Type=image;ImageID=2564;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Councillor Elias Mattu with D'Votion (brothers Paul and Jonathan Smith);TitleClass=strong;
D'Votion have made the final of Time 2 Shine, which is a major UK Gospel talent search that will see 10 acts competing for the main prize at the O2 Arena in London on Sunday (13 October, 2013).
And Paul Smith, aged 34, and his 33 year old brother John, have received strong civic support after taking time out from their busy preparations to meet Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities.
The final will be broadcast live on Sky Channel 199 from 7.30pm and members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite acts.
The winners will earn themselves a £100,000 recording contract and other prizes including the chance to play in international Gospel festivals.
D'Votion, who have previously appeared on X Factor and GMTV's Number One Family, said they were hoping to win the final to help boost their social enterprise PA 4 Inspiration, which aims to assist young people develop careers in music.
Paul said: "We are really looking forward to the final and we really want to bring home the prize for our city.
"We have a lot of backing from people across Wolverhampton, such as Estilo Clothing who have provided the outfits that we will be wearing in the final.
"The competition is going really well for us and it has already been quite a journey. If we were to win it would be great for PA 4 Inspiration.
"We have been involved in music for a long time and what we want to do is use our experience to help mentor young people in Wolverhampton and raise their aspirations.
"They can either forge careers in music, put them in touch with labels and producers or for them to do it for fun or to gain a more confidence.
"By winning this competition, we will raise the profile of our social enterprise and show people that with the right skills and support they can achieve."
John added: "Singing has always been a big part of our lives and this is a perfect opportunity for us to showcase what we have always been doing.
"Most people think gospel is an American thing but there is a really great gospel scene in Britain and we want to play our part in raising the profile of it here."
D'Votion will be singing their single "Everybody Needs A Dream", which they performed at the Olympic torch relay in Wolverhampton last year.
Councillor Mattu said: "We have had many talented Wulfrunians over the years and D'Votion certainly follow in those footsteps.
"They are a credit to the city as, not only are they talented singers, but they are hoping to use their ability and experience to help teenagers.
"They have already done Wolverhampton proud by getting to the final and I will now urge everyone in the city to get behind them and 'Vote D'Votion'."
People can find out more about the group and their final by visiting Type=links;Linkid=2912;Title=D'Votion Online;Target=_blank; or via their Type=links;Linkid=2913;Title=Facebook;Target=_blank; page.
- released: Thursday 10 October, 2013