A Voice for Hope

Brian Nhira from The Voice talks about the past, the present, and the future of his career.

Throughout history, stars have served as a symbol of hope. From shepherds in the field, to the ancient Greeks, to even Peter Pan finding his way back to Neverland, stars have always been there to offer comfort and light to those who need it.

Tulsa’s rising star, Brian Nhira, captured the hearts of millions with his rendition of “Jesus Loves Me” on the 10^th season of NBC’s Emmy awarding winning show,  “The Voice”.  With a contagious laugh, infectious smile and electric personality, it’s no question why he’s been recognized by notable names like Voice coaches Pharrell Williams and Adam Levine as well as Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot.

“It’s just dreams coming true,” said Brian. “Being on the Voice and being exposed to the work ethic of Adam and Pharrell was such a blessing. Then Ryan and Jon have always been the blueprint that I’ve used in my musical journey. Looking at their careers and just the way that they’ve conducted themselves and conducted their music, I’ve looked at them and said, ‘I want my career to look like that’. Obviously I’m not in a rock band, but to have Ryan say something while I was on ‘The Voice’ and then Jon just recently on Twitter say he listened to my stuff and to compliment my voice, that’s just incredible.”

Brian started singing in churches at just age four. By the time he reached high school, he had fallen in love with music, participating in show choir and musicals like “All Shook Up”.  The Jenks graduate continued using his gift through college, where he was involved with ORU Live and singing for local churches. Tulsans watched the rest of America fall in love with Brian during his time on “The Voice” in the spring of 2016.  When reflecting on his experience on the show, Brian is nothing but thankful.

“It’s been a dream come true,” said Brian. “’The Voice’ was really my introduction to America, my introduction to this music industry, and everyone has to have one of those. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to be in the position that I’m in right now, to be building the way that we are. “

Since his time on the show, Brian has signed with Abrams Artist Agency in New York, looking to gain further experience in acting.  Though his travels take him to the east and west coasts, the 24 year old looks forward to another Christmas in Tulsa, where he will be hosting his own, recently sold-out, Christmas concert at the Tulsa PAC.   Patrons can expect the feelings of a winter wonderland at the Liddy Doenges Theatre.

“I love the sights and sounds of Christmas, and we want to convey that,” said Brian. “It’s a smaller theatre, so it’ll be a lot more intimate, it’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of everything that’s going on.”

“This concert will feature a collection of the most popular pop Christmas tunes as well as some of the classics performed by ‘Voice’ alumni Brian Nhira (Season 10), Alaska and Madi (Season 6), Kristen Marie (Season 10), Chelsea Gann (Season 10), Malik Heard (Season 10), and local talent Jesse Graver; in addition to Brian Nhira’s live band,” said Jasper Nhira, business director for Brian Nhira music.

Part of the proceeds from this concert will go toward the collection of backpacks and school supplies for grade school children in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Due to the first show being sold out, Brian has added a second show from 9-10:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 reserved seating and $25 for floor seating. Tickets can be purchased at the Tulsa PAC website.

As for what’s next, Brian is preparing to move to Los Angeles with his brother, Jasper. He will also be releasing new music and music videos in the New Year to continue his goal to bring people hope when they need it most.

“I hope that when people talk about my legacy that they say that he was a voice for the voiceless, that he brought hope in everything that he did,” Brian said. Come walk in a winter wonderland this Christmas with Brian Nhira and friends from ‘The Voice.”