MEL HOLDER

MEET MEL HOLDER 

In "The Nations of Africa Documentary," viewers are immersed in a captivating journey following the lives of four diverse musical artists: Mel Holder, Orlando “Landlord” Miller, Jumu Grant, and Dangarii Muzii. Despite hailing from vastly different backgrounds, they share a common passion for music. As the documentary unfolds, audiences witness their unprecedented expedition to Uganda and Kenya, where they confront life's most daunting challenges with unwavering courage and determination. From performing on television and radio to spreading God's love in churches, orphanages, and the impoverished ghettos of Africa, these musical ministers embark on a transformative journey that transcends borders and unites hearts. Through the universal language of music, they inspire hope, faith, and resilience in adversity. "The Nations of Africa Documentary" is a stirring testament to the power of music to bridge divides and ignite positive change, inviting audiences to join in the extraordinary journey of these remarkable individuals.

The illustrious multi-talented Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Award-nominated artist, composer, arranger, saxophonist, author, and pastor Mel Holder has recorded six albums thus far in a meritorious 25-year musical career. His unparalleled perseverance and dedication to his craft are attributed to his Christ-centered lifestyle.

Even amid the pandemic, there has been no slowdown. Mel has authored a new book, "THE NEW NORMAL," which is a must-read as it chronicles the current COVID-19 era with positive and informative life lessons to navigate the new normal. The studio has never been a stranger to Mel, as he used his time of social distancing to pen his upcoming album "PHENOMENAL."

"MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS" and "MELODIES OF RESURRECTION" are Mel Holder's recent television productions, aired on several major international networks such as WORD NETWORK and THE NOW NETWORK.

Mel was recently awarded the TEXAS GOSPEL MUSIC EXCELLENCE AWARD for Instrumentalist of the Year and song of the Year for 2020. Also, in 2020 he won the Gospel Choice Music Award for gospel jazz artist of the year.

"MAGNIFICENT," Mel's trailblazing CD release, has hit number one on Billboard's CONTEMPORARY JAZZ CHART twice in 2019 and closed out Billboard's YEAR-END CHART at number two. It also maintained a spot at number 54 on the TOP GOSPEL ALBUM CHART, staying in the top twenty throughout the year.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, of Panamanian descent, Mel's life became a testimony in the making from an early age. At the tender age of eight years old, Mel was hindered from being able to fully participate in all of life's youthful activities due to asthma. To many, this impediment might have been a stumbling block; however, Mel used this as a stepping stone to ignite his interest in music. Beyond all odds, utilizing his respiratory system to play a wind instrument, God showed His healing power. Through that challenge, Mel became a focused, relentless warrior, using his newfound musical ability to defeat any notions of limitation. Mel's commitment to answering this call on his life gave birth to his ministry.

Now, as a global personality and minister of the gospel, his infectious and inspirational message has transcended culture and religion, being heard by people in places such as Okinawa in Japan, the nation of Azerbaijan, Cuba, South Africa, Russia, Trinidad, and all throughout the continents of Europe and North America. His relentless efforts to spread his God-given ministry allow him to have extensive amounts of events annually while concurrently working on new projects, tackling new endeavors and collaborations, and being a newly appointed Pastor.

The decorated career of Mel Holder includes numerous collaborations with fellow renowned artists, authoring two books, "The Pursuit of Your Creative Call" and "The New Normal," production of over 100 projects, numerous music videos, and several television show appearances as an actor. His commitment to his music allowed him to collaborate with other accomplished artists such as Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Rance Allen, Vicki Winans, Andrae Crouch, Kurt Carr, and the late Timothy Wright. His television roles included appearances in shows such as "Smash," "The Following," "Person of Interest," "Newsroom," "Deceived," and "Elementary."