Mark Johnes, who goes by the stage name Baliva (born in 1983), is a Christian hip-hop artist, writer, mentor and radio presenter/producer based in London, UK.
He was born in Harare, Zimbabwe where he spent his High School days in an RnB/Rap group. The group were received National Airplay for their first single “Love is Magic” in 2000 which led to many shows in Zimbabwe’s capital city. Baliva moved to London in 2001 where he spent his time studying media production and pursuing a life-long ambition to be a hip-hop star.
Although making progress, he soon became numb and disillusioned by the business saying he felt “empty and hollow inside despite having outward success”. After meeting pastor Brandon Munoz from Freedomhouse Church in Camden and attending several church meetings in Northampton, Baliva became a Christian in 2005.
He was encouraged to use his rap skills to spread the Gospel, which led to him choosing the stage name Baliva. Baliva has been featured on several mixtapes and albums over the years but is best known for his solo hip-hop Gospel album Sunrise released in 2008.
Between 2009 and 2011, Baliva produced and presented a monthly Christian hip-hop podcast radio show called ‘The Baliva Music Show’, which focused on proclaiming the Gospel through hip-hop music and culture.
At the moment, Baliva is working on his third solo album, which is scheduled for release in 2012 under his record label. He also regularly writes about life and Christianity on Pause&think.org, and mentors teenagers wanting to learn more about songwriting and Christianity.
Baliva lives in North London, and is part of Revelation Church Camden.
Releases / Discography
2001: Radio single - for Mo’VIP ENT (Zimbabwe)
2003: Demo album with EC1 Music Project
2006: Rhema - for church outreach project in Northampton
2007: Resurrection - 1st solo Gospel hip-hop album
2008: Sunrise - 2nd solo Gospel hip-hop album.
Artists featured on Sunrise includes UK’s Nikki Carless, Erina Khanakwa and production from Phil Mayers.
Other projects
Past
2009-2011: ‘The Baliva Music Show’ - presenter and producer of monthly Christian hip-hop podcast radio show. The show was broadcast through Dasouth.com, one of the leading Christian hiphop media portals on the internet.
Current
Working on new music to be released in 2012
Baliva’s blog - Writing on Christian living and music.
Songwriting mentoring for young people aged from 16-18
Written by Antonia Hines (c)2011
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