By: DeEtta Jones
In the vibrant landscape of gospel music, few stories captivate the soul quite like that of Nathanael and Katrina Brown, a dynamic power couple whose passion for music and unwavering commitment to their community have sparked a revival of epic proportions. As the CEO and COO of Gentle Giant Music Ministries, the Browns have embarked on a remarkable journey to breathe new life into How Sweet The Sound, an international music competition celebrating gospel music, spoken word, and dance.
At the heart of this revival lies a partnership forged in love, faith, and shared vision. While Nathanael brings his visionary leadership to the table, Katrina’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the project is executed flawlessly. Together, they form a formidable team.
For Katrina, balancing her role as COO of Gentle Giant Music Ministries with her full-time job at the Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection, as well as her responsibilities as a wife and mother to four boys, is no small feat. Whether she’s orchestrating logistics for How Sweet The Sound or juggling the responsibilities of home and work, Katrina tackles each challenge with unwavering resolve.
Reflecting on the partnership with her husband, Katrina shares, “Believe it or not, I really enjoy working with my husband. Our partnership is unique in the sense that he is a brilliant strategic thinker. I am inundated in the details of a project; I love starting from step #1 and diving into all of the details and steps to get to the end goal. When you pair the two of us together you have the perfect recipe for success; it’s really amazing to see such big ideas come to life.”
Yet, amidst the joys of her work, Katrina acknowledges the challenges that come with the territory. “Of course, when things don’t go as rehearsed and planned, it can be really frustrating,” she admits. “But I’ve learned over the years that a good planner plans for the unexpected. Flights will be delayed, and people are naturally the one thing that you can’t force to be somewhere at a certain time.”
However, it is the profound impact of their work on the lives of others that serves as the ultimate reward for the couple. “The most rewarding aspect of this job is seeing these individuals’ excitement on stage and getting to know them off stage as they express the importance of this competition to them and how grateful they are for the opportunity to share their gift with the world,” Katrina reflects. “It’s that moment when you realize that God is multiplying your blessings! Yes – we are blessed as owners of this show, but the opportunities that this competition offers after the curtain closes is why we continue this competition – our blessings are opening doors for others.”
Photo Courtesy: How Sweet The Sound
As How Sweet The Sound continues to evolve and grow, Katrina and Nathanael remain steadfast in their commitment to community and their faith. “There’s so much work and planning that goes into this event; it takes a year to plan and major funding to pull it off,” Katrina shares. “We couldn’t be more grateful for our sponsors the Ad Council, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Compassion International, Glory Foods, P&G, and the loyal and hard-working individuals who have worked with us from year one to now.
God repeatedly surprises us with opportunities every year, and as a result, the show continues to evolve year after year.” This year’s surprise announcement was a national television distribution deal with FOX Soul. It will bring How Sweet The Sound gospel music competition to audiences across the country on platforms like Samsung TV Plus, YouTube, and Apple TV+.
In the end, as they reflect on another successful event, the Browns share a quiet moment, knowing that their efforts have made a difference in the lives of so many. “At the end of every show, Nate and I get so much satisfaction in looking back as we’re the last car to leave the event facility and we look at each other as we breathe one big sigh of relief and say ‘well, we did it’,” Katrina concludes. And indeed, they have – together, they have created something truly remarkable that can transform lives and unite hearts around the world.
Nathanael and Katrina Brown live in the DC metropolitan area with their four children.
How Sweet the Sound will be held at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on June 1, 2024, at 8 pm and at London’s Royal Albert Hall on October 20, 2024, at 6 pm.
Follow How Sweet The Sound communities on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @theoffcialhowsweetthesound and TikTok @howsweetthesound.
Published by: Holy Minoza
