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Manafest

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki

Manafest
Background information
Birth nameChristopher Scott Greenwood
Born (1979-07-19) July 19, 1979 (age 44)
OriginPickering, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, rapper
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2000–present
LabelsBEC
Associated actsThousand Foot Krutch
Websitemanafest.com

Christopher Scott Greenwood (born July 19, 1979), known by his stage name Manafest, is a Canadian Christian rapper and rock artist from Pickering, Ontario, Canada. He has won multiple awards for the GMA Canada Covenant Awards, GMA Dove Awards, and Juno Awards. Signed for a decade with BEC Recordings, Manafest became independent in 2015 and continues to write and record music.[1][2]

When asked about the meaning of his stage name, Greenwood stated "it means to be a light in a dark place because when anything is made Manifest it's because it's been exposed by the light. I've always wanted my music to be encouraging and shine light or my perspective on life."[3]

Biography[edit]

Beginnings and early years (2000-2009)

After a skateboarding accident in 1998,[4][5] Greenwood shifted his focus to musical writing. He and fellow rapper Jusachyl started a hip-hop group, Under One King.[3][6] During this time, Greenwood used his skater nickname 'Speedy' as his moniker.[3] In 2000, Greenwood shifted to the stage name Manafest and began to produce music independently.[5][3]

In 2001, Manafest debuted his EP, Misled Youth. The release garnered "Modern Rock/Alternative Song of the Year" for the song "Freedom" at the GMA Canada Covenant Awards in 2002.[7] The following year, Manafest released his first full-length album My Own Thing and attracted the notice of Trevor McNevan of the Ontario-based rock band Thousand Foot Krutch.[8][9] This led to his signing with an internationally distributed label, BEC Recordings under the Uprok Records label.[9]

After signing on with BEC, Manafest released his second album Epiphany in 2005.[9] The release achieved several nominations and awards.[7]

In 2006, Manafest released his third album Glory. The album won the Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year at the 2007 GMA Canada Covenant Awards, as well a nomination for Artist of the Year.[7] The album also marked Manafest's first release to be nominated in the Juno Awards.

In 2008, Manafest's fourth album Citizens Activ was debuted to similar success receiving many nominations, as well as awards.[7] The album boosted Manafest's fame and reputation in Japan immensely.[10][11]

Mainstream breakthrough (2010)

In 2010, Manafest debuted his fifth full-length album The Chase. The album was well-received with the single "Avalanche" charting on the Billboard Christian Songs, as well as selling over 50,000 copies of the track as of September 2011.[12][13] The album showcased a directional change for Manafest, moving from a more straight hip hop flare to a heavier rock-based rap style.

In 2011, Manafest released his first live album Live in Concert. The album won "Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year" at the 33rd GMA Canada Covenant Awards.[14]

In 2012, Manafest released his sixth studio album of Fighter. The album continued the previous release's heavy rock influence and garnered a nomination for Hip-Hop/Rap Album of the Year in the GMA Dove Awards.[15] Because of this album's release, Manafest fans have since become known officially as "Fighters" amongst themselves, as well as Manafest himself.[16]

In late 2013, Manafest released his first Christmas single "California Christmas", featuring Joel Piper.[17][18] The track was additionally featured BEC's Christmas compilation release Christmastime All Year.[19][20]

In 2014, Manafest released his seventh album The Moment.[21] The genre of the release deviated from his hard rock style and featured a more electronic hip hop sound.

Reborn and Stones (2015)

In late 2014, Manafest released the single "Let Go", featuring Dave Stovall of Wavorly. The track was a song that didn't make the final cut of The Moment and was later released by itself.[8] The song was recently pulled from iTunes (it is however still available in Manafest's store[22]). Manafest has also hinted it might make his next album's track listing.[8]

On April 24, 2015, Manafest announced a new PledgeMusic campaign for his next full-length, fully independent album, Reborn.[1][23][24] The album released globally on October 2, 2015.

When first announcing Reborn, Manafest also alluded to the fact his next album is already planned to be a rock record.[1][25]

A new single called "I Won't Give Up" was released on April 29, 2016 from the album Stones.

On their 2016 album Hold the Light, Bread of Stone featured Manafest on the track "Battleground".[26]

Musical style[edit]

Manafest's genre has developed and changed over his career. After starting with a classic urban hip hop style for his first four releases, Manafest developed a style of alternative rock and rap rock by lightly mixing it into Citizens Activ, and integrating it by the time of The Chase. In 2014, with the release of The Moment, Manafest's style changed to a mixture of rap rock and electronic-based hip-hop.[27][28] Manafest's 2015 album Reborn returned to his roots of straighter hip-hop as a way to reflect his return to independent status.[29] Presently, Manafest's latest release Stones returns to the same hard rock/rap rock style of The Chase and Fighter.[30]

Manafest is similar to Christian rappers Andy Mineo, Lecrae, KJ-52, Tedashii, and Shonlock. Manafest's rock style is often grouped with other Christian hard rock acts Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, and Red.

Discography[edit]

Main article: Manafest discography
Studio albums

Awards and recognition[edit]

GMA Canada Covenant Awards
  • 2002 Modern Rock/Alternative Song of the Year: "Freedom"
  • 2005 Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year: Epiphany
  • 2005 Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year: "Let It Go" (with Nasri Atweh, Adam Messinger, Aubrey Noronha and Gerhard Thomas)
  • 2006 nominee, Video of the Year: "Rodeo"
  • 2007 Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: Glory[31]
  • 2007 Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year: "Bounce"
  • 2007 nominee, Artist of the Year
  • 2008 nominee, Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: Citizens Activ
  • 2008 nominee, Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year: "Good Day" (with Adam Messinger)
  • 2009 Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year: "4-3-2-1" (with Adam Messinger)[32]
  • 2009 nominee, Artist of the Year
  • 2010 Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: The Chase
  • 2011 Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: Live In Concert
  • 2011 Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year: "Avalanche"
GMA Dove Awards
  • 2007 nominee, Rap/Hip-Hip Recorded Song of the Year: "Skills"
  • 2007 nominee, Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Album of the Year: Glory
  • 2009 nominee, Rap/Hip-Hip Recorded Song of the Year: "So Beautiful"
  • 2009 nominee, Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Album of the Year: Citizens Activ
  • 2012 nominee, Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Album of the Year: Fighter
Juno Awards
  • 2007 nominee, Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year: Glory
  • 2011 nominee, Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year: The Chase
  • 2015 nominee, Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year: The Moment
  • 2017 nominee, Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year: Reborn
  • 2018 nominee, Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year: Stones

Touring band[edit]

Though a solo artist himself, Manafest travels with a touring band. Adam Messinger has provided the majority of instrumentation for Manafest's studio releases throughout the years, while the band supplies the music live on tour and at shows:

Current

  • Josh Macintosh — guitar (2010–present)[33]
  • John Panzer – (2016–present)
  • Ian Hough – bass (2015–present)[34]
  • Tyler Armenta – drums (2016–present)

Former

  • Mike Crofts – guitar (2010–2015)[35]
  • Joe Rickard – drums (2014–2016)[36]
  • Travis Blackmore – drums (2010–2013)[37]

Guest appearances[edit]

Song(s) Artist Album Year
"Abortion" 7Life For What It's Worth 2003
"The Real" N.I.F.T.Y. The Preface EP 2004
"The Seed" (remix) Aubrey Noronha Single 2013
"Battleground" Bread of Stone Hold the Light 2016

Other projects[edit]

Stories Since Seventy Nine

In late 2012, Manafest independently released a side project EP, Stories Since Seventy Nine,[38] that deviated slightly from his normal style and had a softer, pop sound, as well as more vocal singing (as compared to rapping) than his main work.[39] The release contains Manafest's 2013 single "Overboard".[40]

Fighter book release

In late 2013, Manafest penned and published his first book, Fighter: Five Keys to Conquering Your Fear and Reaching Your Dreams.[5][41][42] He plans to produce another book and do more public speaking in the future, as well as teach special seminars for people aspiring to enter the music industry.[8]

Smart Music Business/Fanbase University

In 2014, Manafest began posting videos on a YouTube channel entitled Smart Music Business.[43] The channel contained videos regarding strategies, advice, tricks, and tips about the music industry and how to make it a career.[44][2][45]

In 2015, Manafest launched a full official online curriculum music course entitled Fanbase University which focuses on training independent aspiring music artists and giving them practical tools to make it in the music industry, with an emphasis on not signing yourself to a record label.[46]

Presently, Manafest still currently runs the music course and channel actively.

Personal life[edit]

In 1984, at the age of five, Chris Greenwood lost his father to suicide, leaving only him, his sister Virginia, and his mother.[5][47] A few years after, at a Bible camp,[48] he accepted Christ and became a Christian.[5] At the same camp, he also met his future wife, Melanie.[48] Around the age of fourteen, Greenwood invested himself into skateboarding and aspired to make it a career.[5] He however experienced an accident in 1998 which crippled his dreams to become a professional skater.[4][5][47] After hearing God telling him to turn his attention to music, Greenwood began songwriting and started his career as a Christian artist.[5][8][49]

In 2003, Greenwood married his wife Melanie Cardoza.[8] Besides being a part-time model,[8] she runs the graphic design company Vision City (which designs the concepts for many of Manafest's designs, promotionals, and merchandise).[50] In March 2014, they had their first child and daughter, London Grace Greenwood.[51][52]

In 2012, Greenwood and his wife moved to Los Angeles, California.[8][53] In October 2015, he and his family moved back to Toronto, Canada.[54]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Manafest - New Album Pledge Music Campaign". YouTube. April 24, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Why I don't Want a Record Deal - Chris Greenwood". YouTube. April 20, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Manafest Explains the Meaning Behind the Name 'Manafest'". BC News: BREATHEcast. July 5, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2017.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Manafest - Skate Accident Story". YouTube. April 26, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 "Manafest, a "Fighter" in Life - Interview". YouTube. February 26, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Manafest Music - Reviews". Christian Music Town. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "Covenant Awards Archives". GMACanada.ca. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 "Manafest Listening Party Live Q&A". YouTube. August 19, 2014. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Epiphany review on Jesus Freak Hideout". Jesus Freak Hideout. August 1, 2005. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Manafest: Canadian gospel rapper with a surprising Japanese following". Cross Rhythms. October 15, 2008. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  11. ↑ "The Chase review by Cross Rhythms". Cross Rhythms. June 26, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  12. ↑ "The Chase Award History on AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Manafest Celebrates First Career No. 1 Single". Rapzilla. August 31, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Covenant Awards Archives". GMACanada.ca. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Dove Awards Announce "Hip-Hop/Rap Album of the Year" Nominations". Rapzilla. August 21, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  16. ↑ "PledgeMusic: Manafest Reborn Logo". PledgeMusic. July 10, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  17. ↑ ""California Christmas" single on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Manafest "California Christmas" Music Video". YouTube. December 9, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Christmastime All Year on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Manafest "California Christmas" Lyric Video". YouTube. December 2, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  21. ↑ Jase Spiegel (December 24, 2012). "INTERVIEW: MANAFEST'". RockRevolt Magazine.
  22. ↑ ""Let Go" Single on Manafest's official store". Shopify. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Manafest PledgeMusic Reborn Campaign". PledgeMusic. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Manafest Going Independent With 9th Studio Album". New Release Today. August 4, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Manafest Replies to Fan and Confirms His Future Rock Record". Facebook. September 14, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Hold the Light by Bread of Stone on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Manafest Prepares to Release Reborn Oct. 2". New Release Today. August 7, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  28. ↑ "Manafest Returns To Indie Roots, Release Reborn Oct. 2". Jesus Freak Hideout. August 7, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Manafest X PledgeMusic Interview Reborn". YouTube. May 22, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  30. ↑ "JFH News: Manafest Releases 1st Rock Album In 5 Years, Stones, July 21". Jesus Freak Hideout. July 18, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  31. ↑ In 2007 Manafest also received GMAC nominations for: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year: Glory, and Recorded Song of the Year: "Bounce". CGMA 2007 Covenant Award Nominees Archived February 4, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 11, 2008.
  32. ↑ Manafest was also nominated as GMAC Artist of the Year in 2009. GMAC 2009 Covenant Award Nominees Archived June 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  33. ↑ "Josh Macintosh on LinkedIn". LinkedIn. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Ian Hough on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Mike Crofts on GHS". GHS. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Joe Rickard on Instagram". Instagram. January 6, 2013. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  37. ↑ "Travis Blackmore tells fan he is no longer with Manafest". Instagram. March 11, 2013. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  38. ↑ "Chris Greenwood (Manafest) Releases Side Project Stories Since Seventy Nine". Indie Vision Music. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  39. ↑ "Manafest on TVU's Most Wanted - Interview". YouTube. October 16, 2012. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  40. ↑ "Manafest – Overboard". Indie Vision Music. July 29, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  41. ↑ "Fighter book Official Website". Fighterbook.net. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  42. ↑ "International Rock Artist Manafest Sets His Story To Pen Releasing His First Book Fighter October 2013". Jesus Freak Hideout. September 16, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  43. ↑ "Smart Music Business YouTube channel". YouTube. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  44. ↑ "Smart Music Business official website". Smart Music Business. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  45. ↑ "How I Got Signed and Why I Went Independent - Chris Greenwood". YouTube. June 22, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  46. ↑ "Fanbase University official website". YouTube. June 22, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "Interview: Manafest". Christian Revolt. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 "Manafest "Reborn" Behind The Scenes Song Explanation". YouTube. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  49. ↑ "Manafest - A Fighter Isn't Someone Who Never Fails, A Fighter is Someone Who Never Quits". YouTube. June 15, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  50. ↑ "Vision City Art Shop on Esty". Esty. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  51. ↑ "Manafest Announces Seventh Album The Moment". BEC Recordings. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  52. ↑ "Manafest announces his new daughter". Facebook. March 19, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2015. Drum roll please. I am proud to announce the birth of my daughter "London Grace Greenwood"
  53. ↑ Argyrakis, Andy. "Moment at a Time - CCM Magazine Review of The Moment". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 13, 2015. I'm a very different person than I was a few years ago. Since my move to California and having a daughter, my perspective on life and music has changed.
  54. ↑ "PledgeMusic: Manafest Reborn Bonus Songs!". PledgeMusic. October 5, 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2015.

External links[edit]


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