Meet The Team
AHMAYA KNOELLE
CO-CREATOR
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in Central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged, and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
A national and international stage performer, Knoelle Higginson-Wydro serves as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my her mother Vy Higginsen, Knoelle co-founded and created one of Mama's largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
choir
Amil Alston
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Cheriese Gissentanner
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Destiny Colon
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Johnique Edwards
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Nyla Jenkins
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Tori Isreal
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Yeremiya Wright
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Bobbye Hall
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Damion TRISTAN
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Jaron K. Fields
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
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Joi-Elle Arnell
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Sydnee Brown
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Turner Messer
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
Za'Riah Hand
CHOIR MEMBER
A national and international stage performer, I serve as Artistic Director at the historic cultural arts institution Mama Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in central Harlem. In 2006, alongside my mother Vy Higginsen, I co-founded and created one of our largest arts education programs, Gospel for Teens. Gospel for Teens has served thousands of youths in its mission is to preserve the history and genre of gospel music as an art form. By using music as mentorship and development platform, GFT serves musical talent through training classes, and subsequently provides the opportunity to share these talents at a variety of professional stages, internships, and platforms. Students learn fundamental vocal and performance techniques as they build their self-confidence both on and off stage.
As an outgrowth of the Gospel for Teens arts education program, I helped form the Sing Harlem Choir, a traveling commercial choir where advanced members of Gospel for Teens can elevate to performing on major platforms. I have booked, administered, musically arranged and choreographed dates for numerous appearances, including The Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, Nickelodeon, RFK Human Rights Gala, and landing feature performances for the group with Madonna, Chance The Rapper, SZA, Usher, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and many more.
As enthusiastic New York Harlem residents, myself and Mama Vy continue to serve our community through teaching music and are passionate about passing the legacy and history of music to the next generations.
MUSICIANS
Darrell Nickens
MUSICIAN
I was born and raised in New York City. I am a well-versed keyboard player pianist, organist, producer, writer & published sound designer. I have been playing and directing in churches and bands most of my life in and around New York State, New Jersey & Connecticut. I have performed in other parts of the US including Texas, Ohio, Illinois etc. My expertise has taken me abroad to countries such as Hong Kong, Japan & Europe. I am comfortable in all types of music, be it gospel, R&B, rock, jazz, rap, reggae, calypso, latin and alternative. I am score writer and music director of many stage plays with Creative Stages Entertainment since 1999. Darrell has been a keyboardist and Music Director with Vy Higgensen's Mama Foundation for The Arts since 2013.
Greg Kelly
MUSICIAN
I am an American musical producer/director, Grammy Award Winning songwriter, vocal coach, singer, actor, ordained Minister, and accomplished musician. I have been a force in the music industry for many years. Composing, producing, writing, arranging, and teaching gospel workshops around the world! My interest and love for music started at the tender age of eight; realizing my passion, I went on to pursue piano and composed my first song. I have toured as Musical Director, Producer, Singer/Musician around the world with notable groups including Hezekiah Walker's Love Fellowship Choir, The Black Gospel Singers, The Best Of Black Gospel, Vy Higginsen’s Mama I Want To Sing, Alive 55+ & Kicking and We Are, The Blacker the Berry the Sweeter the Juice, No Money No Honey, Cycles, I’m Bustin’ Loose, Where’s My Daddy, The Soul of a Man, and Loving Him Is Killing Me. I am the founder and Musical Producer for the highly acclaimed Reverend Gregory M. Kelly & The Best of Harlem Gospel. I continue to travel the world as a Music Master, developing choirs, teaching vocal and instrumental music; particularly in Europe, Japan, Trinidad/Tobago and the USA with organizations such as Mama Foundation for the Arts, Gospel Workshops International, Just Sing Gospel and The International Gospel Summit. I have played in revered arenas such as Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Tokyo Dome, Berlin Stadtpalast, Bucharest National Theater, Auditorium De Palma, The Blue Note, Carnegie Hall, Symphony Hall, Lincoln Center, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw Opera, Hybernian’s Palace Prague, Jacob Javits Convention Center, The Apollo Theater, Merriam Theater, The Lincoln Theater, Ovens Auditorium just to name a few.
Film and television roles/appearances include: Mr. Stevens in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, CBS 60 Minutes, musician/singer on BET, The Word Network, The Gospel Channel, TBN, The German Film Priese Awards, Cinema for Peace, "Adventsfest der Volksmusik" with Roger Whittaker and Howard Carpendale and The Bible Test Show with Thomas Gottschalk. Stage performances with Gospel and secular artists: James Cleveland, Byron Cage, Vanessa Williams, Myron Butler, Tye Tribbett, Shirley Caesar, Andrae Crouch, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Angie Stone, Lenny Williams, NeNe Leaks, Aretha Franklin, Donald Lawrence, Kurt Carr, Tramaine Hawkins, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Diana Ross, Miss Jones, Tony Terry, The Supremes, J Moss, Karen Clarke, Dorinda Clarke, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Richard Smallwood, Cybil, P Diddy, Kim Burrell, The Winans, Commissioned, Jose Carrera and many more.