Jamar Esaw-The Formative Years

Known as one of the nation’s most creative, youthful, energetic, and spontaneous influences in Gospel music today, Jamar Esaw is an accomplished music arranger, song writer, vocal coach, minister of music and renowned choir director who has been active in the gospel music industry for nearly 20 years.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jamar attended the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Ellis Bellfield. At the early age of 7 years old, Jamar served as one of the leaders of the St John’s youth choir, this is where he began to learn the basics of gospel music. In 1996, Jamar and his family transitioned to the New Salem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jerry McAfee.  New Salem is where Jamar began to realize his love and skill for gospel music. He was given his first opportunity to direct the New Salem youth and young adult choir in 1998 and later given the opportunity to direct the adult choir.

 As Jamar continued to hone in on his musical gifts, he began to take a major interest in community choirs. In 1998, Jamar joined the Twin Cities Youth for Christ Community Choir, under the leadership of Lavern Shelby. While singing with Twin Cities Youth for Christ, Jamar took time to study the art of choir directing.   Jamar was then asked to become a member of the Excelsior Choral Ensemble. During his tenure with the group, Excelsior was blessed to sign with Verity Records, currently known as RCA, which is still one of the largest record labels in the nation.   The group also received worldwide recognition in 2001 by winning a Stellar Award for New Artist of the Year and as well as a Grammy nomination. During this time, Jamar was introduced to national recording artist James Grear and shortly after, joined the Stellar nominated group James Grear and Nu Friends.   James Grear along with Jamar’s spiritual mother Rhonda Campbell were a true blessing to Jamar, training and guiding him as he really began to understand his calling to music and ministry.

Jamar Esaw-From Finance to Full-time Ministry

Jamar Esaw is a proud graduate of Augsburg College where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Finance and a Master’s Degree in Business Marketing.  After completing his education, Jamar accepted a position at General Electric as a financial advisor and remained in that position for 3 years.  Although these were amazing accomplishments, Jamar lacked a sense of fulfillment and desired to serve in ministry full-time. After serving as the Assistant Minister of Music at two major churches in Minneapolis, in March 2014 Jamar relocated to Indianapolis to accept a position as director of the youth choir at Eastern Star Church serving under the leadership of Jeffery A. Johnson, Sr.   He was later promoted and served as the Music Director for Eastern Star Church’s Main Campus location until March 2017.

After fulfilling his assignment as music director at Eastern Star Church, Jamar relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. Jamar is currently serving as the Senior Director of Choirs at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Fellowship, Bishop Joseph W. Walker III and the Overseer of Worship and Arts, Minister VaShawn Mitchell. He is also the founder and director of Jamar Esaw & Triad:4Christ (Est. 2005).

God has given Jamar a unique outlook on ministry, complete with an assignment to breathe life into vessels who have inhaled death from working in ministry. This anointed man of God is called and skilled to enhance the holistic quality, excellence, and professionalism of leadership and music as it pertains to ministry.

Jamar Esaw with James Grear and Company

Under the leadership of Jamar Esaw, the gospel group Triad:4Christ has earned recognition as regional finalist in Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound singing competition. Before establishing the award-winning ensemble, Jamar Esaw served supporting positions in multiple major gospel ensembles, including James Grear and Nu Friends.

After releasing their 2005 self-titled album, James Grear and Nu Friends transformed into James Grear and Company, a nine-member vocal group that includes powerhouse vocalists such as DeMarcus Green and Lakisha “Winkie” Clark. Under James Grear’s direction, the group focuses on music that proclaims the gospel and glory of Jesus Christ. James Grear and Company is known for performing in churches as well as in secular venues.

James Grear and Company’s accomplishments include an appearance on NBC’s Today Show and a place on the soundtrack for the film “The Fighting Temptations.” The group has also performed live background vocals for singers ranging from Josh Groban to Trace Adkins.

Jamar Esaw & Triad:4Christ

A musician with extensive experience in gospel music, Jamar Esaw has taken part in various award-winning musical ensembles and has served in many youth groups and churches. He currently serves as the director of choirs at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville.  In 2005, Jamar founded

Jamar Esaw & Triad:4Christ, a multi-city choir with over 30 members.

Triad:4Christ released their award-winning first album, Prepare Me, in 2011. Since then, the group has gone on to collaborate with many musicians such as Lonnie Hunter, Michael McDonald, Tremaine Hawkins, among many others.

 Having embraced a mission to awaken people’s faith in ministry, Triad:4Christ produces and performs gospel music that showcases a unique amalgamation of traditional and modern sounds. The group thrives with the support of churches and communities from all over the United States. Despite their growing popularity, Triad:4Christ members remain faithful to their mission to serve with humility.

Four Tips for Choir

Jamar Esaw serves as the founder and director for Triad:4Christ, an Indiana-based choir group established to revitalize the gospel music scene and enhance the ministry experience. Under Jamar Esaw’s leadership, Triad:4Christ has participated in numerous gospel music events and festivals. The following tips can help choir singers to care for their voice and improve their singing. 

1. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep vocal cords healthy. Not drinking enough water can dry out the vocal chords, causing strain and potentially leading you to lose your voice due to the lack of lubrication needed for vibration. 

2. Use normal speaking tones. Both yelling and whispering too much can put strain on your vocal chords. Speak in a normal, inside voice as often as you can, even if you might be losing your voice. 

3. Perform vocal exercises. Vocal exercises help strengthen your vocal chords and improve your vocal range. Exercises that emphasize head resonance and tone quality are particularly important for choir singers. 

4. Find a vocal coach. A vocal coach or teacher can offer guidance for improvement by identifying your strengths and weakness.

Factors That Impact Recidivism Rates among Youth

A graduate of Augsburg College, Jamar Esaw serves as the founder and director of the Triad:4Christ choir. Jamar Esaw also has experience as a youth counselor and case manager for Model Cities, Inc., where he worked for over six years to reduce the rate of recidivism among young people.

Recidivism refers to the tendency of formerly convicted individuals to relapse and re-engage in illegal activity. Typically presented as a percentage, recidivism is defined as any illegal act that occurs in the three years following an offender’s release from prison. Moreover, the offense must result in re-arrest and adjudication within the criminal justice system. Rates of recidivism are a major challenge among young adults, with as many as 76 percent of offenders being arrested again for criminal acts within three years.

To reduce the high rate of recidivism among young adults, society must address the following contributing factors:

1. Criminal Thinking - Young adults are vulnerable to negative peer influences and their associated antisocial tendencies.

2. Education - Poor education leads to a poor long-term outlook among young adults because it is a barrier to future employment and financial earnings.

3. Employment - A lack of marketable skills and vocational training makes it difficult for young people to find a job.

4. Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Unmet mental health needs and impaired judgment often coincide with substance abuse.

5. Unstable Environments - Many youths involved in the criminal justice system lack positive support systems and a stable living environment.

Rhythm of Gospel Awards Show Honors Independent Gospel Music Artists

Jamar Esaw has almost 20 years of professional experience in the gospel music industry, including service as the music director of two churches, membership in two gospel groups, and numerous live performances with nationally recognized gospel singers. Currently, he serves as music director for Triad:4Christ, a gospel choir of over 30 members that he founded in 2006. Under Jamar Esaw’s direction, Triad:4Christ has recorded two albums and won six Rhythm of Gospel Awards.

The annual Rhythm of Gospel Awards Show honors independent gospel music artists, choirs, and churches and their leaders for their achievements in the industry. The televised awards show is the largest recognition event for independent gospel music artists in the country. Honorees are recognized in 60 categories covering various genres of gospel music, including praise and worship, alternative Christian, contemporary, traditional, and holy hip-hop. 

The selection process for a Rhythm of Gospel Award is initiated when record companies or board members submit their artists’ records and music videos for consideration. Members of the National and Independent Gospel Music Association (NIGMA) review the submissions and narrow the contenders down to the top seven nominees in each category. 

Once the deadline passes for nominees to accept their nominations, the NIGMA selection panel, along with the public via the Internet, determines the winners. Internet voting accounts for one-fourth of the selection process. The winners are not revealed until the envelopes are opened at the awards show.

In addition to the televised awards presentation, the five-day Rhythm of Gospel Awards celebration includes a pageant, a choir competition, and commemorative events, with gospel performances throughout. On June 21-25, 2017, the ninth annual Rhythm of Gospel Awards brought in over 6,500 people to enjoy the festivities in Jacksonville, Florida.