How many of us can attest to our wildest dreams coming true? Fortunately for Raevae Chrysostom, she is on the brink of such a testimony! The 24-year-old gospel singer has been handpicked by promoters of "The Gift", to duet with five-time grammy-award winning gospel superstar Larnelle Harris, at his concert today at the University of the Southern Caribbean. Although the young gospel sensation considers this opportunity the apex of her career, Chrysostom's musical roots can be traced to her humble beginnings years ago, when she was the little drummer girl in her family's band.
"The Chrysostom Band consisted of my father who was in charge, my mom and two sisters who used to sing and play piano. I played the drums," she said. The popular family band would perform across the country, especially at churches where they were often invited to sing. Interestingly, Chrysostom only discovered her soprano singing voice when the family band dissolved after the passing of her mother.
"Someone approached me to sing at an Arima Seventh Day Adventist Church. I only realised I could sing after the positive reviews I received," Chrysostom said.
Since then, her popularity as a versatile soprano has continued to increase, never wavering. "People began asking me to sing at other churches, weddings, funerals and thanksgivings." Chrysostom's love for music continued at a tertiary level when she enrolled at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) where she majored in English with a minor in Music. While at USC, she began to develop as an artist, participating in many musical activities. "I started to sing with a praise and worship group called Exchange, at which time I ventured into classical music.
"I also started to learn classical guitar and piano," she added. As a burgeoning musician, Chrysostom entered the National Music Festival in 2010 performing in the Soprano Solo, Mixed Quartet, Female Quartet, Fine Arts Chorale and Gospel categories at the finals. Now an official graduate, her experience at USC culminated with her first solo recital aptly named A Damsel in Distress Will Praise, where she excelled with an "A" grade. She performed a diverse set, incorporating German, Classical, English and Gospel pieces.
With her vast musical experience under her belt, Chrysostom is now preparing for the greatest opportunity of her musical career, a duet with Harris. "After hearing me at a Negro-Spiritual concert, one of the promoters for The Gift approached me to sing with Larnelle (Harris)," Chrysostom said. The dynamic duo will be performing I've Just Seen Jesus. Asked about the lifetime opportunity to duet with the Kentucky, USA born singer, she said: "I felt like finally all my hard work has paid off." Chrysostom, though increasing in popularity, still maintains humble aspirations for her other passions in life.
She wants to become a missionary. "My sister Ria introduced me to mission work when she helped me prepare for my first mission trip to Ecuador in 2007." Chrysostom has also visited Chile, Suriname, Mexico and other domestic locations as a missionary. She helped to rebuild homes, schools, churches, as well as administer medical aid. "It has changed my perspective on life. It has taught me to appreciate my family and the things that I possess. I also learnt to appreciate the differences in people across countries.
Moreover it has strengthened my relationship with God who is using me as a tool to minister to people," she said. A contrast to the hackneyed cries for more positive youth in society, Chrysostom is also determined to contribute to The Marilyn Chrysostom Scholarship Fund, created as a tribute to her mother after her passing. "My aim is to make this fund an international organisation where I can teach foreign students English, while providing for their physical, spiritual and emotional needs."