SaulPaul’s Newest Album Speak Hope, Sing Joy Is for Everyone
Grammy-nominated Austinite celebrates young “change makers”
By Jasmine Iman Wright, 8:00AM, Mon. Aug. 19, 2024
“My music is accessible to everyone,” says Grammy nominated singer-songwriter SaulPaul.
Known for blending R&B, hip-hop, Afrobeat, folk, pop, and reggae, the artist releases the highly anticipated Speak Hope, Sing Joy: Change Maker Music for Kids on Aug. 30. Leading up to the release, SaulPaul will host a series of kid-centered events designed to entertain, inspire, and empower young people to give back to their communities.
In a press release for the album, SaulPaul says, “Creating Speak Hope, Sing Joy: Change Maker Music for Kids has been a heartfelt journey, inspired by my own experiences and the incredible kids I’ve met.” The premise for his seventh studio album was the Be the Change Challenge tour, where the artist visited 100 cities in 32 states and performed for 125,000 students. “This album is meant to be a beacon of hope and joy, encouraging resilience in young listeners. I hope this music helps kids believe in themselves and realize their potential to create positive change.”
On Aug. 28, SaulPaul will host the Speak Hope Sing Joy #BeTheChange Challenge Kickoff at the Paramount Theatre. He has invited kids and families from five Austin school districts for a live performance featuring the Speak Hope, Sing Joy youth choir. On Aug. 30, SaulPaul will debut the third part in his film series Musician With a Message: Behind the Music at AFS Cinema. The final event of the album release weekend is a parade on Sept. 1 to celebrate USA Olympians competing in breakdancing's debut as an official Olympic sport.
Growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in Houston, SaulPaul was raised by his grandmother, who taught him the importance of having a growth mindset and giving back to the less fortunate. “I’m sharing my story about building a movement, and the film is poignant, it’s dramatic, and it’s comedic because I’m all of these things,” he shares. “I hope the film inspires youth to chase their own dreams.”
Stream SaulPaul's Speak Hope, Sing Joy on Bandcamp.
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Aug. 30, 2024
Aug. 2, 2024
SaulPaul, Speak Hope, Sing Joy, Be the Change Challenge