With production credits that include the who's who of gospel music—
Paulis Sanchez’s debut CD “Seguro en ti” brings us a vibrant mix of
Latin-fused gospel, rapidly becoming all the rage. While on tour across
Latin American cities and the U.S, contributor Nikkilon Mccreary caught-
up with the Colombian-born artist to chat about life, faith and the intro-
duction of a brand new musical genre.

Nikkilon: Could you tell us about your early musical influences?

Paulis: I started as a worship leader years before I even considered
recording, it gave me my foundation as an artist. My home church is
predominately African American, and I have learned so much from the
rich culture and music. Also, I had an ear for the sound that I wanted
and what it should be and though I’m Hispanic, I listened to Black
Gospel music artist as well contemporary artist such as Winans and
Andre Crouch. That exposure gave me a lot of what I needed. Being
exposed to Black Gospel music has definitely been a great influence.

Nikkilon: If you had to describe it, how would you characterize
your debut CD?

Paulis: I am a worship leader at heart. And that is what you hear in
tone of the CD; the dept of my heart. I am a worship leader in my
church in Toronto, Canada also. I perform praise and worship in
Spanish. But I also have a track of Reggae with the artist Papa San.

Nikkilon: What’s playing on your I pod these days?

Paulis: These days I'm listening to Dorinda Clark Cole and Israel, but
I also have a lot of other music on my I pod..


Nikkilon: Your CD reads like a who’s who in contemporary
music, could you share with our readers some of the highlights
of the production process?

Paulis: It was interesting. I sat down with my manager to decide what
I wanted the CD to sound like. Then I gathered my thoughts and just
wrote the music. The outcome was that my first CD introduced a new
genre. The results were Latin fused with Black Gospel with the lyrics
in Spanish. It has never really been done before. Many great people
helped. Roger Ryan does worship ballads, and collaborated with Cece
Winans, Yolanda Adams. He is phenomenal. I worked with Maurice
J Rodgers who has worked with Kirk Carr, Sean Simmonds who is
extremely talented, and a powerhouse team of other credible producers.
I eventually introduced a Latin music theme with more of an up-tempo
gospel flare.

Nikkilon: I understand that you have been doing quiet a bit
of touring overseas. What cities have you visited so far, and
where will your fans find you next?

Paulis: I have traveled to parts of Latin America: Guatemala, Ecuador,
Panama, United States and Canada. I hope to go to Puerto Rico soon.

Nikkilon: What is your favorite cut and why?

Paulis: “Solo A Ti” is my favorite cut. It is a worship ballad. One day
my worship leader said “Here is a song I want you to sing”. So I did.
This worship ballad is very personal for me, I was introduced to it at
a time when I was going through a difficult time in my life and I began
questioning God. That song helped me through those tough times.
Today, as an artist, I realize that the message comes across better
when it’s touches you personally.


Nikkilon: Who are your musical heroes?

Paulis: Those would be Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Doris
Machin, Ingrid Rosario, Yolonda Adams just to name a few.


Nikkilon: What do you do for fun?

Paulis: A year ago a friend introduced me to rollerblading. I really love
it. I can just relax while skating. I enjoy watching movies also.


Nikkilon: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that
you could tell us about?

Paulis: I’m working on promoting my CD. I will go on the road in a
couple weeks and I will be on tour in late Dec 2008.


Nikkilon: Your Bio makes reference to some extreme points of
emotional darkness in your life? Would you care to elaborate?

Paulis: I was just stuck in some really bad circumstances, and
I did not realize it. Five years ago I lost my career job and a very
close personal relationship. Also, I had a deep fear of losing my
home. This was very a difficult, dark journey and transitional period
for me. Eventually, I had to relocate to another city, alone. Then,
suddenly it all hit home--I found myself. In retrospect, the journey
was about finding the real me and about God restoring my heart,
and reestablished my life. It was during that dark journey that I
turned to God and I found peace.


Nikkilon: What does the meaning of the title of your current
release” Seguro en Ti” mean?

Paulis: It means “You Alone”.


Nikkilon: How would you best describe the sound of your
musical style?

Paulis: I would describe it as Latin Gospel fused into Spanish.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Nikkilon: Do you have any other creative aspirations?

Paulis: Yes, I love make-up and cosmetics. I’m in the early stages
of creating my own cosmetics line called “CINT”. I’m building the line
with a partner. It is hard work but it is a lot of fun. It often takes me
away from everything else I’m doing.

by Nikkilon McCreary

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