It was during a middle school talent show, when the rendition of Bobby Caldwell’s What You want Do For Love was crooned by a young man who was not sure of his singing abilities. After a screaming crowd and thunderous applause erupted in response to his performance, Amar Khalil started to think he could “hum a tune or two.”
Fast forward years later and the once unsure Rhythm and Gospel (R & G) entertainer, has become “an accomplished singer who can handle lead and background vocals; is a talented songwriter, musician, dancer and actor.
Khalil was one of the guest performers at the Baddest Bag’s Fashion Show and Shopping Soiree on May 9th, that garnered at least 150 in attendance at the Love Center Church in Oakland. Guests were amused with singers, dancers, a fashion show and a corridor filed with local vendors displaying and selling jewelry, clothing, gift baskets and hats.
Khalil who is also the lead singer for Tone, Tony Toni, since 1996, released his 2006 album debuting his R & G vibe that displays “God’s message of love, hope and forgiveness. It is not traditional gospel music, but it is certainly feel good sounds. “I wanted the non-believers to hear it and enjoy it,” he said.
With an upbringing, not farfetched from daily stories one may hear of African America males growing up in drug infested areas, relatives in and out of the prison system and divided families, Khalil is an “overcomer.” He wanted to do better in life and obviously he has.
He teamed with one of today’s hottest producers, Jaime Hawkins, son of the world famous gospel family, Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, to produce his album. His newly released Where There’s a Will There’s A Way CD has already received wide acclaim.
The entire collection of songs is a blend of hip hop tunes, smooth undertones and melodic fusion that is all satisfying to the ear.
For more information on Amar Khalil and his music, please visit www.myspace.com/Amarkhalil
