marked by sharp syncopated beats and smooth ambient harmonies accompanying strong, churchy vocals. "He’s Mighty" even throws in a fun pinch of Latin flair. Fortune, the Youth and Young Adult music minister for Southwest Community Church in Houston, TX, energetically directs the fresh and talented members of FIYA (Free in Yahweh’s Abundance), a youth group he founded in 1998. "The best way for the church to reach out to the youth is to allow young people to praise God in their own way," says Fortune. The secret is letting young people know that you don’t have to go out to the club to have a good time or the school football game to make noise, but you can come into the house of the lord and make a joyful noise. When they realize that, they are better able to get an understanding of their relationship with God and they’re excited about praising God. You really don’t have to make them. They look forward to entering into his gates with thanksgiving because they feel there are no shackles."

The son of a minister, Fortune says he practically lived in the church for most of his life and fell in love with Gospel music at an early age. At 5-years-old the Houston native started playing drums for his father’s church. At age 15 he really committed to Gospel music and started writing music and directing youth he gathered together to form a choir. He remembers being a little intimidated as a freshman in school directing seniors in the choir. However, he says the members respected his gifts and followed his instructions. "The first song I directed was ‘Why We Sing’ by Kirk Franklin", says Fortune. "And it’s funny because at that time I didn’t even know parts that well. I was actually teaching it in octaves. Looking back on it now it’s really funny. But God just let it all work out and it turned out pretty good."

Now at 24-years-old and married, Fortune says that directing youth at this age has been most fulfilling because he is still young enough to be in touch with the youth, but old enough to impart wisdom onto them. "You Survived", the title track, was written by fortune and his wife as a testimony to God’s grace in the midst of tribulation. With out a doubt one of the albums most powerful tracks, "You Survived" could take its place amongst some of Gospels most unforgettable anthems. "I’ve gotten so many emails and phone calls from people who have heard ["You Survived"] on the radio saying that they were going through some serious things", says Fortune. "I just want this album to encourage people, to let them know that you’re still here and that in itself is a blessing. God has carried you through it all and in God we are all survivors".