Christian couple showcases singing, dancing talents on social media
HER LOVE for singing and aim to inspire others with the message of the Lord led singer Latoya Mullings,, in February 2022 to start a weekly inspirational one-hour Facebook Live series on Wednesdays, called ‘Don’t Pass Me By’.
The title ‘Don’t Pass Me By’ is taken from the hymn Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour.
“A lot of people have been inspired by the singing as well as the inspirational messages,” said Mullings.
A year later, she joined her husband Christopher Hayles for a weekly Sunday evening Facebook Live series called ‘Sing with Me Baby’ which features a mix of rhythm and blues, reggae, jazz and country music.
‘Sing with Me Baby’ is a singing and dancing show where both showcase their talents while promoting love in relationships through music.
“Wow! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine performing with my husband on stage. It has a very positive impact on our marriage. Our chemistry and communication on stage is indescribable. It has helped to give me a deeper connection with my husband, it’s actually one of my pride and joy to share the stage with a man with so much talent, who happens to be my husband and soulmate,” said Mullings.
Now residing in Canada, Mullings once resided in the community of New Road District, which is situated on the border of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. She enjoyed singing and going to church, and made a commitment to the Lord at an early age.
Her relationship with the Lord continued into adulthood where she says her belief in God and her willingness to surrender to His will have helped to sustain her.
“I was brought up in a Christian home, so I was introduced to Christianity ever since I’ve known myself. I got baptised in my early teens. However, my personal relationship with God developed and matured as an adult. There were times when I knew it had to be only the power of God and my faith that has brought me through tough times,” Mullings shared.
Today, she worships at the Toronto West Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“First, let me just say that I am glad that I’m a Christian. Christianity doesn’t mean that my life is perfect. It means that I’ve been tested and tried, but my faith, belief in God and my willingness to surrender to His will has been sustaining me,” she confided.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
After completing studies at the Black River High school, she moved on to the Northern Caribbean University (NCU). When she migrated to Canada, she decided to focus more on developing her music career.
“I was born into a musical family, so, ever since I was four years old, I have been singing at numerous events as a soloist, sometimes with my siblings, other times with singing groups. When I migrated to Canada, I established myself as a professional recording artiste,” Mullings said.
She has shared the stage with American R&B singer Brandy, an experience she says she enjoyed immensely.
“I shared the same stage with Brandy at the Black Diamond Ball. It was mind-blowing and surreal. So many emotions were going through me all at the same.
This was one of my confirmations that I had to continue to pursue my biggest dream of becoming a renowned artiste.
Mullings has released a number of songs to date, including Take This Cross and her most recent, One Foot.
Besides music, Mullings has been involved in charity work and impacting the lives of others in a positive way. She has been recognised by various organisations in Toronto for her contribution to the community .
“For the past nine years, I have been actively involved in community support through my music. These are organisations that are supporting the Toronto community and some Caribbean countries, including Jamaica. I’ve performed for the Police Divisions, Friends for Life Outreach, the 34th annual Black Business Professional Association Harry Jerome Awards, International Women’s Achievers Awards, After Breast Cancer, Jamaican High Schools - Toronto Chapters, to name a few. Whenever I’m performing, I always try to share some of my life experiences and challenges that I’ve overcome, to encourage others, especially women and young people,” she said.
Latoya Mullings’ live series can be seen via her social media page www.facebook.com/Latoya Mullings Music