Javonta Patton & Deliverance for Youth Nominated for "Group of the Year"

Javonta Patton 

2013 Gospel Music Awards Nominee Javonta Patton & Deliverance for Youth

Jovonta Patton was born and resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He started singing at the age of four in his local church choir at Berean M.B. Church (Pastor Charles Ford) and began writing songs at six years old. By the time he was in middle school he was directing the choir at Berean M.B Church, and was in his first stage play in middle school at age 14. By high school Jovonta was singing at several events: local talent shows, the national anthem at his high school basketball games (Edison High), and all over the Twin Cities.

Jovonta joined his first professional choir, Stellar Award-nominated Nu Friends Community Choir, in 2006 under the direction of James Grear. By 2007 Jovonta formed the community choir and organization Deliverance for Youth, better known as DFY. He directed this group of approximately 25 youth, from all different socio-economic backgrounds and all under the age of 21, with the purpose of E.A.S.Y (Empowering and Saving Youth). DFY released the album There is D.F.Y. (Live) in 2011 with several original songs penned by Jovonta, a gifted songwriter. During this time Jovonta really made his presence known in his community through his service to friends, family, and community residents in their time of grief in the death of youth and young adults, the majority of whom were victims of gun violence.

DFY continued on in success working with rock band Foreigner and the likes of gospel veterans Kim McFarland and Erron Williams, to name a few. As the youth matured Jovonta formed The DFY Summer Program, allowing youth of all backgrounds, ages 5 to 26, to participate with DFY to sing on his first solo live CD recording titled I Am…A Winner in 2012 where over 100 youth participated. Jovonta has recorded this album to present to the world the young man and vocalist he has become at age 22, and to take his message to youth around the world. The project includes guest appearances by Sheri Jones-Moffett (vocalist on Donald Lawrence’s Encourage Yourself) and his leader, Bishop Richard D. Howell (Shiloh Temple International Ministries). His musical influences are Destiny's Child, Donald Lawrence, and Kirk Franklin. Some of his musical mentors include Daniel Weatherspoon, Jamar Esaw, Darnell Davis, Cinque Cullar, Jamecia Bennett, Michael Ripoll, and Vashawn Mitchell, to name a few. 

Jovonta co-produced this collection of 10 songs that he dubs “a masterpiece for the body of Christ”. He is a visionary, songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, community activist, college student, youth leader, minister, and teacher, but most of all he is a humble servant of Jesus Christ advancing the Kingdom of God.