One of the best kept secrets in the gospel music industry. James Fortune & FIYA are poised for greatness. James Fortune has taken the initiative and believes his mission is to draw lost souls to Christ, encourage you to share in Christ’s unconditional love and peace, and live a life free from bondage and strongholds in God’s abundance according to John 10:10. Due to his awesome calling, James Fortune constantly writes ballads and Sunday morning worship songs, collaborates with stellar producers and songwriters and creates music complete with life transforming principles. James Fortune's ministry is on point.

 

James Fortune could have never imagined his accompanied drum selections for his father’s church choir at the tender age of five would lead to a worldwide ministry that uplift and empower today's believers. His vision started ten years ago, God gave James Fortune the vision to form Youth For Christ (YFC). A youth ministry focused on reaching youth through song and dance. YFC has been very visible ministering at churches, workshops, youth events and conferences throughout Greater Houston, Texas. YFC performances embodied a lot of energy and power that focus on youth praising God to the fullest. James Fortune’s ministry centers on young people’s life struggles of peer pressure, drug addiction, fornication, club hopping and any other acts of ungodliness. James expresses "The youth of today must realize that true happiness and fullness of joy is only found in the presence of Yahweh, our Heavenly Father."

 

His love of Yahweh is the reason the group was named James Fortune & FIYA (Free in Yahweh’s Abundance). James believes “Our Fathers’ will is not for His children to live a defeated and broken life full of uncertainty and anxiety. Yahweh has promised us that blessings would overtake us if we fully obey His Word.” James Fortune & FIYA released their debut album, "You Survived!," in 2005. The group’s single, "You Survived," garnered a lot of attention and exposed to James Fortune’s stylistic songwriting expertise. "You Survived" soared to the top of the charts.

 

Because of the message embodied in You Survived, James Fortune was honored at the 19th Annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards and received the 2006 ASCAP Writer’s Award for Gospel Song of the Year. This was a notable and a rare honor for a newcomer to the gospel music industry, but an honor James believes was given from God and recalls the lyrics of the single "After all that you’ve been through, now you know God carried you through the rain and the pain, you called and he came, you survived!" James Fortune & FIYA also were showcased on the One Church Tour where he shared the stage with Kurt Carr, Vicki Yohe, RiZen and Smokie Norful. Since 2006, James Fortune & FIYA have been blessed to appear with GRAMMY Award-winning and notable artists such as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Stevie Wonder, Prophetess Juanita Bynum, Israel Houghton, Tye Tribbett, John P. Kee, and many more. James & FIYA have performed on major television shows, appeared on national radio and other media outlets such as The Jeff Majors Show, Bobby Jones Gospel, Trinity Broadcast Network, The Gospel Superfest and recently The Tom Joyner Morning Show.  

After a two year period of praying, fasting, writing and recording, James Fortune and FIYA released their sophomore album on February 19, 2008 "The Transformation." The first single, "The Blood," a tribute to gospel great Andrae Crouch was released and opened the door for the second single and his signature hit song "I Trust You." The success of "I Trust You" garnered James Fortune & FIYA a Stellar Award Nomination for Contemporary Gospel Choir of the Year, an appearance on the Gospel Music Channel’s The Kitchen Sink, an appearance on Trinity Broadcast Network’s “Praise the Lord” and a plethora of nationwide performances. The new album "Encore" is his best work to date. Every track on the album is HOT! Look for "Encore" to top the charts. The title single "Encore" is a great song. The song "Bounce Back" will take their ministry to another level as they minister to the world. This family man recognizes his success is only as comparable to his obedience and yielding to God’s will. James Fortune invites you to transform your life, remain committed to your God given journey and know that Our Father is a God of encores.