V*Enna is a girl group that goes beyond their musical
peers' materialistic message with a mission that encompasses a
two-fold ministry: to use the medium of pop music to reach kids
for Christ, and to challenge them to grow in their faith instead
of following the crowd.
Lucy Britten grew up near Bristol, England, in an
old vicarage, surrounded by siblings, foster kids, and pets that
included sheep, chickens, fish, and a dog that's also called Lucy
(we're sure it's a compliment). Although she attended church and
her grandfather was an archdeacon who traveled the world, living
in places like Nairobi and Cyprus, her own faith grew gradually.
Across the Atlantic Ocean, Sharnessa Shelton was
growing up in Longview, Washington, in what she describes as a
"a very Christian, but not strict, home." While being
home schooled, Sharnessa nurtured her love of music and dance
with tap, jazz, and lyrical technique lessons, as well as participating
in choir and ensemble at the local private school. Then, at 16,
she directed, choreographed, and produced her first show at her
church. Another followed two years later.
To further hone her skills, Sharnessa enrolled in
the School of Creative Ministries in London, England. It was there
that she met Mark Pennells, founder of WorldWide Message Tribe
and a producer and band consultant. Pennells was already familiar
with Lucy's passion for music, and sensed that the two girls shared
a vision for spreading the gospel through pop music with a message
- particularly within primary schools.
V*Enna's first entry into the retail market is their
enhanced maxi-single, "All the Way to Heaven," in late
February 2000. The infectious title track is also the girls' first
radio single. In addition, the disc includes "Sunshine and
Rain," plus three remixes and two bonus karaoke cuts. From
there, it's an intensive mix of studio time and concert appearances
as the girls begin work on their full length project, also produced
by Pennells and Porter, and slated for release in late summer
2000.
