AJ Dance Legacy

Kemi Bennings the artistic creator of Ministers of Sound the photography exhibit that showcases the role of DJ as minister, stopped by ajdancelegacy.com for a mini-view.  Read the curator’s powerful responses in regards to this mind-altering exhibit.

MINISTERS OF SOUND

1. How did the concept of Ministers of Sound, spotlighting DJs as ministers, come about?

The concept for Ministers of Sound came as a result of my late father, Rev. Hardy S. Bennings, Jr., who was a minister and beloved community leader.  My deep connection with my father catapulted the development of an art project that would also serve as my healing process through what I consider my ministry, the arts. I envisioned a community project that would move, touch and inspire others, pay tribute to my late father and salute a group of unsung heroes. The unsung heroes are DJs in the community that has impacted the lives of so many people for over a decade.

2. Do most DJs believe they serve a role when playing music?  Or do they simply play music?

Not all DJ’s recognize themselves as “ministers of music.” Therefore, they choose to play music that wreaks havoc on the spirit.  This in return causes chaos and destruction.  Yet, even in that music the undertones, beats, and rhythms are sacred.  I believe this sacredness should take precedence in the music a DJ chooses to play.   Thus being responsible for how the music and lyrics are combined to send out a message.

 3. Can you share one specific memory when a DJ took you to church using the vehicle of music?

A memory that took me to church is when I found house music.  When I found house music, I found the “church” again. I feel that the overall sentiment of house music is spiritual and meant to inspire.  There is very little, if any, house music I have encountered that is destructive.

4. How can a DJ impress its followers to serve his/her community?

I believe that first the DJ has to realize the power that he or she possesses and the importance of it as it relates to serving the community. Impress? That word could be a bit relative; I think it lies in the responsibility of the DJ to uplift and move the crowd in such a way that the music feeds the soul and inspires. Music possesses sacred powers.  The DJ may serve up a tune that you didn’t consciously know that you needed, but as soon as the music dropped it affected your mind, body, and spirit in an overwhelmingly way, evoking an “unspeakable joy”.

 5. Any plans to make this a traveling photography exhibit?

Travel plans?  I feel that there are many possibilities because of the vital dialogue this exhibit creates.  I’m truly being guided here and following the arrows. Honestly, at this moment, I only see February 24th.

Ministers of Sound, takes place at the Sound Table 483 Edgewood Avenue SE. Atlanta, GA on Sunday February 24, 2013 from 5 pm to 8 pm EST.  The event is free to the public.  For more information visit www.ministersofsound.com