By CHAD LITTLE

He walked in with just a friend. No fan club. No entourage. Some students walking by were staring. It was probably not because they had seen his music video on MTV Europe, nor because they had heard him in concert. But more likely because he is different.

As he started to talk, this 33 year-old black man, Alex Boyé, had a message that he was trying to convey -- a message of hope and change. Even though Boyé is a European pop sensation, life was not always fame and glory. From his childhood in London to his journey to the United States, Boyé has seen a change in his faith, lifestyle and occupation.

"In the world's eyes, I had everything, but in my own eyes I had nothing. Now in my eyes I have everything and in the world's eyes I have nothing," Boye said.

With hits in over 15 European countries and his solo album reaching No. 12 on the European Charts, Boyé never dreamed he would achieve all the fame and fortune that would come with singing. He also never dreamed that his values and standards would change as well.

In London, Boyé came in contact with the LDS church when he was 16. He was baptized three weeks after meeting the missionaries.

"When I was young, I had a great fear of dying," Boyé said. "When I heard about the plan of salvation, it just resonated within me. That fear had gone away."

Not everyone was happy with Boyé's decision. His mom, who had moved to Nigeria and left him with a guardian in London, was strongly opposed to his decision. Boyé's guardian kicked him out of his house because he also did not agree.

This left Boyé homeless. The next few years were hard. Mostly, he stayed with different friends -- occasionally he was forced to stay on the streets.

When Boyé turned 19, he took control of his life and decided to go on a mission.

"I knew that once I went on a mission, there was no turning back," he said. "This was a statement of my determination to the Lord."

While on his mission to Bristol, England, Boyé started singing publicly almost by accident. His companion was supposed to sing at a baptism, but got sick. Boyé came to the rescue and sang in place of his companion. The mission president was at the baptism and noticed Boyé's singing ability. Soon afterward, he was asked to sing all over the mission, at firesides and baptisms. To the other missionaries, he became known as the "singing missionary guy."

On the last day of his mission, Boyé's mission president gave him some guidance.

"He told me that I needed to use my voice and talents to do good," Boyé said.

After his mission, Boyé and a group of non-member friends started singing together. They performed at church dances and other small venues. After a few years and a few managers later, the group known as "Awesome" signed a five-record contract with Universal Records.

Along with the record contract came fame and fortune, as well as other opportunities. One of Boyé's most memorable moments was when he gave England's Prince Charles a copy of the Book of Mormon.

Unfortunately, the fame and glory were not enough to satisfy Boyé and the band.

"We had been chasing our dream for so long that once we got it, the fulfillment never came," he said. "When we got one chart hit, it wasn't enough. We wanted another one."

Even though Boyé was still active in church and had many chances to be an example, there was something about his lifestyle that made him restless.

"I was in the large and spacious building and I didn't know it. The only satisfaction I found was at church," he said.

This caused Boyé to struggle with the decision to stay or leave the group.

"I got on my knees and asked the Lord what I should do. When I was praying, the scripture from D&C 25:10 came into my head which said, 'And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.' That is when I decided to put my life more into the Lord's hands."

In 1999, Boyé had made a decision. This decision included quitting the group, rejecting numerous offers for a solo career and moving to Utah after the urging of an old mission companion.

Boyé came to Utah not knowing what he would do with his life. He attended a convention of LDS music artists and was impressed with the support system that was available to LDS musicians.

"When I was in England, I had to deal with things on my own. I had to be strong on my own. I didn't have the Michael McLeans and the Gladys Knights around."

Boyé shares his experiences with the youth of the church in fireside messages, so that they can learn from his life.

"Youth are the biggest (asset) the Lord has," he said. "Popular music is bringing them down."

In Boyé's fireside messages, he urges the youth be mindful of the music that they listen to. He also tells them to be strong in fighting the temptations of the world.

"I am just one person, but when we forget about Satan and serve the Lord, amazing things can happen," he said. "This is not a losing battle. The Lord will use us to win His battles."

This past summer Boyé came out with his first gospel and inspirational CD titled "Testimony." This CD is a compilation of songs that reflect Boyé's love for the Savior.

"Music is a great missionary tool. From this [CD], I am beginning to learn about the true power of music."

Boyé is continuing to do firesides and concerts across the United States. Simultaneously, he has also been working on some different acting projects, including BYU's recent production of "Smokey Joe's Café."

When a friend recommended that Boyé audition for the BYU production, he was hesitant.

"I was a little turned off at first about doing a show at a university, but I felt strongly that I should do it," he said. "Now I know why."

Boyé said the epitome of his reason for doing the show is portrayed in the performance.

"There is one part of the play when a picture of a black boy and white girl are shown embracing each other. That is what I learned. That music is for everyone. Music can bring the world together and breakdown racial discrimination."

Through working on this musical, Boyé has had to overcome many different obstacles.

"I struggle with choreography," he said. "I wasn't trained that way. If I had been anywhere else, I would have been tossed out on the street."

Boyé studied his vocals and choreography on the bus as he made his way from Salt Lake City everyday for practice.

"Boyé is an incredible performer with a great mix of dance and vocals," said Pat Debenham, director and choreographer. "He has a very strong and clear work ethic . . . and there is no question about his commitment on stage."

Boyé has never been formally trained vocally, but according to music director Randy Boothe, this was not an issue.

"Once he's got it, he can do anything," said Boothe. "Once he hears it, he's got it forever."

Even though "Smokey Joe's Café" is over, Boyé is keeping busy with his life. Despite the challenges of not having a car or a permanent residence, Boyé continues to travel the country sharing his message.

Boyé has recently finished performances in Washington, Illinois, and California with upcoming performances scheduled in Utah over the summer.

"I am just now beginning to learn the true power of music," Boyé said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 28 Apr 2004