Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor Abengowe
Hi Victor, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From “That Kid” to a Movement: The Story Behind Young Worshippers Movement
You know, looking back, it’s crazy to see how life comes full circle. The Young Worshippers Movement didn’t start in the U.S.—it began in Africa, where a small group of us would gather just to hang out, worship, and grow together. I was one of the very first young worshippers, but trust me, I wasn’t exactly the ideal kid back then. I was the troublemaker—the one parents warned their kids about, the one failing school, the one who just couldn’t seem to get it together. But then, something changed. That group, that community, gave me purpose. I found mentors, friendships, and a space where I could grow—not just spiritually, but in my academics, creativity, and leadership.
When I moved to the U.S. and started high school in Germantown, I had a fresh start. A full 180 shift. I went from being “That Kid” to the one with stellar grades, the one teachers loved, the one who seemed to have it all figured out. But even as I excelled, I saw something missing. I saw students who, despite their potential, felt unseen and unheard. Some were academically uninspired but creatively gifted. Others wanted to explore life but needed guidance, a safe space outside of their home, school, or church—somewhere they could grow holistically. I understood them because, in many ways, I had been them.
Years later, I found myself teaching music at an after-school program through the Memphis Dream Center. That experience opened my eyes even more. I saw firsthand the need for a community that didn’t just focus on one aspect of a student’s life but embraced the whole picture—spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, and social growth. And so, the burden to create something bigger, something lasting, became undeniable.
That’s how Young Worshippers Movement was born. We wanted to give students what they WANT—fun, community, life-applicable tools—while making sure they get what they NEED—a Christ-centered, holistic foundation for life. Our youth conferences have been a space where students ask real questions and get real, biblically grounded answers. We’ve partnered with churches and youth centers in Memphis to build a movement that equips young people to step confidently into their purpose.
And we’re just getting started. From youth programs to an upcoming Entrepreneurship Lab for aspiring young leaders, our mission remains the same: to provide students with the tools, resources, and community they need to thrive—not just for today, but for life. Because when young people are empowered, when they truly believe they are seen, heard, and capable of greatness—there’s no limit to what they can do.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road? Not exactly. But honestly, we didn’t expect it to be. When you’re building something meaningful, challenges come with the territory.
One of the biggest hurdles? Funding. We have so many incredible ideas—life-changing programs, our annual youth conference, initiatives that could truly reshape the community—but a lot of that takes resources. While we’ve been blessed with donations from community members who believe in what we’re doing, we know there’s still more work to do. That’s why we’re doubling down on outreach, showing people firsthand the impact we’re making. We believe that when people see real transformation, they’ll want to invest in it. We’re also pushing to secure grants and corporate partnerships to help sustain and grow our vision.
Another challenge? Finding the right volunteers and partners—people who don’t just want to help but who carry the same passion for this work. But again, that’s the journey of any growing organization. We’ve been intentional about surrounding ourselves with a team that’s deeply committed, even when juggling college, full-time jobs, and life’s responsibilities. Seeing their dedication fuels my own.
And then there’s the whole venue situation. Since we operate remotely, locking in spaces for events and programs can be tricky. But you know what? A building isn’t what makes a movement—it’s the people. We don’t need four walls to create impact; we need the right WHO and the right HOW. And we’re figuring that out, step by step.
At the end of the day, I can’t complain. Every challenge has pushed us to be more creative, more resourceful, and more reliant on God. And with Him on our side, anything is possible.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I’m a worship artist, songwriter, producer, and creative director—but more than that, I’m a storyteller. Music is my language, but creativity in all its forms is my playground. While I lean toward contemporary worship, I love taking familiar songs and giving them a fresh perspective, weaving in my African roots and love for jazz to create something unique.
I’ve had the privilege of touring across the U.S., from Virginia to Oklahoma, sharing music that moves people. One of my biggest joys is leading the Young Worshippers Crew (YWC)—the music arm of our organization—where we’re not just making music, we’re cultivating a sound, a culture, a movement. Seeing artists like Dav!d—who created “Tiny Dorm”—flourish and find their voice is one of my proudest moments.
What sets me apart? I don’t just write songs; I build experiences. Being proficient in live production—lighting, visuals, audio—means that when I create music, I’m already envisioning the full picture. The way the lights will shift, how the room will feel, the emotions the audience will experience. It’s all connected. Worship, to me, isn’t just about sound—it’s about immersion.
At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to make music. It’s to create moments that linger long after the last note fades. Moments that inspire, transform, and bring people closer to God.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by the impacts I make in people’s live and living a fulfilling life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youngworshippers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/young.worshippers/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/young.worshippers.official
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Young.Worshippers
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@young.worshippers?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
