Today we’d like to introduce you to Javen Campbell.
From Los Angeles, CA Gospel/Urban Recording Artist, Javen Campbell, now simply known as “JAVEN,” is the classic example of a musician who has the dynamic talents of a singer/songwriter, actor, pastor and speaker. JAVEN’s universal appeal is the very attribute that set the tone for his career and got him public recognition. Building both his music and film careers on a foundation of integrity has earned him critical praise and audience approval for both. He is number 12 of 13 children from Rev. James Campbell and Sylvia Campbell born and raised in Hollywood, FL. Family is very important to JAVEN, so it was hard to accept the call early on to begin a career that would take him around the world for many years sharing the stage with some of the top names in the music industry, former presidents, and top celebrities.
JAVEN has been a frequent guest on many television networks including BET, GMC, TBN, FOX, NBC, and more. JAVEN’s impeccable stage presence led him to star in numerous stage productions. He was a lead in the theatrical production of A Raisin in the Sun. From 2002-2003 he starred in the off-Broadway musical The Rock and the Rabbi. In 2006, he starred with Omar Sharif and Peter O’Toole in the featured film One Night with the King. From 2007 to 2011 JAVEN has had supporting roles in other feature films like Abandoned also starring Britney Murphy, The Lost Woman, The Sixth, and Preacher’s Kid a Warner Brothers film released in 2010 staring LaToya Luckett formerly of Destiny Child.
In 1999 JAVEN’s first record deal was with Crowne/Word Records and his first single, “Never Give Up on Love” from the self-titled CD ” Javen” soared into the top 10 CCM charts. In 2003, he released his first independent CD ” Change” on his production label JCM. “Change” was widely received on Radio around the country. With a proven track record Javen was recognized with numerous nominations from prestigious award platforms. In 2004, he was nominated for the Marlin Awards best Male Contemporary Solo, Male–Artist, song, and Gospel performance of the year, he won 2 of the 4 awards nominations. In 2007 JAVEN gained such an overwhelming response that he won the 2007 En Sound Music Award “Best Urban Soul Album of the Year” & was nominated for Best Male Artist by the Southern California Guild Awards. He also hosted his own one-hour radio show “LIFE” on Urban Network addressing the issues of the urban communities across the country, getting 6 million hits and reaching over 250,000 listeners from 2010 to 2011.
JAVEN has performed & ministered doing missions worldwide in countries like Brazil, Africa, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Europe, India, the Caribbean and more. He has appeared in the largest arenas and concert halls across the country in cities like New York, Las Vegas, LA, Chicago, and more. He has sold over a quarter of a millions CDs independently worldwide. Javen really takes part in giving back by acting as a spokesperson for World Vision and he has partnered with an incredible mission program called Hope for Haiti. He along with his JCM organization has supported great domestic mission programs like the LA Dream Center fighting back sex trafficking. JAVEN’s CD, Keeping the Faith, released in 2009 with Universal Music Group combines acoustic and electric guitar with JAVEN’s powerful soul stirring vocals. This CD includes the hit “None Like You that climbed both the video & radio charts. JAVEN’s latest CD entitled “FREE” was released 2010 landed in the top 100 downloads on iTunes and features the hit single “One Step” which is on the soundtrack of the film “The Cross.”
In 2013, JAVEN’s Live Worship CD Recording “Worship in the Now” was released on Tyscot Record Label and landed on Gospel Billboard Charts at #10! The Worship in the Now recording also inspired the NOW Conference, a two- day seminar held across the country in cities like Tampa, Atlanta, and San Diego featuring different artists, speakers, and mentors helping people succeed in business and in their spiritual walk. Also in 2013, JAVEN founded Worship in the Now Ministries Inc which later produced the NOW church that next year in 2014; he hosts a once a month artist showcase event called the Encounter for local artists giving them a platform to display their gifts and talents. In 2014 JAVEN along with WITN launched the Summer Slam Sport Camp, an annual sport camp for under-privilege youth offering them mentorship from former NFL, NBA, & MLB players. Summer Slam host over 200 boys and girls from the foster care system and the inner-city areas of South FL teaching them life lessons, giving them back packs filled with toiletries, school supplies, and more. He does all of this while hosting a number of in-house ministries that’s meeting the needs of so many through his growing church. In 2014, he released his best-selling short book, “One Hundred Keys for Your Right Now” and he is currently working on a brand new book. While touring across the country speaking and singing, he is working on his 13th CD to be released in 2018. In 2016 JAVEN along with WITN open the NOW CENTER a multi-purpose facility that houses special events for after school programs, local domestic issues, open mic events, fitness, and so much more. JAVEN was recently honored with the Life Time Achievement Award from the White House & President Obama for his humanitarian efforts in the community. As you can see, there is no slowing down for this gifted talent that desires to touch lives around the world with his message of hope and love.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Like any other purposeful thing in life, the NOW Center has also been a great challenge in setting up. From getting with the right people to design and renovate the space, working with the city to get permits for signs and bringing the facility up to code for usage; and even the little things like finding companies that would suit our budget for lighting, alarms, and computer wiring, just to name a few. Working on such a low budget did not make it easy for us, but it forced us to be creative in pulling on friends, hitting the thrift stores and doing garage sales, not to mention the marketing strategies we had to undertake to let people know that we are in business and ready to do rentals.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The NOW Center story. Tell us more about the business.
The heart of the NOW Center is centered around meeting the needs of the community. We focus in on all areas, from rehab groups to book clubs. The Center houses two rooms: “Room A” which seats up to 130 people, and “Room B” which seats up to 65 people. There’s a stage and a sound system, along with two tv monitors where our renters can do various presentations. This little gem of a space has an electric yet clean look that is not usually found in this area, and can be transformed into any setting to suit any special occasions. For example, baby showers and graduation parties. Men, women or youth groups will all enjoy the ambiance and the space, and will feel a sense of accomplishment in sharing with people and promoting their events. We are known for our integrity in doing businesses that promote positive change for those with bigger and brighter visions. We work with entrepreneurs, local artist and community workers to help house events that both encourage and uplift our community.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think that more and more unique and privately own businesses will pop up, to support this cause. Having gone through past struggles of not being able to find a place that was affordable to carry out needed and purposeful activities, I know what it’s like to feel trapped. Some places were too big or too small, and most hotels require so much paperwork and money that the average small business owners just can’t afford. This is where I see local business women and men in the community stepping up and answering that call.
Pricing:
- You can book the theatre room A which seats 130 for $145.00 per hour, with a discounted rate the more hours used.
- You can book the smaller presentation room B which seats as many as 65 to 75 people for $65.00 per hour
- Special rates are offered to community workers, special needs programs, and benevolence events.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4259 Hollywood Blvd.,
Hollywood, FL 33021 - Website: www.theNOWcenter.com
- Phone: 954-842-3502
- Email: info@worshipinthenow.com
- Instagram: @NOW.center
- Facebook: NOWCenter
- Twitter: @NOWcenter
- Yelp: NOWcenter
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
