A great video from the UK’s LZ7

This is a great video Christian Music Daily found on YouTube of our friends from LZ7 talking about where they come from, geographically and spiritually. If only there were more artists like LZ7 in the U.S.A.

LZ7 impacts youth in Manchester, England

One of the coolest people Christian Music Makers’ Mark Weber ever met was LZ7’s Lindz, with his wild blonde hair, thick British accent, and incredible heart to reach out to people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was at Gospel Music Week in Nashville a couple years ago when we met up with LZ7 and got to know Lindz’ heart for helping youth see the greatness that is Christ. LZ7 may not be a household name in the United States, but over in Manchester, England, Lindz and his group are doing great work making an impact on the youth to live for Christ.

British children are up to something…but, contrary to the constant “the youth of today are up to no good” reports, young people are “up to good!”

Manchester-based charity The Message Trust has launched ‘Shine Your Light’ – a bold national campaign to “make goodness fashionable.” Aiming to unleash the full potential of Britain’s young people, ‘Shine Your Light’ is challenging kids across the UK to do fifteen specific acts of kindness for their friends, family and local community including spending time with the elderly, buying lunch for a homeless person, or picking up litter.

The theme tune for the ‘Shine Your Light’ campaign is a hip-hop recording of the 1920’s gospel children’s song ‘This Little Light’. Recorded by urban music collective LZ7, the video is one of Christian Music Makers’ favorites, or as they’d spell it in Britain, favourites. 🙂

LZ7 – lead vocalist Lindz, Rob on drums, singer Nic and dancer/singer Nana – has a sound described as a mix of the Beastie Boys and Dizzee Rascal. The vast majority of the band’s time is spent in Manchester’s high schools teaching and talking with pupils but Lindz and the band travel widely, performing around the world to a growing fan base. The band released their second album ‘Gasoline‘ in 2008 and are currently writing songs for their new album ‘Light’.

The Message Trust is an award-winning charity working in schools, local communities and prisons with the aim of bringing hope, providing opportunities and releasing potential. The charity helps young people predominantly in the age group 11 – 18.

The ‘Shine Your Light’ campaign follows other successful campaigns including, in 2000, ‘Message 2000’ which saw 10,000 (mainly young) people doing good things during the summer in Manchester. During the 10 days of work in one estate, Swinton Valley, there were no recorded incidences of crime. Since the summer of 2000, police have reported a sustained reduction in crime.

Similarly in 2009 “Audacious 09” saw 1,000 young people take part in 50 community improvement projects in 25 locations across Greater Manchester. Projects included clearing rubbish, painting railings, removing graffiti and planting gardens in neglected areas of the city.

LZ7’s Lindz is someone special– he can reach the jocks, punks, rebels, and cool kids because he speaks their language– see for yourself in this video:

For more information visit: www.lz7.co.uk / www.shineyourlight.com