A Glimpse of His Story

Formative Years

Ezekiel’s music journey began while staring at his grandmother’s upright piano as a child. The ivory and wood he set eyes on would serve as the foundation of his life’s path. Growing up, holiday gatherings largely revolved around music and were marked by his parents, aunts, uncles, and other family members gathering around the piano to sing. It was during these times that Ezekiel became drawn to the piano. The joy of music became a part of him and he knew that he was somehow destined to create it.

Between the ages of 3 and 7, the church was also a backdrop for his exposure to music. Here, Ezekiel witnessed the creative process of music first hand and he grew more certain that music was the path he wanted to pursue. This, in combination with the musical influence of his family, meant that at 4 years old Ezekiel had already begun learning the piano.

Early Career

Through adolescence, music remained a primary focus in Ezekiel’s life. In high school he started a band, New Wine, alongside his cousin and fellow church friends. Later in college, his love for both technology and music merged through digital recording. As an artist in the early phase of his career, digital recording in a studio environment opened up an entirely new world for Ezekiel. For the first time, he could play and arrange the instruments he’d hear in his mind without the need to find an artist to play it live. Additionally Ezekiel’s time with New Wine also played a key role in shaping his perception of age and the music industry. He learned that there are no age limits to the expression of music and came to value the importance of staying true to himself as an artist.

Later, Ezekiel founded Gloryfire Music with cousin, Leon Timbo. A record label and production company, Gloryfire served as an opportunity for Ezekiel to carve his own path in music. The production company also became a vehicle for travel and provided an opportunity for Ezekiel to meet other artists and producers while learning more about the music industry. Gloryfire Music went on to produce for such artists as Lisa McClendon, Allen and Allen, and Febe. It also led to the creation of a group of local worship leaders called Firestorm, for which Gloryfire also produced music.

During this phase of his career, Ezekiel also played in a band called Unkahmon along with band mates Tracy Morris, Sean Andrews and Michael Norwood. Spontaneous two-hour sets with the band were commonplace. These lengthy sets gave him experience with ‘creating on the fly’ and helped him to appreciate the importance of creating a unique sound. At the time, this spontaneous approach to music was unusual, and Ezekiel came to appreciate its tendency to take listeners on journeys engineered for enjoyment “in the moment”. Today this spontaneous approach continues to inspire his music, as he strives to give every listener a unique one of a kind experience through his music.

Current Solo Career

Starting in 2009, Ezekiel embarked on his solo career. He initially found the transition to solo artistry intimidating, stirring him to at times cover his music with a parental-like protectiveness. He soon, however, realized the positive personal impact that his music had on others. This realization that his music gave encouragement and peace to listeners helped him feel more confident as an artist. It also gave courage to others who were afraid to share their gift.

On a personal note, this season of transition in Ezekiel’s life was marked with self-discovery and a stronger sense of individual identity. A difficult journey of self-love through God inspired him to love and connect with himself and others on a deeper, more genuine level. This changed him both as a person and a musician. As a result of this personal journey, Ezekiel became empowered to put more of himself in his music.

A husband and a father of 3 wonderful children, today Ezekiel continues to grow and evolve both as an artist and an individual. He gains strength and vision from his life experiences, translating them into music that will draw listeners into an emotional experience that encourages and inspires.