Cystal Aikin

with special guests

New Artist Crystal Aikin: Delightful, Dedicated & Down-to-Earth Donating her time to Haitian Relief Efforts

By Mawuli Chai

Her spirit is grand and her laughter infectious.  “It is so good to finally meet you,” chimes first-time Sunday Best and Stellar Award winner, Crystal Aikin, who converses with me via telephone from her hotel room in Atlanta.  Aikin was first introduced to the world through BET’s first season of Sunday’s Best, a gospel competition with American Idol-esque flair that searched for gospel music’s next superstar; a competition she describes as “nerve-wracking.”  Yet, it’s her collected response, her composed nature and certifiable self-awareness that instantly puts me at ease for our 52-minute early morning conversation.  Her down-to-earth candor is refreshing, making her seem less like a celebrity and more like a personal long-time friend.

Her influences are many and she credits her parents and nurturing upbringing as the anchoring force in her life.  The eldest of two, it was the passing of her father that swiftly fortified her to pursue a professional career as a recording artist. An experience, according to her, that allowed her to be “more responsible” and mindful about her life.  Aikin is poised, valiant, assured and has a remarkable sense of self.   “I miss my dad.  I had a fabulous father.  He was a great father who worked very hard and loved my mother.  His death was very sudden and came at an unexpected time.”

A native of Tacoma, Washington, Aikin never envisioned herself standing alongside certified gospel superstars on BET and hearing Kirk Franklin announce her name as the winner.  Awarded with a Zomba recording contract, Aikin releases her self-titled debut album on Verity Records and develops her call to ministry.  Her sound is a mix of jazzy-neo soul juxtaposed with a traditional gospel contemporary feel.  The first single, “I Desire More” is a new anthem that speaks to seeking the Kingdom of God.

A nurse by profession, Aikin, has a double major from Pacific Lutheran University in Biology & Psychology and has found her niche—using her voice as therapy to tantalize the ear and bring healing and restoration to people the world over. Though excited by her new notoriety, she jokingly says that being recognized doesn’t mean much. She regards herself as just “Crystal -- the girl from back home that was raised right.”   With a heightend personal standard, Crystal strives to live a balanced moral and ethical life.  She explains that she has always been placed in leadership roles and being a former choir director gave her practice and tightened her sensibilities. 

At 35, she has a new play in the works with World Changers and is making the adjustment to a new career as a recording artist—a ministry with a now larger platform.

Our conversation shifts to the Quake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. So says Aikin quickly, “It’s a tragic situation.  Lives have been lost.  I am very saddened.” No doubt, her schedule has changed and living on the road is no easy feat.   These days her schedule is laid out for her, shuffling between airports and flying from city-to-city and jetting around the globe.  Crystal shares, “I’m on the road so much. I see more hotels (than you can imagine).”  Yet, the advantage is that she has the ability to connect with family and friends along the way.  “I just saw my cousins last night for a night or two.”

In the last few days she has traveled to San Francisco, Washington, Atlanta, Seattle, and Dallas. She flies home for a day “to get washed up and repackaged” and makes her way to Canada for two benefit concerts.

Aikin has partnered with World Vision and is taking social action.  She kicks off her mini-Canadian tour in the Nation’s Capitol, Ottawa, on Friday, February 26, 2010 at Rhema Christian Centre (1500 Chatelain Avenue).  She is joined by the musical stylings of Ottawa’s own Kathy Grant and World-African musical sensations, Krystaal who hail from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  On February 27, 2010, Aikin is slated to appear at Malton Church of God (7050 Bramalea Rd., Unit 42-48) in Mississauga, for an intimate and special appearance featuring Toronto’s own gospel greats, Echoes of Praise, Rochelle Hanson, Londa Larmond, and Latin-inspired Paulis Sanchez.
 
“Every time you are opening your mouth, you are doing it for purpose. You never know whose life you could be touching” – a new-found position she doesn’t take lightly.

A business woman, her hope is to open a Certified Nursing school so others can develop the skills in the profession.  She’s actually in the works of developing this plan.  Pastor Marvin Sapp encourages her business efforts and advises her to have more than one source of income.  “He’s definitely been like a brother to me.  He always asks me, ‘Have you been listening to what I said?’”

“Believe that I am getting down on my knees and praying” she says with a southern twang. “Look at my knees,” she exclaims, “they’re ashy” she says buoyantly.

A portion of the proceeds for the Crystal Aikin show will go to the World Vision’s Haitian Emergency Relief Fund.
Sharing her love; bringing a universal message of joy, Aikin plans on helping to change the world one child at a time.
For more information about the show visit www.fullcc.com


Mawuli Chai is a freelance writer based in Toronto, Ontario - Canada