Dante Hawkins

Dante’s story reads like so many who grow up with the natural gift of singing. Born in Rochester, New York, he was raised by a loving grandmother and together they sang gospel and blues. Dante moved to New York in 2003 to pursue is musical dreams, working with the likes of Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Drake, Mario Winans and a host of other renowned musicians and deejays.

But for Dante success isn’t in stardom, it’s in the kingdom. He’s humble and happiest just simply singing “I really love the Lord.” And we at FCBC, really love Dante. “Music is healing; it took a long time for me to understand that because I love all different types of music. And I accept that music is the way that God has designed for me to speak to people’s lives.” Dante serves as the Band Visionary (Band Director) at FCBC.

When he’s not singing, or playing the keyboard (he feels naked without it) he’s looking to develop musical talent in the church. “As much as I love singing, I feel responsible for developing worship leaders. I didn’t go to school for this, it’s in me and I look for people with the same thing. It's not about R&B, Gospel, it’s about life music and that’s what we’re doing here at FCBC.” And don’t blame him for being a Buffalo Bills Fan—after all, he hails from cold upstate New York. But his singing could warm any heart.

MORE WITH DANTE

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I like to write songs, watch movies, and eat

Q: What musical artist would you most like to work with?

A: Kirk Franklin

Q: What’s the most important thing you learned from your grandmother?

A: How to love.