Latest news from African Gospel Music Awards 2013

Several Nigerian Artistes have begun to react to the African Gospel Music Awards’ list of nominations released earlier this month by the nomination panel of the Africa Gospel Awards, after an extensive period of scrutiny of material from African gospel artistes and organizations. In exclusive interviews granted to Praiseworld Radio, gospel top notch-artistes Eben, Onos Ariyo, Gaise, Psalm Ebube, Joe Praize and Frank Edwards reacted to the their nominations in several categories of the awards.

Eben, whose album Phenomenon was nominated in the Album Of The Year category, said it was a great and  awesome feeling to be nominated, especially  as he did not expect it. “It feels great to be nominated at the Africa Gospel  Music Awards. I was busy sending broadcast messages  on behalf of Frank Edward  s my brother who got three nominations and I   didn’t care to check if I was nominated until   someone brought it to my attention.” “It feels awesome, im in the UK right now, it’s amazing to know that what we do back home  in Nigeria is celebrated around the world, even in Europe. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Meanwhile, Joe Praize described his nomination as something God did, rather than his own efforts as he just enjoys worshiping and praising God while awards pursue him. “I think this basically what God is doing, it’s nothing from our efforts, we just  love praising and worshiping God. Imagine you praising and worshiping  God, and awards just pursuing you from everywhere, it’s amazing you know,   but we thank God.” “You know, awards are beautiful, I always tell people, they are nice and  encouraging, but the point is not the awards. The point is we are working for our master, and our reward is from Him and Him alone.”

Frank Edwards, who is nominated in three categories including Artiste Of The Year said he felt encouraged and humbled and the nominations has inspired him to do more. “Well I feel honoured, encouraged and humbled. It   makes me want to do more, even though the reason   I do what I do is not for the awards. But when you   get nominated like this, it means people appreciate  what you do. Thumbs up to the awards’ body.” When asked how he feels about being the only Nigerian, apart from Joe Praize in the Artiste Of The Year category, “Yeah, well….i’m currently holding the award and I  just may take it again”, he said

Gospel rapper Gaise who has been nominated for Artiste of the Year (West Africa) as well as Afro Rap Artiste of the Year said he was really happy that his music was getting attention on a larger platform. “It’s an awesome feeling you know. I’m really happy,   it shows we are making progress [and] getting attention  on a larger platform. I’ve had nominations and awards   around Nigeria, but this is on a bigger level.”

Nigerian gospel diva Onos Ariyo who has been nominated in 3 categories: Artiste of the Year (West Africa), Song of the Year and Female Artiste of the Year, described her feeling as one of excitement and gratitude to God for being recognised. “I’m very excited, I’m very grateful to God for being recognised in those 3 categories,  I feel excited and really really honoured. [There are] so many great things  happening [to me] this year, Thanks be to God.” Psalm Ebube, of the Kabio Osi fame described his nomination as a result of God’s favour  he also said that it was good that gospel music of Nigerian origin was gaining recognition across the world. “Well this is Kabio’ Osi (Almighty God) at work. I sincerely wasn’t   expecting the AGMA nomination. I just got messages on Facebook and   Twitter that I had been nominated for the Artiste of the Year (West Africa) category.” The awards event is scheduled to be held at the prestigious Queen Mary’s University of London in the trendy and vibrant part of East end of London, on Saturday July 5 this year. Remember, you can vote for your favourite artiste on www.africagospelawards.com Stay  tuned to Praiseworld Radio for all updates on the AGMA 2013. Source: http://praiseworldradio.com

AFRICA GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS (AGMAs) IS BACK! AGMA 2013 TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!

The Africa Gospel Music Awards (AGMAs) is back this summer with more vivacity, Spirit and Praise than ever. Held at the prestigious Great Hall of Queen Mary’s University, the event will undoubtedly be a night to remember and draw the huge crowds it is famed for on Saturday 6th July 2013. The AGMAs are an annual celebration and recognition of African Gospel music; uniting both current and legendary gospel artists from around the globe. This red carpet event celebrates its 4th anniversary this year and will feature energetic ministrations from highly talented musicians. Artistes include Tehila Crew (Nigeria) Cwesi Oteng (Ghana), Dena Mwana (DR Congo) Charisma Hanekam (South Africa) Jackie Mugabo (Rwanda/UK) Pappy Messages (DR Congo/UK), PK Boadi (Ghana/UK), Josephine Atanga (Cameroon/USA) Beatrice Muniu (Kenya/UK) Isabella Uzodike (Nigeria/UK), Isaac Frempong (Ghana/UK) Myco Chris (Uganda/UK) and JayEss, with hosts Comedian MC Mark, TV host Praise Asemota and Worship Leader Shola Victor-Sajowa. Various awards will be presented throughout the night to individuals and organisations voted for by the public and 4 AGMA special awards interspersed with vibrant, spirit lifting ministrations guaranteed to enthral and inspire. VIPs will be treated to a pre-show lounge reception followed by all guests set to experience an outstandingly exquisite celebration of African gospel music from all around the world. Last year’s AGMAs was attended by High profile audience members including various High commissioners, Actress Fatima Jabbe, footballer Sonnie Aluko, Rev Bazil Meade (Founder of the London Community Gospel Choir), Radio presenters, industry stalwarts and African gospel music enthusiasts. The night was filled with explosive performances by various artistes including BNG, Guvna B and Emmy Kosgei who won in the song of the year category. This year’s ceremony promises to be bigger and better with a new venue and maintains its reputation as the only Gospel Music event that brings together all Africans and supporters of African music. It will be a night not to be missed.   Have you voted? Come on, Let's get the praise on!

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Frank Edwards and his nickname (rich boy) How?

 

 

Frank Edward

Mr. Edwards was born into a family of seven. He has five siblings. He begun singing at the age of ten years. He learned to play the piano from his father when he was young. In his teenage years, he became a Christian. he has four albums to his name.
Frank Edwards(nicknamed rich boy) is a member of Christ Embassy Church in Nigeria and LoveWorld Music Ministry.
Edwards plays several musical instrument and is a keyboardist in Christ Embassy Church. His debut album The Definition was released in 2008. It was 14 track album and was distributed by Honesty Music. Angels on the Runway his second album was released in 2010 and another oneUnlimited in 2011.He has four albums currently, the latest one "tagjam" was released in November 2011 which he specially made for teenagers and the young at heart. He is currently known as Nigeria's Hottest Gospel rock artiste Now in Nigeria.

Awards

In May 2011 he was nominated as the Gospel artiste of the year in the 6th Annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA). He won the award of the best Gospel Rock artiste in the 1st annual Awards he also won west Africa best male vocalist in 2012/ best hit single at the love world awards 2012/ and 3 awards at the Nigeria gospel music awards (male artiste of the year,song of the year and best male vocal)

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Frank Edwards Song "beautiful" Is Awesome! He Is A God Sent Blessing To Nigeria". www.nairaland.com. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} "Nigeria: The Emergence of Love World Records". www.allafrica.com. 
3. ^ "Nigeria Entertainment Awards nominees 2011.". www.museke.com. 
4. ^ "NEA Awards 2011 Nomination Party, Themed: Casino Celebrity Night". www.connectnigeria.com.

Sinach being under tutolage for more than 20years

Loveworld award songwriter, choir leader and vocalist, Osinach Kalu, ( aka Sinachi), recently launched her album, I’m blessed. The second daughter of seven children told us how her father objected to her musical career, her passion to touch lives with her songs, and her born again experience which she describes as awesome. Excerpts:

The name Sinach
“I chose that from my name Osinachi because it is easy to pronounce and catchy. The title of my album is I’m blessed. It is a 15-track album. The title is prophetic. I’m blessed was not a pre-meditated song. It was just a rehearsal we did and the song clicked. I got the inspiration when my pastor was preaching. As a Christian, you have to know that once you step into a relationship with God, you are blessed automatically. The Bible confirms this by telling us that everything we do is blessed.”

Aim of the album
“My aim for this album is that everyone who listens to the messages contained in it will be inspired to the next level. The messages appeal to everyone. Everyone can take in messages they need to lift their souls. The songs are so easy that choir directors can teach their choir members to sing the songs. Individuals that are down would be lifted if they absorb the wordings with faith in their hearts. The album contains worship and praise songs. They are all original because they were written by me and inspired by the Holy Spirit.”

Inspiration
“It comes from God’s word. This is because the word of God is life. I have been under the tutelage of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for over 20 years. I have listened to God’s word through him and these words have always inspired me to write songs. I have seen situations change and hopeless people have a reason to live and enjoy life through God’s word. My life is a testimony that one can be anything and achieve anything. A lot of people ask me from what part of the world I come, they don’t believe I am from Nigeria. I always tell them that anything good can come out from anywhere with the application of God’s word.”

Before I’m blessed
“I have been writing and performing my songs. I have wriiten over 200 songs including I want more of you and Awesome God. I’m blessed is my second album. My first album is Chapter one. My intention is to push this album farther than the first one so that people can feel the presence of God in their everyday lives and apply God’s word to their situations. They can actually experience church at home.”

The craze for gospel music
“A lot of people are singing gospel music lately because they want to be inspired. People are tired of listening to the wrong music. They want the right music to lift them when they are down. Music is a way of life. Everyone at one point in time needs good and inspirational music to calm down. It is important you listen to the right music.”

Experience in the industry
“My experience is great because I see it as a privilege to impart lives positively through my songs. My pastor taught me to write songs that I would leave in the mouths and hearts of people. I was taught to write songs that would be remembered for a long time.”

Challenges
“I have less challenges because I have a team behind me from the Loveworld Music. I am blessed because I belong to a good ministry and in the midst of good people.”

Was music your childhood dream?
“Yes. Music was my dream. My father objected to my musical career. He told me I would go hungry as a musician, that musicians amount to nothing. It was when I met Pastor Chris that he changed my perspective. He told me I could be anything I want to be in life with God’s word.”

How lucrative is the music ministry?
“I don’t know. The first album was released under the Love World Music Ministry. My work is not based on the commercial aspect. My interest is passing the good news across to listeners. My sole aim is to affect lives. The first album was a trial actually and it went very far.”

My music
“It has substance. Any listener can take valuable substance out of it. My team of producers and writers always take time to work on my songs.”

Schedule
“I am very busy. Each day is a new challenge and an opportunity to impact more lives through music.”

“The platform to excel has

been provided by my pastor.



Myself
“I am Osinachi Kalu, the second daughter of seven children. I am from Ebonyi State. I studied Physics at the University of Port Harcout, Rivers State. I discovered I had a talent and I pursued my passion rather than practicing my profession. My objective in the music ministry was to write songs for the church alone. But there was a great demand to make my songs available to other people, hence, the need to launch this new album.”

Born again experience

“It is awesome. I got born again over 20 years ago. The Bible says He takes us from glory to glory. This experience is true for my walk with God. I have experienced increasing grace and favour.”

Growing up
“Growing up was exciting. My father was a loving man and I had a great family. The memories of my childhood are wonderful and exciting. My parents taught me to be truthful at all times. They instilled discipline in us.”

Marriage
“Not yet. It would come at the right time.”

How much have you affected lives with your songs?
“The platform to excel has been provided by my pastor. We were working with God’s word. I didn’t know how much impact we were making in people’s lives until we traveled outside the country. When I go for programmes, I get tired of singing into people’s phones. I have seen miracles take place through my songs and I give God all the glory.”

How do you handle criticisms?
“Criticism comes with success. If you are not doing something big, nobody will criticize you. It is a sign that you are making an impact and that you are influencing lives. I do not dwell on negative criticism. However, it is important that I listen to constructive criticism from someone who knows what it takes to succeed in life. I am so blessed to be surrounded with valuable and godly mentors who continuously offer positive and constructive criticisms and I listen to them.”

Mentors
“I have great examples of leadership, godliness, faith, excellence, courage and success around me. Pastor Chris and Pastor Anita Oyakhilome are my mentors. Rev. Tom and Pastor Joy Amenkhienan, Evangelist Eddy Owase, Pastor Ose Oyakhilome and my mum, Mrs. C.M. Okoro. These people and more have influenced my life in great ways. I thank God for surrounding me with them. I couldn’t have been able to do what I am doing without the direction and influence of my pastors.”

Upcoming artistes
“They would need a lot of patience. They have to cook first, endure and do music overtime before reaping the fruits. They must have true passion and courage, acquire experience and build their fan base. They must also be faithful in building relationships.”

Where do you see the brand Sinach in the next five years?
“I have been working with the LoveWorld Music for over 15years and we have consistently improved and increased in quality, delivery and influence. I believe that the influence of my kind of music will consistently appreciate in the coming years. My music is gospel, and it is good news. It is a collection that will inspire, empower and improve every listener. You can find yourself in my music. In the next five years, I will have more people listening to my kind of music. Children can have godly music to sing and dance at home, especially at this time when young people are looking for hope and help. My music presents hope, faith for the future and points them to the help that they need. Good news!

“In the coming years, I see us doing more DVD recordings and more studio recordings from our team here in the LoveWorld Music. As a song writer, I see me writing songs that will influence the whole nation and the world. I also see us writing songs that will majorly influence praise and worship genre. I believe that we are going to see quality and extraordinary music production that is filled with the anointing of the Spirit of God coming from this side of the world to the rest of the world making global impact.”

Do you realy know Tope Alabi?

STRAIGHT FROM EVANGELIST TOPE ALABI

Tope Alabi is Married to an ever supportive Husband, Olusoji Alabi her producer and manager, God blessed them with children. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have the honour to present to you our ever green and indefatigable TOPE ALABI.



I give God all the glory for where I was coming from and where I am today. God has been my refuge, fortress, companion, and my confidant. I didn’t know I could become somebody to be reckoned with in life, but by his grace and infinite mercy, God made me relevant in the society and a minister in His kingdom.
I have been in the secular world for several years to be precise 21 years both in music and acting but as God would have it, (like a saying that "Egberun Saamu kole samo Olorun lowo")

God's Faithfulness

So far so good, God has been so faithful to me, my home and my ministry. I hereby commit myself to spending the rest of my days here on earth to preach the message of salvation, to give hope to the hopeless through the gospel and to remind people of our last home (Heaven). The aim of a Christian is to be justified by God not by men because people may tell you lie for you not to be angry or sad but God will never lie. So you can feel bad, cry if it pains you, but in His own time he will reward you mightily according to your obedience. All these I have passed through and I am still in it. For God to handover his treasure to you “steadfastness is the key" God will not rest if you are so precious to Him, He will always correct you and while God is correcting any child, there will be room for principalities and powers, I mean obstacles, and all what you pass through in life but rejoice because after this you shall triumph and sing hallelujah. Myself and ministry have so far witnessed the blessings of the Lord, throughout the four corners of Nigeria and abroad and the Lord has made us fruitful in these past years. We are definitely witnessing the greatness of God which has already taken us to another dimension. To God is the Glory. Finally, the principle of life I have come to realize is to give everybody the opportunity for the expression of their God-given talent so that our world can be a better place. Millions of people in our world today are living below their potentials, with gifts, talents and abilities locked up within them. My aim is to see everyone fully released into the entire purpose of God for their lives and become someone in their chosen fields of endeavor.

Her calling

 
 
Right from her childhood, the Lord revealed it to her mother, through prophesies from men of God that her daughter (Tope) would be a servant of God. Patricia Temitope Alabi had the divine call into singing ministry personally in the year 2000. Because of God's divine purposes for her life, God gave Oore Ti o Common the first Album a tremendous push and it was the album that shot Tope Alabi into limelight in the Gospel Music Industry. The Lord has been mightily using this HIS minstrel to spiritually meet the needs of thousands of people both home and abroad. Till date Tope Alabi has to her credit ten albums, Oore ti o Common, Certificate,

Agbara Olorun and Agbara re ni, Kokoro Igbala, Angeli mi, Mori’Yanu, Agbelebu, Alagbara and the live video of the Welcome and the Award party that was titled Amazing Grace. And a Home Video Titled ATIJO among others. Tope Alabi and her Gospel vibes has travelled all over within and outside Nigeria.

Biography

Tope Alabi was born on the 27th October, 1970 in Lagos State, Nigeria to the amiable family of Pa Joseph Akinyele Obayomi and Madam Agnes Kehinde Obayomi. She is the only daughter of the three children in the family occupying the second position in the family. She hails from Yewa, Imeko of Ogun State. During her school days and because of her deep rooted interest/flairs in music and drama, Tope Alabi joined the then "Jesters International" otherwise known as (Jacob, Papilolo & Aderupoko) group at Ibadan. After the death of Jacob sometime in the nearest past, she joined Ishola Ogunsola “I SHOW PEPPER” where she caught her teeth and or got her initial training and experience in drama. In total display of versatility, our Tope Alabi showed her shrewd mastery of her secretarial competence when she worked with Re-Union Nigeria Limited between 1990 & 1992, Gbagada, Lagos as a Bi-lingual secretary.

Without losing sight of her primary assignment, Patricia Temitope Alabi came back into the Theater Art profession when she joined the prestigious "Alade Aromire Theater Group" sometime in 1992. Here, she was able to distinguish herself as both a gifted/ talented actress and a singer altogether. At Alade Aromire Theatre Group, Tope Alabi was exposed to all the core areas of drama and acting profession. She was involved in various film productions, stage drama and most importantly the landmark soundtrack production with which she is well known and considered second to known till date in the Nigeria Yoruba Movie industry. Unique Tope Alabi has been invited by various writers, producers and directors in the Yoruba movie industry to write and produce sound tracks for their various movies. It is then apposite to mention and conclude without any sense of contradiction that standing to her credit till date, Tope Alabi has produced well over 800 soundtracks for various Yoruba movies. It would be worthy to state here that Tope Alabi is a pacesetter of soundtrack makers in the Yoruba Home Video Industry.

MY HUSBAND

In the year 1998 my husband proposed to me. When I was praying about it, a minister of God said,"God said I would not have a home if I don’t release myself unto Him as a minister of the gospel in music. After that moment, God reconfirmed it to me severally through my dreams, seeing myself ministering to very large congregations; (the word of God). I agreed because since I was a child, I passed through several horrible tough times. I submitted to Him in year 2000. My husband took me to the altar on 16th of November year 2000 at st. Agnes Catholic Church Maryland Lagos. After then we went to studio where my husband was working as a sound engineer (Decross studios) to produce Oore ti o common on which the Lord proved to me that He is God who had sent me out. And since then, I don’t sing of my mind but God’s mind on all my albums and their titles. Getting married to Evangelist Soji Alabi my hubby, made everything very easy for my ministry, he is the first angel that God sent to me. We are Blessed with 2 Daughters and a Son!

My Parents

To my biological parent Mr. & Mrs. Obayomi they are wonderful. Especially my mum, she’s so supportive, she also sings very well and she encourages me to go extra mile, she has really suffered for me. She is the best mother in the whole world, Omobolanle Agnes I love you so much.

AWARDS
Tope Alabi has won numerous awards which which includes:

Best Gospel Singer 2010 by Citi people entertainment
Sparklight award of excellence 2007
Merit award 2006 by technical students association of Nig. The polytechnic Ibadan.
YOMAFA award for best Gospel artist 209
Special award to Evang Tope Alabi
Women leadership role model award 2009
Christian support award 2005
Most outstanding movie sound track of the year 2008

African Gospel Music Awards (AGMA) 2013. And The Nominees Are…

African Gospel Music Awards (AGMA) 2013. And The Nominees Are…

It's up and rolling! The nomination list for the Africa Gospel Music Awards AGMA 2013 has been released with competitive categories including Artiste Of The Year, Discovery Of The Year, Album Of The Year, amongst others. Voting comenced midnight June 2, and will close on the 30th of June.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday July 6, 2013 at The Great Hall, Queen Mary University, Mile End Road, UK. Other special awards to be given that night include AGMA Inspiration Award, Contribution to the promotion of African Music, Trailblazer Awards and Lifetime Achievement.
Below are the nominees:

Discovery of the Year
Mabongi Mabaso (South Africa)
Dare David (USA)
Herty Borngreat (Ghana)
Funke Akinokun (Emirates)
Allen Majera (Uganda)
Moji Olusoji (Nigeria)
Isaac Frempong (UK)
Paapa (USA)
MOG (Holland)
Ebi Mensah (UK)
Hope Kid (Kenya)

Central African Artiste of the Year
Dena Mwana (DRC)
Timotheo Mulonda(DRC)
Bahati Alphonze (Rwanda)
Gaby Irene Kamanzi(Rwanda)
Patient Bizimana(Rwanda)
Alain Moloto(DRC)
Fabrice Nzeyimana -Burundi
Redemption Voice-Burundi
Henoc Mwamba (DRC)

Artiste of the Year West Africa
Psalm Ebube (Nigeria)
Onos Ariyo (Nigeria)
Cwesi Oteng (Ghana)
Gaise (Nigeria)
Frank Edwards (Nigeria)
Abdulai Bayoh (Sierra Leone)
Obi Shine (Nigeria)
Atorise Lanre (Nigeria)
Sayon T. Mayson(Liberia)
Kanvee Gaines-Adams (Liberia)
Rosemarie Baryoh (Sierra Leone)
Michael Oware (OJ) (Ghana)

USA/Canada
Anu Osilesi
Dare David
Zenzo Matoga
Anita Etta
ToluMide
Peggy Otis
Yaw Osei Owusu
David Adesokan
Josephine Atanga
Dominic Nti

Artiste of the Year East Africa
Eunice Njeri (Kenya)
Christina Shusho (Tanzania)
Jimmy Gait (Kenya)
Kambua (Kenya)
Jackie Senyonjo(Uganda)
Kris Eh Baba (Kenya)
Coopy Bly-Uganda
Martha Mwaipaja-Tanzania
DK Kwenye Beat(Kenya)
Eko Dydda(Kenya)

Artiste of the Year Europe
Pappy Messages (UK)
Nana Lukezo (Belgium)
Obed Duku (Italy)
PK Boadi (UK)
Myco Chris (UK)
Elvis E (Holland)
Isabella (UK)
MOG (Holland)
Jane Doka (UK)
Attah Boafo (UK)
Dayo Bello (UK)
Masterdon (Italy)
Cynthia Ukatung (Italy)

Artiste of the Year Southern Africa
Freddy Whales (South Africa)
Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa)
Keke Phoofolo (South Africa)
Sfiso Ncwane (South Africa)
DMK (Zambia)
Charisma Hanekam (South Africa)
Israel Mosehla (South Africa)
Mahalia Buchanan (South Africa)
Masego Motswiri (Bostwana)
Matthews Matsetse (Bostwana)
Mkhululi Bhebhe (Zimbabwe)

Artiste of the Year Middle East /Asia
Funke Akinokun (Emirates)
Bro. Philemon (China)

Radio Program of the year
Sunday Best Naija FM (Nigeria)
Sunset Drive Sunny FM (Ghana)
Gospel Zone Beat 99.9 FM (Nigeria)
Ndhumiso SABC (South Africa)
Siyadvumisa Ligwalagwala FM (South Africa)
Ekintabuli – Impact FM (Uganda)
Gospel Sunday – Milele FM
Shangilia – Hope FM
Morning Glory Show- London Christian Radio
Mercy and Grace Show – Gambia

TV Program of the Year
Footprints TV (Ghana)
Playlist (UK)
It’s Gospel Time (South Africa)
Divine Jams – Channel 44 (Uganda)
Chemin Des Artistes (UK)
Kubamba – Citizen TV(Kenya)
Tukuza – KTN(Kenya)
I Want to Sing Gospel -TVSA (South Africa)

Afro Rap Artiste of the Year
David Kalilani (Malawi)
Preachers (Ghana)
50 fifty family (South Africa)
Bouqui (Nigeria)
VKP (Kenya)
Kris Eeh Baba (Kenya)
Disciple (Australia)
Gaise (Nigeria)
TB1 (Nigeria)
Andrew Bello (UK)
Lyrical Soldier (UK)
Royal Priesthood (Ghana)

Afro Jazz Musician of the Year
Kunle Ayo (South Africa)
Agboola Shadare (USA)
Isaiah Katumwa (Uganda)
Four Seasons Band (UK)
Olatuja Project (USA)
Ayodele (UK)
Mike Aremu (Nigeria)
Karabo Mongatane (South Africa)
Pastor Kunle Ajayi (Nigeria)
Wandile Nkosi (South africa)

Group of the Year
Tehila Crew (Nigeria)
Preachers (Ghana)
Tim Godfrey and the Xtreme Crew (Nigeria)
M.O.G. (Kenya)
BNG (Nigeria)
Celebration Choir (Zimbabwe)
Worship House (South Africa)
Threadstone -(Nigeria)
African Children’s Choir (Uganda)

Video of the Year
Thank You Jesus – Dena Mwana (DRC)
Double Double- Aaron T Aaron (UK)
Elvis E- Love is Beautiful (Holland)
Praise Party- Sammie Okposo (Nigeria)
Gbare -Gbare – Dr. Kay (Nigeria)
Always Pray for You- Nosa (Nigeria)
Onyedikagi -Tim Godfrey (Nigeria)
Joy- Karabo Mongatane (South Africa)
Imela- Cute Sagay (Nigeria)
Imela- Nathaniel Bassey ft Enitan Adaba
My Days- Preachers ft Isaac Ogoe (Ghana)

Event of the Year
Funke Akinokun ‘Live in Dubai’ (Dubai)
Cwesi Oteng ‘Mercy Project’ Concert (Ghana)
Sonnie Badu ‘Let It Rain’ Concert (Ghana)
Shola Victor-Sajowa ‘Live in London’ Concert (UK)
Groove Awards- (Kenya)
Crown Gospel Awards (South Africa)
Uche Live Recording (USA)
Festival of Worship and Praise (Italy)
Yaw Owusu ‘My Reasonable Act Live’ (USA
Olive Awards –Uganda
Talanta Awards – USA

Producer of the Year
Dee Jones (USA)
Nathan FLO Akiremi (Nigeria)
Wole Oni (Nigeria)
Bongani Mahlaole (South Africa)
KODA (Ghana)
Nacy (Ghana)
Jonathan Zion Hamilton (South Africa)
Tolucci (Nigeria)
Bizzy B (Kenya)
Dr. Eddie (Kenya)
Shabach (UK)
Tolu Okeowo (UK)

Song of the Year
Always Pray for You- Nosa (Nigeria)
Kabiyesi- Cwesi Oteng (Ghana)
High -Onos Ariyo (Nigeria)
Big God – Sammie Okposo (Nigeria)
Only You- Nikki Laoye (Nigeria)
Breath on Me – Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa)
Inxaniwe – Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa)
Nobody- Living Faith Connections Featuring Evans Ogboi (UK)
I’m on point- Frank Edwards (Nigeria)
Celebrate – Bouqui ft the Truth (Nigeria)
Mbona- Daddy Owen ft. Dennoh (Kenya)
Appointment- Jimmy Gait Featuring Cece (Kenya)

Album of the Year
Sanctioned by FLO (Nigeria)
The Statement by Sammie Okposo (Nigeria)
Urban Prayers – Rigga (Kenya)
Mercy Project by Cwesi Oteng (Ghana)
Filled by Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa)
Exodus (The Preview) David Kalilani (Malawi)
Phenomenon– Eben (Nigeria)
BMF – Rise Up (Kenya)
Nuru – Mercy Wairegi(Kenya)
Winnie Mashaba – Bophelo Ke Leeto(South Africa)
Michael Oware (OJ)- NoKwasem (Ghana)

Female Artiste of the Year
Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa)
Hlegiwe Mhlaba (South Africa) Masego Motswiri –(Bostwana)
Onos Ariyo (Nigeria)
Mahalia Buchanan (South Africa)
Kambua (Kenya)
Kanvee Gaines-Adams(Liberia)
Helen Yawson (Ghana)
Ohemaa Mercy (Ghana)
Lara George (Nigeria)

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The man behinde the hymn "on Christ the solid rock"

A popular hymn declaring the solid, unshakable foundation for the Christian's hope, "The Solid Rock" was penned by Edward Mote in 1834 and put to music in 1863 by composer William Bradbury.
Edward Mote
Edward Mote was born in London in 1797. His parents managed a London pub and left Edward much to his own devices. "My Sundays were spent in the streets," said Edward of his younger years. "So ignorant was I that I did not know that there was a God."
Young Edward took up an apprenticeship with a cabinetmaker, and at sixteen his master took him to hear the preaching of Tottenham Court Chapel's John Hyatt. This experience would change Mote's life, for it was here that he dedicated himself to Jesus Christ.
A cabinetmaker by profession for thirty-seven years, when he was fifty-five, Mote became pastor of a Baptist church, which he helped to establish, in Horsham, Sussex. When offered the title to the church building by the grateful parishioners, Pastor Mote said, "I do not want the chapel, I only want the pulpit, and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that."
Edward Mote stepped down from his position at the Horsham Baptist church in 1873 when his health declined. He died the next year at seventy-seven years of age, having written over one hundred hymns during his lifetime.
Writing the Hymn
Mote originally published the hymn now known as "The Solid Rock" anonymously, titling it "The Immutable Basis of a Sinner's Hope." He then included it, under his own name, in an 1836 collection entitled Hymns of Praise.
Due to the initial anonymity which raised questions regarding the hymn's true authorship, Mote sent a letter to the editor of the Gospel Herald assuring its readers that he was the hymn's author, and explaining how and when he wrote it.
As he wrote in his letter, Mote penned the words to "The Solid Rock" while he was still working as a cabinetmaker. The words of the refrain came into his mind as he was on his way to work one morning in 1834, and four verses followed that very same day.
The following Sunday, Mote went to visit Mrs. King, a very sick friend. Her husband informed Mote that he and his wife usually read a portion of scripture, prayed, and sang a hymn together, but he could not find his hymn book anywhere. Mote pulled from his pocket the verses he had recently written and offered to sing them with the Kings.
Mrs. King enjoyed the hymn so much and found it so applicable to her present situation that Mote left the words with her, then went home and composed two more verses. He visited her every day until she passed away not quite a week later.
William Bradbury
William Batchelder Bradbury was born in 1816 in York, Maine, to a mother and father both musically gifted. Having already learned the mechanics of a wide selection of instruments, he moved to Boston and began studying the organ. In 1840 he took up teaching music in New York. He studied music more in depth in Germany from 1847 to 1854, then returned to New York.
Bradbury published a large number of musical collections for schools and choirs and composed the music to quite a few well-known Christian hymns. One of these hymns was "The Solid Rock, set to Bradbury's music in 1863. The music and lyrics first appeared together in Bradbury's own The Devotional Hymn and Tune Book, published in 1864.
Bradbury died in 1868.
"The Solid Rock"
"The Solid Rock" asserts that the only sure foundation for the singer's hope is Jesus. This theme, echoed throughout the hymn, is evident in the first stanza:
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
The refrain goes on to further declare the steadfastness of Christ and the frailty of everything else by insisting that "On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;/ All other ground is sinking sand."
Christ the Rock
Edward Mote expressed in the words of this hymn his reliance on Christ alone: Christ his rock; his hope; his steadfast anchor; his righteousness. In the chaos of the world, when everything is shaken and nothing lasts, when even the strongest and sweetest foundations fail, Mote's verses testify to the unchanging power and grace of Christ, "The Solid Rock" who is, as Mote's epitaph reads, "All the sinner can need, and all the saint desire."
Courtesy www.suite101.com

The story behinde the hymn THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING

There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING
There shall be showers of blessing: This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.
CHORUS
Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.
There shall be showers of blessing, Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain.
There shall be showers of blessing; Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing, Come, and now honor Thy Word.
There shall be showers of blessing: Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing, Now as on Jesus we call!
There shall be showers of blessing, If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing, If we let God have His way

Written in the 1800′s by Daniel Webster Whittle, this particular hymn is based upon the scripture found in Ezekiel 34:26-27 which reads “I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.” I was reminded of this song as we have had consistent rain in Cleveland, Tennessee over the past weekend.

Daniel Webster Whittle was named after the famous American politician – Daniel Webster. Whittle became a major in the Civil War, and was known as Major Whittle for the rest of his life. You will often times see this hymn written under one of his pseudonyms – El Nathan (kind of sounds like a tropical storm to me). The story of his conversion is a powerful one. Major Whittle lost his right arm in the Civil War and spent time as a prisoner of war. While recovering from wounds incurred during the war, he was in a hospital and came across a New Testament. Although he read it and was convicted by the words, he was unwilling to surrender his life to Christ. One night, an orderly woke him up and asked him to come and pray for a dying soldier. Whittle initially declined. The orderly told him that he thought he was a Christian because he saw him reading the Bible. Conviction set in and, Major Whittle agreed to go. Here’s his testimony about that incident in his own words:

“I dropped on my knees and held the boy’s hand in mine. In a few brok­en words I con­fessed my sins and asked Christ to for­give me. I be­lieved right there that He did for­give me. I then prayed ear­nest­ly for the boy. He be­came qui­et and pressed my hand as I prayed and plead­ed God’s prom­ises. When I arose from my knees, he was dead. A look of peace had come over his trou­bled face, and I can­not but be­lieve that God who used him to bring me to the Sav­ior, used me to lead him to trust Christ’s pre­cious blood and find par­don. I hope to meet him in hea­ven.”

To me Daniel Whittle received showers of blessing in his life. The blessing of God’s word in the form of a New Testament. The blessing of the Lord orchestrating a powerful encounter in a military hospital. The blessing of being brought to the point where he was faced with death and the challenge of where his soul will spend eternity. And most importantly, he was showered with the blessing of God’s grace and forgiveness. What a powerful testimony!
Couple of comments on the lyrics:
“Sound of abundance of rain” – This particular phrasing is based upon the story of Elijah the prophet found in I Kings 18. The land was in drought. Elijah had challenged and mocked the prophets of Baal regarding the promise of God. During the midst of a drought, Elijah poured four barrels of water on the altar that he had prepared. God answered Elijah’s prayer, consumed the sacrifice and the wood, and the water. Shortly thereafter, Elijah told King Ahab that he heard the sound of abundance of rain. Elijah was a man of faith. He hadn’t seen a cloud. He hadn’t felt rain drops. He prayed, and prayed, and prayed – 7 times until the rain came. And when God sent the rain, it wasn’t just a brief rain, but an abundance of rain. God promises blessing in our lives. God sends blessings to us – showers of blessings. Material blessings. Spiritual blessings. Relationship blessings. The Word of God and the preached word. An abundance of blessings – pressed down, shaken together and running over.

“Mercy drops round us are falling” – Hosea 10:12 says “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” The Bible promises that the Lord will rain righteousness down for those that sow righteousness. For those that seek the Lord. I believe God is constantly raining drops of mercy around us. We should be looking for those drops of mercy. To be thankful for the little things God does in our lives everyday. Those little brief showers of His grace and mercy that remind us of how good our God is, and they should take us to a place of praise and thankfulness.

COURTESY www.hymnoftheweek.net

Soweto Gospel choir (proudly Africa)

Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in November, 2002

• In December, 2002 their first album “Voices of Heaven” was recorded and went on to reach the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s World Music Chart within 3 weeks of its release in the US

• In 2003 the choir won its first award, a Helpmann Award, Australia’s prestigious Performing Arts Award, for “Best Contemporary Music Concert”

• This success was followed when they won a 2003 American Gospel Music Award for “Best Choir”

• In the same year, they won an American Gospel Music Award for “Best International Choir”

• They performed for President Bill Clinton at a corporate function in Little Rock, Arkansas

• In October 2006, the choir performed as invited guests for their Patron, Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s 75th Birthday Celebrations, in front of an illustrious audience which included former President Nelson Mandela, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, Tokyo Sexwale, Samuel L Jackson, Alfre Woodard and Carlos Santana

• They featured on a guest appearance with Diana Ross, Deborah Cox and Danny K for the “Unite of the Stars” Gala Banquet in South Africa in November 2006

• They were invited guests on NBC’s “Today Show” as well as on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”

• The choir have also made a guest appearance on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’

• In December 2006 they performed at Sun City, South Africa, for Oprah Winfrey and 200 of her V.I.P. guests, including Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Tina Turner, Patti Labelle, Sydney Poitier and Quincy Jones

• On 11 February 2007, Soweto Gospel Choir received its greatest accolade, a Grammy Award for their second CD “Blessed”, in the category “Best Traditional World Music”

• At the same time, they were nominated for the 26th International Reggae and World Music Awards, held at the Apollo Theatre, Harlem, on 5 May, in the category “Contribution to World Music”, alongside Jimmy Cliff, Salif Keita, Youssou N’Dour and Ziggy Marley

• In May 2007, the choir won a SAMA Award (South African Music Association Award) in the Category “Best Live Performance DVD”

• In June 2007 Soweto Gospel Choir was the support act for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers at their concerts in Germany

• To add to their string of national and international awards, in November 2007 Soweto Gospel Choir won a Metro FM Music Award for Best Gospel Album for “African Spirit”, based on nominations submitted by the radio station’s listeners, and the public
• In February 2008, the choir was awarded a second Grammy Award for their third album “African Spirit”, in the “Best Traditional World Music” category

• Also in February 2008, the choir was honoured with the PanSALB Award for Multilingualism and Nation Building, for “Album of the Decade”

• They performed with Celine Dion during her “Taking Chances” tour of South Africa

• The choir has had the honour of performing with gospel legends Bebe Winans and Kirk Franklin

• While in New Orleans,they recorded a track with rock legend Robert Plant, which was included on a Fats Domino tribute album, with proceeds going to the victims of Hurricane Katrina

• Their 46664 London performance of “Weeping”, with Josh Groban and Vusi Mahlasela, is featured on Josh’s latest album “Collection”

• The choir has toured the world extensively, performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, the Nelson Mandela Theatre and Royal Festival Hall in London

• . They have performed at high profile festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival, the Adelaide Festival, the Hong Kong Festival, and the London Festival, always to huge acclaim

• Soweto Gospel Choir received its third Grammy nomination in December 2008, this time in the category Best Contemporary World Music, for their album, “Live at the Nelson Mandela Theatre”

• The song “Down To Earth” from the blockbuster Wall-E movie, their collaboration with Peter Gabriel, won a Grammy in the Best Movie Song category

• In February 2009, the choir became the first South African artist to perform at the Academy Awards, when they sang “Down To Earth”, the Gabriel/Newman Oscar-nominated song, with John Legend

• In March 2009, they were nominated for three SAMAs (South African Music Awards), for their cd and dvd, “Live At the Nelson Mandela Theatre”, winning the Award for “Best Duo or Group”

• In May 2009, the choir was invited to perform at the Inauguration of South Africa’s new President

• In November, members of Soweto Gospel Choir were flown to Los Angeles to take part in a major Pepsi advertising campaign, alongside Akon and Keri Hilson

• The choir was one of three featured African artists for the FIFA World Cup Draw held in Cape Town in December 2009

• In April 2010, Soweto Gospel Choir was honoured with the inaugural International Achievement Award, at the South African Music Awards held at Sun City.

• Also in April, the choir was invited to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 World Trade Expo, held in Shanghai, as the African representative.

• The choir collaborated with U2, as the featured South African artist, on the songs “Streets Have No Name”, “Magnificent” and “Boots” for ESPN’s promotional campaign for the 2010 World Cup. Excitingly, the campaign paid dividends, as along with ESPN and U2, Soweto Gospel Choir received a Sports Emmy Award as winners of the Outstanding Music Composition/Direction/Lyrics category on 2 May 2011.

• They can then add an Emmy to their two Grammys, three ‘associated ‘Grammys, three SAMAS and one Oscar nomination – an amazing achievement

• The choir has also been featured in several prestigious magazines and books including in Time magazine and in Andrew Zuckerman’s “Music”, alongside such music heavyweights as Russell Simmons, Herbie Hancock, Ozzy Osborne, John Legend and Mark Knopfler

• They performed at the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert in Soweto, the night before the the opening of the World Cup in June, with a international and African line-up including the Black-Eyed Peas, Shakira, Angelique Kidjo and John Legend.

• In December 2010, Soweto Gospel Choir received its fourth Grammy nomination, in the Best Traditional World Music category, for its album “Grace”. The choir was featured alongside the London Philharmonic Orchestra in the song “Baba Yetu” and on the album “Calling All Dawns”, both of which won Grammys in February 2011

• From May – July 2011, members of the choir toured Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, to rave reviews, while others performed in Guadeloupe , French Caribbean

• In July 2011, eighteen choir members performed six concerts in Maastricht, Holland, with top selling classical violinist, Andre Rieu. They joined the Harlem Gospel Choir on stage as a first time collaboration between these world famous choirs.

• Soweto Gospel Choir joined Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his guests for his 80th birthday celebrations, held in Cape Town in October. They performed at the launch of his new book, and backed Bono on “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, as a surprise for the Arch. They also sang with other artists at both the cathedral service and the private luncheon for their patron. Bono described them as “brilliant”!

• In November, the choir was given the honour by Clarence House, of welcoming Prince Charles and Camilla, to Soweto, during their royal visit of South Africa

• Also in November, the choir performed two sell out concerts at Sun City, with Josh Groban, joining him on stage for audience favourites “Lullaby”, “Weeping” and “You Raise Me Up”

• In June 2012, Soweto Gospel Choir was invited by South African sensation Zahara, to perform with her and special guest Leroy Bell as part of two sold out concerts that were filmed for her forthcoming dvd.

• Other artists the choir performed with in South Africa during 2012, as their special guests, were Andre Rieu and Johnny Clegg

• In December, Soweto Gospel Choir was nominated for its second Kora (All Africa) Award

• In January 2012, Soweto Gospel Choir performed with other top local artists such as Zahara, Judith Sephuma, AKA, Vusi Mahlasela and Dorothy Masuka as part of the ANC Centenary Concert held in Blomefontein

• The choir is an Ambassador for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 campaign and has performed at the Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and New York concerts with artists such as Peter Gabriel, Bono, Queen, Jimmy Cliff, Johnny Clegg, Eddie Grant Amy Winehouse, Queen Latifah, Wyclef Jean, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder

• Soweto Gospel Choir has founded its own AIDS orphans foundation, Nkosi’s Haven Vukani, to assist organisations that receive little or no funding. To date, the choir has collected over R4million for their foundation. In South Africa, the choir performs for a variety of charitable organisations.

TheSoweto Gospel choir was founded by David Mulovhedzi.(1st Musical Director)


Article from www.sowetogospelchoir.com
 

Pastor Donnie McClurkin

Donnie McClurkin

Singer

Donald Andrew McClurkin, Jr. is an American gospel music singer and minister. He has won three Grammy awards, ten Stellar awards, two BET awards, two Soul Train awards, one Dove award and one NAACP Image award for his work. Wikipedia

Born: November 9, 1959 (age 53) Height: 1.85 m Albums: Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs, Live in London and More..., The McClurkin Project, The Essential Donnie McClurkin, ... Again, Donnie McClurkinMore Movies and TV shows: Sunday Best, The Gospel, Donnie McClurkin Story: From Darkness to Light, Show Yourself Mighty, WOW Gospel 2009, Donnie McClurkin: Again, Gotta Have Gospel Gold, Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem, Donnie McClurkin: Live in London and More, Hopeville, Donnie McClurkin: Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs, Verity Records: The First Decade, WOW Gospel #1s, WOW Gospel 2006, Gospel Greats Presents: Praise & Worship Live: Vol. 2, WOW Gospel 2004, WOW Gospel 2005, Gospel Greats Presents: Praise & Worship Live: Vol. 1More Awards: Grammy Award for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance, Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album, Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel AlbumMore     Career Gospel vocalist. Formed group with sisters, the McClurkin Singers, late 1970s; formed and directed New York Restoration Choir, late 1970s; recorded with group for Savoy/Malaco label; attended gospel-music seminar given by Rev. Marvin Winans, 1983; became associate minister at Winans's Perfecting Church, Detroit, MI, 1989; suffered from leukemia; led choirs in performances at White House twice; recorded debut album Donnie McClurkin, 1996; recorded The McClurkin Project with sisters, 1999; recorded Live in London & More, 2000. Life's Work One of gospel music's rising stars and most respected figures, Donnie McClurkin has devoted his musical life to gospel's original mission of providing help and hope to people in need. Forging a gospel style that is traditional in orientation but spiced with modern touches from such musical influences as Andrae Crouch and Take 6, McClurkin enjoyed strong sales with his 1996 debut album, Donnie McClurkin, and seemed poised for even wider success with the release of several new projects in the year 2000. Beyond his success in the musical arena, however, McClurkin has maintained an active career as a minister, remaining in direct contact with the audience to which he directs his music. McClurkin was born in 1961, and raised in Amityville, New York, on Long Island outside of New York City. Both of McClurkin's parents were substance abusers, and his childhood was a difficult one, plagued by violence and abuse. Often trying to act as a peacemaker between his warring parents, he found a haven in his family church, the Gospel Tabernacle Assemblies of God, and made a commitment to the Christian religion when he was only nine years old. "The only way my mother could punish me was saying I couldn't go to church," McClurkin later recalled in a Detroit Free Press interview. Mentored by Andrae Crouch McClurkin's real spiritual awakening, however, came two years later when he encountered one of the great gospel singers of the modern era, Andrae Crouch. McClurkin's aunt, a backup singer for Crouch, had arranged a performance by Crouch at McClurkin's church. Crouch took an interest in the troubled youngster, encouraging him not only musically (McClurkin soon became a pianist with the church's youth choir) but also personally, corresponding with him and suggesting Scripture readings that might bring him comfort. For McClurkin, the experience cemented a link in his mind between music and a more general effort to reach out to the afflicted. "Andrae fostered ministry, rather than fame," McClurkin explained to the online magazine crosswalk.com. "It was more ministry to him than anything else, not some glamorous career." McClurkin began to sing as a teenager, and with his four vocally talented sisters formed a group called the McClurkin Singers. As his vocal and compositional talents grew, however, McClurkin aimed not at the gospel spotlight, but at a different kind of ideal. Forming a gospel ensemble called the New York Restoration Choir, McClurkin led the group in performances where gospel music could have a direct impact. The group appeared in prisons and sang on the street. The group recorded for the roots-oriented Savoy/Malaco labels. After telling members of the choir of a divinely inspired premonition that he would one day work with Detroit's renowned minister and gospel-singer Rev. Marvin Winans, McClurkin attended a seminar given by Winans in 1983. Winans likewise sensed a connection. "I don't even know what your name is," he told McClurkin in recollections quoted in crosswalk.com. "I have nothing to offer you, but somehow we're going to work together." The prophecy took a while to come true. However, in 1989, McClurkin relocated to Detroit to join the staff of Winans's 2,000-member Perfecting Church as an associate minister. Diagnosed with Leukemia Nestled in the bosom of gospel music's foremost family, McClurkin seemed headed for a bright future as a performer. "I've been trained real well--having the Winans family at your disposal does that," McClurkin told the Detroit Free Press. Early in his career in Detroit, however, McClurkin was diagnosed with leukemia. The disease went into remission, thanks, McClurkin told crosswalk.com, to prayers from members of the Winans family. According to the Free Press, the disease left McClurkin's tenor voice permanently damaged. Doctors gave him a set of vocal exercises to perform in order to regain his strength. On his own web site's biography, McClurkin does not mention the illness. McClurkin's career blossomed as he performed and led choirs within the Winans fold. He appeared at the White House during the presidencies of both George Bush and Bill Clinton, toured internationally, contributed backing vocals to a number of Winans recording projects, and wrote new music. He also cultivated a friendship with Demetrus Alexander, an executive at the Warner Alliance label. In October of 1996, McClurkin released his self-titled debut album. McClurkin's debut album benefitted from production work by various top gospel performers, including Crouch, Mark Kibble of the a cappella group Take 6, and former CeCe Winans producer Cedric Caldwell. Effectively mixing traditional and contemporary styles, the album included several songs of McClurkin's own composition, a classical-styled version of the hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy," a Christianized Take 6 arrangement of the Pointer Sisters' rousing "Yes We Can Can," and Crouch's "We Expect You." McClurkin himself described his style as "eclectic" in conversation with Billboard magazine's Lisa Collins, and the unique musical assortment appealed to gospel fans. McClurkin's debut album remained in the Top Ten of Billboard's gospel sales chart for over two years. Worked with Kelly Price In 1999, McClurkin returned to the studio with his sisters to record The McClurkin Project for the Gospocentric label. The album showcased McClurkin's arranging skills with what the Detroit Free Press described as "tight, soaring harmony," and also featured McClurkin's own vocals on four tracks. In the spring of 2000, McClurkin's second solo release, Live in London & More, was slated for release on the Verity label, with guest appearances by Marvin Winans and Gladys Knight, and a songwriting contribution from R&B singer Kelly Price. Reportedly in negotiations with an Atlanta-based cable network for his own television show, McClurkin seemed to be a star on the rise. McClurkin did not let his rising success distract him from the spiritual underpinnings of his musical career. Focusing his Perfecting Church ministry on families that, like his own, had suffered through destructive conflicts and sexual abuse, McClurkin laid plans to assume the pastorship of a church of his own. In the spring of 2000, he was conducting monthly services back in his home town of New York City, and hoped to conduct weekly services by the fall of 2000. With Psalm 118:17 as a credo ("I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord"), McClurkin is a performer in touch with the spiritual roots of gospel music. Works Selected discography Donnie McClurkin, Warner Alliance, 1996. The McClurkin Project, Gospocentric, 1999 (with sisters). Live in London & More, Verity, 2000. Further Reading Periodicals Billboard, January 29, 2000, p. 55. Detroit Free Press, March 28, 1997, p. D1; January 9, 2000, p. E4. Ebony, August 1998, p. 74. Early life McClurkin was born Copiague, New York and raised in Amityville, both on Long Island. When he was eight years old, his two-year-old brother was hit and killed by a speeding driver. After the loss, McClurkin found comfort in church and through an aunt who sang background vocals with gospel music musician Andraé Crouch. He formed the McClurkin Singers by the time he was a teenager, and later formed another group, the New York Restoration Choir.[1][2] Ministry He was hired as an associate minister at Marvin Winans' Perfecting Church in Detroit, in 1989.[3] McClurkin served as an assistant to Winans for over a decade. In 1991, a sharp pain and swelling, followed by internal bleeding led, he says, to a diagnosis of leukemia. The doctor suggested immediate treatment, but McClurkin, who was then 31, decided to take his own advice. "I tell people to believe that God will save you," he says, "[and] I had to turn around and practice the very thing that I preached."[4] He was ordained and sent out by Winans in 2001 to establish Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York, where he is now Senior Pastor.[5][6] Music A friendship with a Warner Alliance executive resulted in his signing to the label for his 1996 self-titled LP, with producers Mark Kibble of Take 6, Cedric and Victor Caldwell plus Andraé Crouch. The disc, which featured the perennially popular "Stand," went gold shortly after being publicly lauded by Oprah Winfrey.[7] At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, he won in the category Traditional Soul Gospel Album, for "Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs".[8] McClurkin is best known for his hit songs “Stand” and “We Fall Down” which were played in heavy rotation on both Gospel and Urban radio. His three solo albums have topped the Billboard charts.[9] Dovetailing off the success of his near double-platinum selling album,"Live in London and More" McClurkin released "Psalms,Hymns and Spiritual Songs" in 2005 and “We All Are One: Live In Detroit” in 2009 which also topped Billboard charts across various musical genres. McClurkin's love for people and desire to share gospel music,globally, is why he includes a language medley:Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Dutch in most live performances. Radio and television Tom Versen and Tony Sisti of T&T Creative www.tandtcreative.com signed Grammy winner Donnie McClurkin to a radio syndication deal with advertising giant Dial-Global and syndicator Gary Bernstein. T&T Creative provided a mobile recording studio in Pastor Donnie's church that he can also take on the road. He is quoted as saying "As much as I love music and singing, I really love doing radio and the direct feedback I get from my listeners all over the country. I never thought I would be having this much fun doing radio and I could touch and impact so many people."[19] In 2009 he also broadcast his own television show titled “Perfecting Your Faith” on cable television.[10] His television appearances include Good Morning America, CBS Saturday’s Early Show, and the View. He has also been featured in movies like “The Gospel”, “The Fighting Temptations” and television shows “Girlfriends” and “The Parkers.” Discography Studio albums Year Album Chart peaks [11][12] RIAA Certifications U.S. U.S. R&B U.S. Gospel 1996 Donnie McClurkin Released: October 29, 1996 Label: Warner Alliance — — 4 Gold[13] 2003 Donnie McClurkin Again Released: March 4, 2003 Label: Verity Records 31 12 1 Gold[13] 2004 Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs Released: October 26, 2004 Label: Zomba Label Group 12 5 1 Platinum[13] Live albums Year Album Chart peaks [11][12] RIAA Certifications U.S. U.S. R&B U.S. Gospel 2000 Live in London and More... Released: August 22, 2000 Label: Verity Records 69 22 1 Platinum[13] 2008 We All Are One (Live in Detroit) Released: December 2, 2008 Label: Verity Records 26 7 1 Compilation albums Year Album Chart peaks [11][12] U.S. R&B U.S. Gospel 2001 The Collection Released: May 29, 2001 Label: Savoy — — 2007 The Essential Donnie Released: September 25, 2007 Label: Verity Records — 10 2009 Playlist: The Very Best of Donnie McClurkin Released: September 15, 2009 Label: Verity/Legacy Recordings 57 9 2010 Donnie McClurkin: Double Play Released: 2010 Label: Verity Records — — Singles: Stand (1996) Speak To My Heart (1996) Love Will Never Be (1996) We Fall Down (2000) Love Melodies (1998) We Love You, Lord (2000) Ooh Child (2005) with Kirk Franklin) The Prayer (2003)(with Yolanda Adams) I Call You Faithful (2005) That Great Day (2007) (with Tye Tribbett, Da' T.R.U.T.H.) Wait on the Lord (2009) Filmography Hopeville (2007) The Gospel (2005) The Prince of Egypt (1998) wrote and sang "I Am" & "Humanity" 25 Strong: The BET Silver Anniversary Special The Donnie McClurkin Story: From Darkness to Light (2004) Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem (2004) The Fighting Temptations (2003) Notable television appearances: Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (2012) CNN Saturday Morning (2012) CNN Pierce Morgan Tonight (2012) BET Sunday Best Judge (2012) Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (2011) BET Awards-performance (2011) Sunday Best/ BET Sunday Best -Judge (2011) BET Sunday Best - Judge (2010) 25th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards-Hosted (2010) 24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards-Co-Hosted (2009) An Evening of Stars: Tribute to Stevie Wonder (2006) 20th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards (2005) 19th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards (2004) 18th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Preshow (2003) 17th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards (2002) Essence Awards (2003) The Parkers (2002) Girlfriends (2001) 1st Annual BET Awards (2001) Essence Awards (2001) An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence (2001) Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/donnie-mcclurkin-1#ixzz2SeCxSnSI