r By Arianne Brown
Spanish Fork has a rising star in its midst, who just so happens to be a 33-year-old husband and father of three by the name of Yahosh Bonner.
Bonner, who currently works as the athletic director at American Heritage School, is finding his way into musical YouTube stardom and has even landed a starring role in an upcoming film. Bonner has been featured alongside Alex Boyé, James The Mormon and within his own family, The Bonners who performed at the “Be One” celebration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in June.
While music has always been a big part of Bonner’s life, having grown up the son of gospel singers, it wasn’t until later in life when he discovered his talent for music while away from home playing college basketball.
“I discovered my own talent for music apart from my family when I went away for school,” Bonner said. “I joined a praise group and all my friends encouraged me to do more with my musical talents. So I began singing more in church and trying out for solos in the group.”
Music was still put on hold for many years, however. As a scholarship athlete, Bonner had to keep his focus on basketball. He earned the title of Defensive Player of the Year for the Big Sky Conference, then went on to be the assistant coach at Western Nebraska Community College, followed by several years as the head boys basketball coach at American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork.
As his desire to pursue music grew, Bonner immersed himself in it and has been able to work on many projects with other artists and as a solo artist. He performs music from pop to gospel and several genres in between and says he loves music too much to stick to one particular genre. One song he says he’s the proudest of is his cover of “Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga, alongside Monica Moore Smith and Nadia Khristean.
“I am most proud of my ‘Million Reasons’ cover because I believe in the power that music has to teach and persuade for good, Bonner said. “The song is about suicide prevention. I also am proud of ‘I Am Here’ released by The Bonner Family. Not only is it amazing to be able to perform with my family, but I am honored to have solos in that group. My family members are some of my best friends and the most talented people I know.”
Bonner also gives thanks to the community and to God for his continued success.r
“I am continually renewing my musical goals,” Bonner said. “I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from the community in response to my music. With all my talents I want to give praise to God for helping me to build something my family can be proud of. At the end of the day, I would love to produce quality work that people all over the world can appreciate.”
That work is being appreciated by tens of thousands of people and is only growing. Currently, Bonner is working on several original songs and music videos to be released soon, as well as playing the title role in the upcoming movie, Green Flake, that tells the story of a black Mormon pioneer.
To say updated on Bonner’s projects, look for him on Facebook under “Yahosh,” as well as YouTube under the same name.
