Joshua Rogers Discusses Faith and Resilience in ‘Still Gon’ Trust’
Inspired by the upheaval of the pandemic, social injustices, and the collective grief experienced globally in recent times, Joshua Rogers, an artist with Mixed Bag Entertainment, has unveiled multiple versions of his poignant track “Still Gon’ Trust.” This song conveys a powerful message of strength and resilience, emphasizing the significance of faith in God. Originally from Greeleyville, South Carolina, Rogers made history as the youngest and first male winner of BET’s Sunday Best. In this exclusive interview with TCB, he discusses the creation process of his latest single and the motivations behind releasing various renditions.
Congratulations on the release of “Still Gon’ Trust”! What makes this song’s message significant to you?
The message of this song holds great personal importance for me because it’s a lesson that God has been instilling in me, particularly throughout 2020—which was one of my toughest years. “Still Gon’ Trust” represents a prayer and commitment I made to God, highlighting the power of those three words. We’ve reached a point where we can no longer rely solely on ourselves to fix the world’s issues. Many are grappling with serious challenges that won’t easily fade away, but God is ever-present and waiting for us to fully trust Him.
You released an EP that features several versions of the single. How did you choose these variations and determine which one would be more accessible?
When my label head, Gary Crockett, proposed the idea of multiple versions, I was initially hesitant, but it quickly began to come together. He envisioned the entire orchestral aspect right from the beginning. The song was initially recorded with just a piano, but the team had the idea to create a “quartet” version—essentially giving it a Deangelo vibe—which producer Lucius executed brilliantly! I can’t say one version has a broader reach than another. Each rendition aims to resonate with different audiences, allowing us to connect with everyone.
Reflect on the filming of the official video for “Still Gon’ Trust.” What stood out to you most about that experience?
I wouldn’t say there were any surprises; our team had a clear vision, and everyone worked in harmony to execute it. What is remarkable is that we filmed it in just one day, which speaks volumes given my previous career experiences. I’m simply grateful for the heartfelt quality of the final product.
How do you gauge the success of this single compared to your earlier projects?
Ideally, I would love to see everyone singing this song! The core purpose behind it was to uplift and encourage people, reminding them of God’s immense power and care for His children. Regardless of the challenges we face, we must continue to trust in God, no matter our perceptions or emotions.
Reflecting on your journey with BET’s Sunday Best, what contributed to your success that you may not have recognized at the time?
Participating in ‘Sunday Best’ was an amazing experience but also a source of tough lessons. I quickly learned that the journey ahead wouldn’t always be smooth. My most profound realization is that ministry and the music industry are not the same! I’m still navigating how to balance both effectively while keeping sight of my initial purpose. Through it all, I remain deeply thankful for my journey—God is indeed faithful.
Who or what currently inspires you, both musically and spiritually?
My recent experiences have been my primary source of musical inspiration. I’ve been writing more lately, and my journey has significantly influenced my music. I am continually growing spiritually through this “LIFE JOURNEY.”
What are you looking forward to for the remainder of 2021?
I’m seeking peace! As I hand over control to God and trust His plan, I anticipate a more serene outlook on life and a healthier mindset. Additionally, I hope to see the success of this song—not for fame or popularity, but because I wholeheartedly believe in its message, especially as we all need to trust God now more than ever.
Author: Jessie Clarks
