TRIBL x Maverick City Music
TRIBL and Maverick City Music have released their first collaborative record, TRIBL I. Ryan Ofei of TRIBL and Naomi Raine of Mav City shared with us the significance of this project and why they believe congregations are connecting with their spontaneous, freeform style of worship.
We are so excited about TRIBL’s first album with Maverick City. What is significant and meaningful to you all about this collaborative project?
Naomi: What’s so exciting to me about Tribl’s first album with Maverick City is that we get to hear the new players on the team! There are so many talented people a part of this family and I’m just excited for everyone to hear the voices, the writing, the moments, and the message of the Gospel from their point of view.
Ryan: Two years ago, I watched “My Soul Sings” on Instagram. The song captivated me till I prayed to be in that room someday, in the back, with no mic, just worshiping with this community.
This collaborative project is so significant to me because it represents a prayer that was answered beyond my request. To join with family from across the world and worship our Saviour is truly a heaven-like experience.
TRIBL’s mission is “to be the home of live, moment-driven worship.” Why do you think people are connecting so strongly to TRIBL and Maverick City’s spontaneity and freeform style of praise music?
Naomi: Honestly I think there’s just a freedom that resounds in the music and I think it has to do with the fact that it is moment-driven worship. I think people love the freedom they hear. I believe they love the idea that they can listen to a song and not know what to expect. When you don’t know what’s coming next it becomes a unique experience.
But it also impacts one’s time with the Holy Spirit so that when people are in personal worship, on YouTube or in their cars, they can spiritually hear from God in a way that they normally wouldn’t.
Ryan: I often say that TRIBL and Mav have broken the mold of conventional worship. Our songs are so fresh, unique, and creative. At the core of every moment is genuine worship. I believe people from all walks of life are drawn to this style of worship because watching a video not only displays what is going on here — it also invites you in.
This record is an amalgamation of diverse, unique backgrounds and stories. Can you tell us about two backstories in particular coming together that led to a special lyric or moment in these songs?
Ryan: This record is so diverse and still so cohesive. The song “Still Holy” was written at a Zoom camp. Before I ever got a chance to visit Atlanta, TRIBL held online camps. I joined from Canada, writing with people from America, and a lady that was in Southern Africa. A couple days before, I had tried to write a song from the perspective of the throne room of heaven. When we began to discuss what we would write about, each person felt led to write from Isaiah 6:1 so we wrote about the Lord being high and lifted, even in the current situation that we were facing globally in the pandemic and with racial injustice.
We declared that He always has been, always is, and always will be Holy.
Secondly, I spoke with Brandon Lake regarding “High Praise” and he shared how Dante Bowe, Melodie Wagner, and himself had written this JAM in Australia. Somehow it just never felt right to share the song till 2 years later. As we sang this song, I literally saw heaven, without division, black and white, sons and daughters, young and old, all tribes and tongues, joining with the angels and giving Him High Praise!
Can you tell us more about TRIBL and Maverick’s mission of redefining what worship looks and sounds like? Why does the world need this redefinition, particularly in 2021?
Naomi: The redefining of worship is more-so about culture because as different cultures emerge with new expressions and as different generations come forth, there is a need for each culture and each generation to worship in a way that is both in spirit and in truth. That doesn’t necessarily mean no longer doing a traditional thing — it might, but it truly means Worshipping God and offering him everything that you have understanding that that looks different for each culture and generation. That’s why we need redefinition, because models of worship, based on an influential individual’s style, or the slant we view the world many times expires.
Jesus had to re-define worship with the woman at the well. He had to bring her into truth and help her see it more clearly. As Jesus encouraged the woman at the well to worship in spirit and truth he reminded her that God was seeking worshipers. I think it’s our mission not just to redefine but to remind as well.
I think the world will always need re-definition of worship because there’s so much idolatry, even hidden idolatry. There are so many opportunities and offers to worship something that’s not worthy of our lives or our praise and worship. We get pulled in different directions and offered so many distractions but we often need to be reminded of the truth.
Ryan: Each day I learn that the formulas we know in churches and worship settings form great references in our understanding of both culture and heritage. But now we see the box being broken and being remade and honestly sometimes being thrown away entirely. Our freedom to create and express allows God to do an old thing in a new way. I never thought there would be a worship song called “Rumors” or “Old Church Basement.”
But these songs are blessing me and many across the world also. This redefinition is important because the influence of the Church has dwindled over time.
The reach of the kingdom sometimes can’t reach people who are not already a part of it. With this new sound and take on worship, I believe we meet people right where they are, speaking a language they understand, and bringing a sound that draws them to desire a relationship with the One we sing about.
Something we’ve loved about TRIBL I and Jubilee: The Juneteenth Edition is that it tangibly captures the sound of the kingdom. What is it like being in these rooms and recording these songs together as brothers and sisters in Christ?
Naomi: Honestly it’s amazing! It was a dream come true to stand with the leading voices in the worship, gospel and ccm communities and sing praises to our God who is worthy of it all! One of the beautiful things is to get to experience someone else’s worship! I think it helps you to honor and stand in awe of the Lord in a different way because you get to see through that person’s life—how they see the Lord.
It just widens our view of God and helps us to worship in a deeper way.
I hope these songs echo from the deepest valleys to the highest mountain tops to remind every beating human heart that they are beloved, that they belong, and that because of Jesus, our suffering never gets the final word! I hope that they help others sing in the canyon, and watch amazed at how God's love meets them in their deepest pain and sorrow. I hope they help people let go of fear and hold onto hope as they remember that God made them, He loves them, and He's rejoicing over them with loud singing day in and day out.
Ryan: Raised in a Pentecostal-Charismatic African background, I'm used to church being filled with dancing, singing, and HIGH PRAISE! What I love about TRIBL 1 and Jubilee: The Juneteenth Edition is that everyone is so different but those differences come together to form a beautiful mosaic. It is perfectly okay to bring your true and authentic self before the father and your family. A song could make someone cry, someone bow down, someone dance, and someone else jump for joy.
The truth is we were not created to be the same — we were created to serve the same King.
Is TRIBL II on the horizon?
Naomi: I hope so!
Ryan: He’s just getting started, we're just getting started. I believe TRIBL II would pick up where TRIBL I ended. As we grow in fellowship with God and each other, there’s no telling what could be next. I've been blessed to write and record with my TRIBL and the Maverick City family.
The greatest days are still ahead!
TRIBL x Maverick City Music | Tribl I
Lead Tribl I with your congregation. Resources available at MultiTracks.com.