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JSUP (Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise)
Juan Santiago understands the power of praise and wor-ship. The Gospel artist and songwriter has ushered many into the presence of God and with his ensemble, Uninhibited Praise, they are shaking the nation with their unique style of praise. The group, who has performed at The Bobby Jones Gospel Showcase twice, opened for artists such as Keith Pringle, Vicki Yohe, The Canton Spirituals, and the late Rev. Timothy Wright, and has ministered in song for the legendary Pastor Shirley Caesar, is a dynamic singing aggregation on fire the Lord. With impeccable harmonies, soul-stirring songs and perfectly-executed delivery, Juan Santiago & Unin-hibited Praise heads a new generation of singers celebrat-ing the most powerful music created. Fans of the group can witness that fact on the new CD entitled The Naro Group Presents – JSUP – Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise Ultimate Worship Experience – Live releasing Tuesday, November 8, 2011.
Santiago, who hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico, has been a lover of music most of his life. Growing up with Catholic and Pentecostal roots, Juan began singing at the age of 6 and direct-ing a choir as a youth. His COGIC background put him in the same circles with Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, who he counted as a mentor, and the experience under her tutelage left him a changed man. He moved to the States in the 90s and in 1995, his Godfather approached him about pulling together a group for a benefit concert. What started out as a favor turned into a flourishing ministry called Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise (JSUP). With over 50 members ranging from college students to ministry leaders, JSUP released their debut album Taking it to the Streetz in 2005, which produced three number one singles on the charts of the group’s local gospel radio station.
Now the group prepares for the release of their sophomore CD, The Naro Group Presents – JSUP – Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise Ultimate Worship Experience – Live. Having signed with The Naro Group in August 2010 for their second CD, this 2-disc collection is an amazing collage of power-ful worship tunes that set the atmosphere beautifully for intimate times with the Lord yet simultaneously work perfectly for Sunday morning service. From songs like the moving, “Hiding Place” to the memorable remake of Michael W. Smith’s “Healing Rain” to the genuine heartfelt worship of Martha Munizzi’s “God Is Here”, The Naro Group Presents – JSUP – Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise Ultimate Worship Experience – Live provides the lover of God with the perfect vehicle to get closer to Him. The project is sure to put the group on the gospel music map.
JSUP has toured the country immensely, raising their voices in song wherever they go. In addition to singing with some of industry’s movers and shakers, they’ve opened for the plays “In Times Like These” and “Lord, I’m Coming Home” which featured gospel icons Karen Clark-Sheard, Vickie Winans, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Furthermore, since the ensemble’s first release, JSUP’s music has been heard via new media inter-nationally in countries like Trinidad&Tobago, Argentina, and Korea.
After more than 10 years in this industry, I’ve learned to keep my peace and trust God,” Santiago, says. “I am blessed that people love to hear how we worship God. We are honored to have the privilege to offer our gifts to the one true Celebrity – Jesus Christ,” he explains. As promotion for the upcoming release, Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise are slated to begin a national tour in 2011.
Listen to music from JSUP
