Not Ready (Official Music Video) | Naomi Raine | Journey

Raine believes that her relationship with music heavily influences and affects her relationship with God. It helps her grow in her faith, she says. “The music helps me talk to God, it helps me hear from him, it helps me vent and it helps me show people what my conversations with him are like,” said Raine. “This is my tool of catharsis, it’s how I heal and feel. For me, each song is a journey.”

Having penned each song on her 2022 album, Journey, Raine used the music as a way for listeners to get a peek into her personal life and in her spiritual journey. Even so, she won’t take full credit for what she’s produced. “Each song has come about differently,” Raine explained. “These songs have helped me understand God better. Some of them I felt like he wrote. I don’t even know how I get credit for it. I just sat there, opened up and literally let it download from heaven.”

One particular track, “World on Fire,” is one of the songs that best reflects the environment in which Black people are living in today. During the pandemic, when social justice awareness was at an all-time high, Raine used that time to reflect, and found that the point of her music was to not just heal those who identify as Christian, but also those who may need to hear from God and know that He’s present. Naomi learned that her ministry is inclusive—and those in attendance at the Apollo Thursday night will experience this first-hand.

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“I remember thinking, ‘I don’t know if I’ll ever get to perform at the Apollo.’ But as you’re asking me this question, I’m like, ‘oh my god, I’m actually getting to sing at the Apollo!’ It’s just a major blessing,” said Raine.

She continued, “Wherever God wants to put me that’s where I want to be. But I’m so aware of the fact that there’s legacy and history at certain places. I’m so grateful to be a part of the Apollo Theater’s legacy and step on the stage where so many Black entertainers have gotten a breakthrough.”

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If Raine’s voice and message are something you would like to hear, make sure to come to see her live at the Apollo Theater on December 8 when we will celebrate  The Root 100 honorees!