02 / Bio
“God opens doors that no man can shut.”
John Manuel Vazquez II, known as Manuel, is a Christian artist, producer, and community servant from Youngstown, Ohio. Born October 24, 1996, his life and music are grounded in the belief that God had a purpose for him from the very beginning.
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Music followed John from childhood. He sang along with the radio, arrived at school singing, and learned both piano and violin. He graduated from Boardman High School and completed Graphic Design and Multimedia studies at M.C.C.T.C. with high honors.
His calling became clear after attending a concert by Christian rap artist Lecrae. John saw music as a ministry—an opportunity to reach young people, bring them back to church, and plant the seed of God’s word through Christian rap.
For years, he has served alongside Pastor Rafael Cruz Jr. and The Jericho Project, bringing live music, food, and the message of Jesus to churches, the Salvation Army, Youngstown housing developments, and nearby cities. That outreach grew with local pastors and community leaders into what became Now Youngstown. John has also supported annual book-bag, clothing, and food drives.
John’s close relationship with Teen Challenge allows him to minister through music to men working through addiction and rebuilding their lives. He gives Jesus the glory for every opportunity and hopes his journey shows others what is possible through Christ.
As Manuel, he records and produces his own music and has recorded, mixed, and mastered projects for other Christian artists. He has opened for renowned Christian singer-songwriter Ron Kenoly at Touch Heaven and uses concert and church donations to distribute Christian music freely through community outreach.
Favorite scripture · 1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
