UMSL student Joanna Waceke Slaughter will release her first gospel CD, “Glory To His Name,” March 31 during an official CD launch and family event.
Kenya native Joanna Waceke Slaughter, a business administration major at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, has always enjoyed singing in her church but never thought she’d pursue it further.
“I love singing, but I never knew I would be a song writer until God inspired me to write,” Slaughter said. “It all began about a year and a half ago. He inspired me, and gave me the words to write the songs that are now on my first CD.”
Under the name Joanna Waceke, she’s releasing her debut , “Glory To His Name.” She will hold an official CD launch and family event March 31 at her church, Phileo Christain Worship Center in St. Louis.
Slaughter said she’s excited and humbled by the opportunity to use her music to touch the lives of others for Jesus Christ.
“I find it very interesting that the Lord has chosen to do this now. I’ve always been a business person; I love numbers. And I always saw myself as more of a thinker and less of a creative person. I do love music, but never saw myself as a musician or artist,” she said. “But he has seen the possibility for me to spread his message and inspire others, and so I am.”
“Glory To His Name” features eight tracks that will appeal to a variety of people, but mostly those with an eclectic taste and a keen focus on Christian-inspired lyrics and instrumentals.
“I pray that my music helps to inspire,” she said. “I’m hoping that people will be more willing and open to listen to new music and not be turned off by the fact that it’s gospel music. It’s about the word of God, but it’s about being inspired and feeling the music.”
The CD launch party will begin at 2 p.m. March 31 at Phileo Christain Worship Center, 1444 Goodfellow Blvd. in St. Louis (63112). Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for teenagers, $2 for children and free for children under 2. Slaughter will perform several of her songs, as well as performances by other local artist. Light refreshments will be served. A game and activity station will be open for children.
“Glory To His Name” will be avaliable for purchase during the party for $10 each and $15 after the party.
She will also perform at the Multi-Cultural Expressions exhibit opening from 4 to 7 p.m. April 26 at Gallery Visio at UMSL.
To purchase a CD or book Slaughter for an event, email her at joannawaceke@gmail.com.
