Over two-plus decades ago, Kenya Ferguson gave her life to the Lord and was invited to join a choir on the strength of her sister Sharine Symonette’s vocal prowess, and the fact that she was the lead vocalist. Today, Ferguson, who has released “I Will Sing” is a powerhouse singer in her own right. And she is not looking back with plans to release more singles, and eventually an album.
“I guess she [choir director] was hoping [singing] ran in the family,” said Ferguson.
The message from her debut single, which is more than a year old, is that despite the challenges or “mountaintop experiences”, a person should never lose their song.
“The song represents hope and courage to press on. It’s a reminder of who God is to you – that friend that never leaves, the healer or conquering lion – and that it’s all in Jesus’ name.”
It’s also a single that she dedicated to Seymour because she said her sister believed in her when she did not believe in herself.
“She gave me my first song to lead and, from that moment, there has been no turning back,” said Ferguson. “Ultimately, I want the gospel through my gifting to reach the world. I feel like this is what I was called to and I am determined to do just that.”
This from the singer who counts American gospel musician and songwriter Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and American gospel singer and minister Donnie McClurkin among her inspirational artists.
Ferguson, 37, credits Flora Simpson, her primary school music teacher, with recognizing her gift of song and drafting her into the school’s choir.
The daughter of Pauline and Cecil Ferguson said from childhood, she had always shown a love for school and performing as she participated in various school choirs and ensembles.
Ferguson is also a founding member of the group Eboni – a group of worshippers linked together by their church, Ebenezer Mission Baptist – as well as its lead singer.
“Eboni was a vision from Reverend Clinton Minnis. We are ministry-focused and well known for ushering many audiences into the presence of God.”
Eboni was recently a finalist in the Southwest Region competition of the Gospel Industry Network 2022.
She has also racked up numerous accolades, including having won Bahamas Gospel Music Awards (BGMA) – Praise and Worship Song of the Year.
“Winning the BGMA Praise and Worship Song of the Year was a dream that I never knew I had, come true. When I was nominated, I was ecstatic. I was like wow, I just released and the song is making its mark! Well, look at God! Then, to actually win was so humbling, sobering and indeed I felt like I had reached the mountaintop.”
Ferguson was also nominated for Mother Rachel Mackey Female Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Shenique Thurston Traditional Song of the Year, and Mark Bethel Song of the Year. Marlin Awards nominee for Outstanding Praise and Worship Female Artist and Outstanding Black Gospel Recording Artist.
It is her hope that the world will know her as an anointed psalmist but also a kindhearted humble woman with a heart for God’s people and ministry.
Her favorite scripture, Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
She added, “The journey hasn’t been easy but I have learned some great life lessons and daily my love for the Savior grows. I don’t base my walk on that of others but learning who God is for myself.”
Ferguson is the religious studies department subject coordinator and also teaches religious studies at S.C. McPherson School to seventh through ninth-grade students and said it was a former teacher, Patrice Smith, who made her realize that she wanted to be an educator, and to teach religious studies.
“When I was in R.M. Bailey, I had an amazing religious studies teacher in Patrice Smith. After my three years with her, I knew for sure that was what I wanted to do. She broke down God’s word in simplicity while making learning fun. She was real and her love and passion was felt in every word she uttered. She gave us hope and inspired us to be better and live right. This is what I offer to my students.”
Ferguson said sharing God’s word for her is giving hope and highlighting the wondrous, unconditional love of Christ.
“These students battle with so much but, in His Word, you find everything you need. It feels good to facilitate this truth-finding mission.”
Her advice to her students is that there is nothing wrong with serving God from an early age, and that only what’s done for Him will last.
“People will fail and disappoint you. God won’t. His promises are sure and as Jeremiah 29:11 states, ‘He has a great plan for you.’”
With that being the case, she encourages children to enjoy their childhood and learn all they can.
“Seek first the kingdom and all else will be added to you.”
Ferguson describes herself as a “kindhearted, exuberant, youthful and anointed woman” and someone who is passionate about ministry and education.
