Former Toti scholar’s gospel music career hits a high note
He won best gospel album at the annual Crown Gospel Awards.
IT was a memorable moment for former Kingsway High School pupil, Shaun Pillay when he won the best gospel album category for his latest album, ‘Channel of Blessing’ at the eighth annual Crown Gospel Awards at the ICC in Durban on Saturday, 15 November.
It was broadcast live on SABC1, which also saw Shaun perform at the event. The elite of the gospel music industry, Benjamin Dube, Joyous Celebration, Sifiso Ncgwane and Mahalia Buchanan attended the event.
“Channel of Blessing is inspired on the scripture Acts 20:35 – ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’. The album is available at CUM Books nationwide and aims to bring transformation, salvation, breakthrough, healing and deliverance, all of which is hidden in the soulful melodies that touches the heart of God and in return translates to God’s people,” said Shaun.
Shaun’s win has garnered him an international record contract with Dream/Capitol Records.
Growing up in Durban, he developed a love for music at the age of 11, when he started playing the piano.
With the support of his mother, he not only crafted his talent for musical instruments, but pursued singing as well. It was during his teen years that he realised a career in music was what he dreamed of, showing a distinct passion for the gospel genre.
In the early 90s, he joined the group, Not Just to People. His first recording with the group garnered him a SAMA nomination for best ‘Urban Gospel’ in 2006.
Over the years, he has worked with the best in the music industry, from whom he attained professional standards and experienced music at an international level.
Today, he runs his own Grade A recording studio where he composes, produces and arranges musical projects. He also shares his wealth of experience and knowledge at worship conferences and workshops, where he aids the development of worship bands.
Now 37 years old, Shaun P has performed to thousands of people on the continent and worked with award winning artists, Ken Reynolds, Ernie Smith and Neville D.
In 2013, he took home the award for Best Newcomer at the Crown Gospel Awards.
Currently he is the music director and primary worship leader at 3C Ministry, a church with over 20 000 members in Johannesburg.
He is married to Natasha and they have a son, TK.
