Co-Creators of The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was co-written, during the span of two inspired days, by the musical-writing team of Rev. Soni Cantrell-Smith and John Kito.  Rev. Soni Cantrell-Smith was born in the Appalachians and has been performing music since the age of three. Although her roots are in Bluegrass and Gospel, at the age of nineteen Ms. Smith toured with the New York Performance/Rhythm and Blues band, Pegasus.  Ms. Smith has been the Music Director for Namasté Science of Mind and Spirit Center in Long Beach since its founding in 1999. Already a popular speaker in many twelve step venues, Miss Smith is also in high demand throughout the New Thought movement.  Her plain style of humor and Appalachian wisdom has led her to be called the female Will Rogers.
 

Originally from New York City, John Kito toured internationally as keyboardist and musical director for The Mamas and the Papas for fifteen years. He has also performed with numerous recording artists, including Madonna, Cesar Rosas (of Los Lobos), Chuck Berry, Little Anthony and The Imperials, Bill Medley (of The Righteous Brothers), and Rupert Holmes. On Broadway he played keyboards for Les Misérables, Cats, and Leader of the Pack. Since 2001 John has been the pianist for Namasté, where he co-wrote The Enlightenment with Soni Cantrell-Smith in 2002. Mr. Kito continues to be active in the Los Angeles music scene as a composer, arranger, and performer.