By Rev. Monroe


I have to first say Happy Mother’s Day! I salute you for all of the attributes you have obtained through the years in order to nurture us as we develop in the world and in the ways of God. Whatever you had to do to ensure that we would not go astray—thank you (and even if your child went left, you are still a wonderful mother)! For all of your teaching, sacrificing, praying, laboring, and disciplining we are better because of you. So to each generation of great and grand, to all of the foster and adoptive, and to the aunties and big sisters, I honor you and give God glory for you virtuous women who imparted love, knowledge and understanding in us, so that we can do better, want better, and reach for the top—never settling… you are one of the reasons we are here!

I know a mother who is quite proud of her son. What mother wouldn’t be if she had birthed the Gospel’s Prince of Praise & Worship and multi-Stellar Award-winning Gospo-Centric recording artist? Oh, I’m talking about Bertha Cage. On April 26 at around 7:43pm, Mother Cage introduced her son, Mr. Byron Cage, to the Apollo Theater and deemed it to be the temple of praise & worship for that night as Byron recorded his upcoming fifth live CD/DVD titled The Proclamation. Now I’m sure you have heard his last CD an Invitation to Worship. It consisted of cutting-edge, contemporary style songs (I Will Bless The Lord and We Love You), worship medleys, and a deep reverence and respect for the traditions of true Sunday morning music of the church. I can assure you that this CD has that and more, and it does exactly what the title says—proclaims that Jesus is Lord of all, sovereign, righteous and holy. Nothing and no one compares to our matchless King!

A now thinner, healthier Bryon (he lost 28 lbs in 40 days by using a program called body balance), has more energy, stronger vocals and a greater anointing than ever before taking the praise to the next level and entering into the holies is nothing less than could be expected. He was excited about the turn out and greeted everyone with sincere thanks and gratitude for coming. Every level of the Apollo Theater was packed to capacity with fans, relatives, church family (Ebenezer AME -African Methodist) and a host of friends. Bobby Jones (who introduced Mother Cage), Dewayne Woods (who directed and vocally arranged the choir), super producers & songwriters Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins (who slimmed down nicely and was accompanied by his father Bishop Jerkins), Keith Williams, Bobby Cartwright Jr., Walter Kern, Jazzy Jordan, PJAM/J. Moss (who did some penciling on this CD too), Deon Kipping, Donald Lawrence, James Hall, Ron Grant, David Hollister, Kim Burrell & Brent Jones to name a few. Then there were some pastors—Donald Hilliard, Ray Jones & his wife, the W.L.I.B. family and Theresa Harriston from Gospel Today and the world’s busiest manager Shawn Pennington (who manages not only Bryon, but Kim, Dewayne, Richard Smallwood, and others)—and that’s just a taste of Cage’s supporters who were there.

Prince Cage began with songs of worship Oh Come and Your Spirit and the acoustic guitar sang sweet melodies to the Lord and acknowledged that we’re In The Presence Of Royalty. That was when true worship took place, every hand was lifted, every voice was raised telling the Savior of His goodness, and how awesome and wonderful He is. And yes, when Byron went into a classical medley with He Is Lord and There Is a Name yokes were officially destroyed. He did an up-tempo song that put me in the mind of the Clark Sisters’ “You Brought The Sunshine” with a hint of the run of his earlier hits “The Presence of The Lord is Here.” There were featured artists who assisted on the psalmist’s new project, such as David Hollister (on the song I Praise You Anyhow that gives that Richard Smallwood “Thank You” vibe with an input of The Tommies’ “Hallelujah Anyhow”) and Kim Burrell with help from J. Moss (on the song “If You Never” which simply put says if God never does anything else for me, He’s still worthy of praise). Cage also did a song called I’m Going Back that he wrote for Kelly Price, who unfortunately was unable to attend (we encourage you through prayer Kelly), but the Prince laced it down real well. Other songs like With All My Might and He’s More Than You’ll Ever Know (which gives all the names of Jesus) just complemented the festival of praise. The topper was the title track tribute called The Proclamation in which Byron states to the Christians that it’s time we use the name of Jesus at all times not just in church, but whenever Satan wants to rear his horns we have authority to claim the name of Jesus!

It was an event to remember, not just for me but for Byron Cage as well. “It is a privilege to do this recording at the world famous Apollo Theater. I am grateful for all of you showing up not just to support me, but to be part of honoring God with me through song. This (praise & worship) is my lifestyle” says Prof. Cage. When I asked him what his favorite song is, he agreed with Kim Burrell & J.Moss and said, “The Proclamation. We [the believers] have the authority to use the name of Jesus at all times; it’s bigger than any other name you can think of!”

Well after that praise party, came the after party, or should I say the reception on the top floor of the Apollo where only selected and well known industry big people attended. Oh you didn’t know?The Positive Community was right there with them! As for the drop date, I had to get that information from Sonya ——Mrs. Byron Cage—yes ladies, he is married! When I spoke to his beautiful, encouraging wife (Bryon says she’s his biggest fan and greatest supporter and he appreciates her putting up with him and his absences while he’s on tour—but when he gets home____ (you can fill in the blank). She said the CD has an early release date and will drop this summer in July- hopefully on our birthday that we share (25th). I will say that this CD will be better than the last one, and if you are a true worshipper, this is for you!

There is nothing like getting into the presence of God and after your invitation, you have to proclaim that Jesus is certainly Lord!