Each extraordinary artists in their own right, Nirva Ready—a Chicago native and daughter of Haitian immigrants—is familiar to fans around the world as a singer and dancer in TobyMac’s Diverse City Band. Joining the group shortly after her graduation from Nashville’s historic Fisk University, where she was a member of the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, Nirva has traveled with the iconic GRAMMY®-winning artist for more than a decade, and it’s an honor she doesn’t take lightly.
“It means a lot to be a part of such a huge team that influences so many through the art of music for the Kingdom of God,” she says. “I've learned so much musically as well as spiritually, and I'm humbled to share the stage with one of the most popular Christian artists in the field. It far exceeds anything I could have dreamed.”
Traveling a similar path, Seth Ready’s resume also boasts a who’s who of top Christian and gospel artists. Growing up in central Florida, the self-described “gospel music fanatic” spent hours alone in his room singing, emulating influences like Andrae Crouch, The Winans, and Fred Hammond. Such dedication to his passion afforded Seth a series of opportunities in college that ultimately landed him at the doorstep of one of urban gospel’s most groundbreaking talents, Kirk Franklin. Following a tenure with the multi-platinum artist’s Hopeville Tour, Seth has also been a background vocalist for such names as Chris Tomlin, Donnie McClurkin, and CeCe Winans, to name a few.
While Seth & Nirva began their journeys in different musical circles, it wasn’t long before their paths began to cross. “Nirva doesn’t remember the first two times we met, so I obviously made a big impression,” Seth says with a laugh. “I first met Seth in San Diego at a Billy Graham Crusade,” Nirva recounts. “We were each singing background for artists that evening—me for TobyMac and Seth for Kirk Franklin—and a mutual friend introduced us.”
Never Alone, Seth & Nirva’s faith-empowering debut full-length album set for release on Integrity Music. Produced by Bryan Fowler (TobyMac, Aaron Shust) and featuring songwriting collaborations with Michael Farren (“Let It Rain”), Mia Fields (“Savior King”), Jacob Sooter, Israel Houghton, TobyMac, Victor Oquendo and BJ Putnam, Never Alone picks up where their 2014 EP I Need You left off.
Sonically, Never Alone explores the veteran background vocalists’ unique styles, with even more diversity than before. From the solid R&B groove of “Pour It Out” to the modern pop anthem of “Unconditional,” to the ballads and calls to worship on the album, Seth & Nirva carve out a distinctive blend all their own. “Our sound—much like us as a couple and as individuals—doesn’t fit any traditional genre category very well,” says Seth.“It’s a bit more diverse stylistically than a lot of artists and difficult to categorize, but this is who we are.”
In these, as in all the songs on Never Alone, Seth & Nirva drive home the eternal truth that God is present, on the move and that as believers, we are part of God’s story as He is part of ours. What theologian Dallas Willard calls ‘playing to an Audience of One,’ where He becomes our safe place, a refuge from lesser things, a place wherein our reverence for Him and dependence on Him becomes wisdom by which He empowers us to become all we are created to be.
“We want to be part of helping our brothers and sisters recover their courage,” Seth adds, “develop their character, grow in their understanding of the biblical worldview and connect with God on a daily basis through study and worship.”
“We want to use the gifts and tools God has given us—in the context of singing and making music—to serve and encourage the Church, as well as to take part in the renewal He is bringing about that will enable us to stand firm and impact our spheres of influence with the Gospel in a day when culture is set against us.”
Nirva Ready has hosted 123 Episodes.
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Love Thy Body: Interview with Nancy Pearcey
Episode | June 24th, 2019 | Season 1 | 57 mins 17 secs
We had the privilege of interviewing Nancy Pearcey about her work on truth, worldview, and latest book: Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions About Life and Sexuality.
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Should We Celebrate Pride Month?
Episode | June 17th, 2019 | Season 1 | 58 mins 25 secs
We discuss some recent articles addressing LGBT Pride month, whether or not Christians should celebrate, and what it means to love people, genuinely.
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Intellectual Humility
Episode | June 10th, 2019 | Season 1 | 1 hr 11 mins
When does intelligence become a weapon? This week we discuss the importance of adding humility to intellect so that truth can be communicated in love.
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Our Day with The Mountain Prophet - Part 3
Episode | June 3rd, 2019 | Season 1 | 42 mins 38 secs
We continue our conversation with The Mountain Prophet, discuss the Cultural Mandate and what it means for Christ to be Lord of All.
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Our Day with The Mountain Prophet - Part 2
Episode | May 27th, 2019 | Season 1 | 29 mins 5 secs
We continue our conversation with The Mountain Prophet and we dive into the specifics of our discussion.
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Our Day with The Mountain Prophet - Part 1
Episode | May 21st, 2019 | Season 1 | 29 mins 22 secs
We remain in the mountains for this episode and lay the groundwork for discussing our encounter with the Mountain Prophet.
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Ben Shapiro Interviews Dr. William Lane Craig
Episode | May 14th, 2019 | Season 1 | 53 mins 23 secs
We discuss the recent interview between Ben Shapiro and Dr. William Lane Craig.
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The Passing of Our Friend Jasfranh Maza
Episode | May 6th, 2019 | Season 1 | 46 mins
In this episode we discuss the recent passing of our friend and ministry core team leader—Jasfranh Maza—in light of the Resurrection of Christ and our future hope as His disciples.
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Arguing Without Being Argumentative
Episode | April 29th, 2019 | Season 1 | 38 mins 20 secs
In this episode we discuss the necessity and value of using reason and argumentation for the truth of Christianity as well as for the spiritual formation of believers.
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The Death of Free Speech
Episode | April 22nd, 2019 | Season 1 | 59 mins 32 secs
We discuss epistemology, Post-Modernism, and the slow death of free speech in today's culture.
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Are White Evangelicals White Supremacists?
Episode | April 15th, 2019 | Season 1 | 1 hr 3 mins
In this episode we are joined by Neil Shenvi as we discuss the recent controversial interview Ekemini Uwan gave at the Sparrow Women’s Conference in Dallas, Texas. The main topic of the talk was on the nature of “whiteness.” We analyze her position and offer some critiques.
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Unplanned: Interview with Abby Johnson
Episode | April 8th, 2019 | Season 1 | 41 mins 21 secs
In this episode we interview former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson. We discuss the new movie “Unplanned,” which tells the story of how she became a clinic director, but eventually walked away from the abortion industry after observing an ultrasound-guided abortion.
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Has the Christian Music Industry Lost Its Prophetic Voice?
Episode | April 1st, 2019 | Season 1 | 59 mins 36 secs
In this episode we discuss the loss of our prophetic voice in the Christian Music Industry, as well as the recent controversy surrounding K-LOVE’s initial rejection of attempts to advertise the pro-life movie ‘Unplanned’.
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I Kissed Historic Christianity Goodbye with Alisa Childers - Part 2
Episode | March 25th, 2019 | Season 1 | 41 mins 5 secs
In this episode we continue our discussion of Progressive Christianity with Christian Apologist Alisa Childers. We respond to Lisa Gungor’s book “The Most Beautiful Thing I’ve Seen,” and we also discuss measures we can take in our churches to equip folks so that they can spot the errors in this false ideology.
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I Kissed Historic Christianity Goodbye with Alisa Childers - Part 1
Episode | March 18th, 2019 | Season 1 | 38 mins 17 secs
In this episode we discuss Progressive Christianity, its increasing presence in the American church, and how it compares to historic (Biblical) Christianity. We are joined by Christian Apologist, writer, and former CCM recording artist Alisa Childers.
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Carl Lentz on The View, Chris Pratt and Celebrity Evangelicals, and More Stories
Episode | March 11th, 2019 | Season 1 | 58 mins 58 secs
In this episode we evaluate the answer Carl Lentz, Pastor of Hillsong Church New York gave in response to a question regarding the sinfulness of abortion while appearing on “The View”. We also touch on current events including the backlash actor Chris Pratt received for attending churches that are not affirming of the LGBTQ community, Chick-fil-a being rejected from Rider University, and more.