Los Angeles, CA – Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story starring Grammy winner Ledisi, and an all-star cast including Columbus Short, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Janet Hubert, Vanessa A. Williams, Corbin Bleu and Keith David, has been chosen as the opening night film for the 2022 Pan African Film & Arts Festival. The film, executive produced by Ericka Nicole Malone and Vince Allen, and directed by Denise Dowse will make its debut at PAFF, on April 19, at 7 pm at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) located at 7920 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles.
Mahalia was not only regarded as an iconic gospel singer who broke racial and gender barriers, she was also recognized as a Civil rights activist who understood the power of her position within the movement. Remember Me highlights Mahalia’s unbreakable relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Columbus Short), and her integral role in the Civil rights movement by bringing Mahalia’s fight for freedom and her own personal search for love into the spotlight.
“I am from the South where Mahalia was considered a national treasure, so when I began writing Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story in 2017, I wanted to carefully consider every word to honor this amazing woman. In creating these words for this film, I never imagined it would star the phenomenal musical icon Ledisi and renowned actor Columbus Short,” said executive producer, Ericka Nicole Malone. “To now have the honor of opening PAFF on its 30th anniversary, I am beyond blessed and excited. Premiering my film at a festival that was built on presenting the power of Black cinema is more than an honor, it is a blessing, and I don’t take it lightly.”
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Conductor Michele Fowlin, Artistic Director (Washington Performing Arts), will be in performance.
The Choral Arts Society of Washington and the combined gospel choirs of Washington Performing Arts will co-present treasured annual event Living the Dream…Singing the Dream tribute concert on Sunday, April 10, 2022,at 7 pm, rescheduled from January 30, 2022. The performance pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. while celebrating the power of music, collaboration, and human spirit. The program transcends race, age, and gender to unite all who honor Dr. King’s ideals. During the performance, Choral Arts will also present its 2022 Humanitarian Award to visionary and cultural activist, LaTosha Brown.
“As one of our most beloved annual events, we are thrilled to bring Living the Dream…Singing the Dream, the joyful celebration to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., back to the stage with our partner Washington Performing Arts,” says Choral Arts Executive Director Tad Czyzweski. “Our founder Norman Scribner conceived the idea for this concert in 1969 after the riots and assassination of Dr. King. It’s an honor and privilege to shine a light on the impact of Dr. King and celebrate individuals who are keeping his dream alive.”
Favorites such as “You’re the Lifter,” “My Soul’s Been Anchored,” “Why Do We Sing,” and the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by Nolan Williams’ We are the ones to heal our land will be sung by the Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus and Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs. NBC4 news anchor, Shawn Yancy, will host the program. This year’s honoree, LaTosha Brown (pictured right), has shown incredible leadership through her dedication to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brown is a nationally recognized “go-to” expert in Black voting rights and voter suppression, Black women’s empowerment, and philanthropy. She is the co-founder of Black Voters Matter Fund and Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute and has worked in 23 different countries including Kenya, Guyana, and Brazil. Her next mission involves resourcing and empowering women across the diaspora.
“Dr. King’s legacy has long inspired this collaboration and indeed the mission and vision of the Washington Performing Arts’ Gospel Music Choirs,” says President and CEO of Washington Performing Arts Jenny Bilfield. “The collaboration between artistic and music directors, performers, and organizations speaks to the commitment to a shared community and collective effort. We look forward to sharing a great evening of music, tribute, remembrance, and celebration alongside each other.”
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
SPONSORED – Righteous Records presents the album release party for gospel artist, Pastor Nell Smith Ward. The event, hosted by Bishop Timothy Ward, is set for Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 3 PM, and will feature live songs along with guest artist Elder Jarell Smalls.
The venue is located at 1200 S. State Street in Raleigh, NC. Tickets for the event are $40 and can be purchased via Cash App (at $PastorNell) or Paypal (at pastornellministries.com).
Pastor Nell’s current single is “Holy Ghost,” a remake of the classic from Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
(Washington, DC) – April 4, 2022 – Many artists enter the music industry to learn how to create and promote their music. Music industry professional Andrea René Williams started out with a goal to learn as much as she could for her own music ministry, but she soon found out that she enjoyed helping other artists pursue their musical dreams more. Now, she realizes that God has given her a song, and it must be heard. Known as a former GRAMMY Awards manager and a publicist, who has represented artists such as Gladys Knight, Pastor Charles Jenkins, and the late Andraé Crouch, Andrea is ready to step to center stage. The industry is now finding out that the Berklee College of Music summa cum laude graduate and award-nominated publicist and marketer is a musician herself. A singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, and producer, she launched her recording career in 2019 with the instrumental single, “Won’t Work.” Williams returns with a vocal, inspirational jam called “Who Do I Run To,” and industry insiders have been raving about the track. The bouncy single is currently available on digital music outlets such as Apple Music, Amazon, and Spotify.
“Who Do I Run To,” a musical reminder that no matter what happens in life God is the one we should go to, was produced and engineered by Andrea. Mark Reiter of the GRAMMY Award-winning Bias Studios in Springfield, VA, mixed and mastered the track. “This song is a real change for me musically,” says Williams. “It has a throwback vibe and a fun, danceable groove but I don’t want people to miss the important message of the song. When trouble comes, it’s so easy for us to pick up the phone and call a spouse, significant other, or friend. I want to believers to remember that even though loved ones may be able to give us advice, God is the one with all the answers we seek. He needs to be the first one we run to when challenges come.”
Starting her music industry career in 1998 at the Washington, DC Chapter of the Recording Academy, known for distributing the coveted GRAMMY Award, Andrea, along with the executive director, started the D.C. Branch and – from the ground up – made it the fastest-growing GRAMMY chapter in the history of the GRAMMY Awards. During her time with the popular industry association, she organized events with such mainstream artists as U2, Natalie Cole, John Mayer, Anthony Hamilton, Erykah Badu, India.Arie, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Usher, Billy Taylor, Chris Brown, Raheem Devaughn, Chuck Brown, Nile Rodgers, Gloria Estefan, George Clinton, Bruce Hornsby, Jimmy Jam, and dozens of others.
Organizing dozens of events for the chapter, including hosting eight GRAMMY Awards telecast parties and coordinating GRAMMYs on the Hill events, she assisted with GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music events for several years and held her own GRAMMY gospel music event in DC resulting in a record-setting number of people joining the Academy. Also, during her tenure at the GRAMMY Awards, she brought legends of gospel music into the Academy’s membership ranks. Artists like Kim Burrell, Tonex, Tramaine Hawkins, and Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers became members at Williams’ prompting. In addition, through her efforts, Donald Lawrence and Richard Smallwood not only became members of the Recording Academy but ultimately served on the national board, giving gospel music a louder voice with one of music’s most influential organizations.
Since her GRAMMY days, she has penned hundreds of articles for gospel music blogs and Christian publications. Long before becoming an interviewer of artists such as Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Tramaine Hawkins, and CeCe Winans, she honed her vocal skills in choirs for decades with renowned directors and gospel greats such as Richard Smallwood, Byron Cage, Earnest Pugh, and Ricky Dillard. She’s sung at many churches and in arenas, even rendering the National Anthem (and Black National Anthem) for the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA Washington Mystics, the Georgetown Hoyas, and most recently, for the National Cherry Blossom Festival held on the grounds of the Washington Monument in her hometown of Washington, DC.
A multi-faceted serial entrepreneur, she’s been her own boss since 2006 with the full-time launch of Tehillah Enterprises, a two-time Rhythm of Gospel Award-nominated public relations firm, known for representing the finest in the music industry. She is now the owner of Andrea René Williams Music Ministries, Soar Music Publicity, The Fiery Pen, and Soul Oasis Music Productions. In her almost 25 years as a music professional, she’s represented countless artists helping them to propel their music to countless audiences. Moving from the background to the limelight, she’s now taking her music to those same audiences, hoping to inspire and encourage them as well.
In addition to her single, “Who Do I Run To,” Andrea dropped an instrumental EP in August 2020, Soul Oasis. The four-song EP contains original material, all with the goal of relaxing the mind and soothing the spirit. All of Andrea’s music is released through her record label, Angels Wings Records. A 2020 second-place winner of the Make Music Montgomery Contest (held in Montgomery County, MD) and a 2020 & 2021 WAMMIE Award nominee for Best Gospel/Inspirational Artist, Andrea will be releasing her first vocal album, I Believe, in late fall 2022.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
CeCe Winans collected three more GRAMMYs for her trophy case this afternoon at the 64th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony. The Recording Academy announced winners for over 70 categories, including the Gospel/CCM categories, during the pre-show.
Winans picked up wins in each category for which she was nominated – Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Never Lost,” Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Believe For It” (songwriters Dwan Hill, Kyle Lee, CeCe Winans & Mitch Wong), and Best Gospel Album for Believe For It.
Other winners are Carrie Underwood, who was awarded the GRAMMY for Best Roots Gospel Album (My Savior), and Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music, who won for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album with Old Church Basement. Maverick City will also perform tonight during the televised live ceremony.
The 64th GRAMMYs airs tonight, April 3, on CBS and Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
BMI Gospel Songwriter of the Year honorees Kierra and J Drew Sheard II at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville on March 31, 2022. | Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI.
“Speak To Me” Named BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year
Aaron Lindsey, J Drew Sheard II, Kierra Sheard and Jeshua “TedyP” Williams tied for Songwriter of the Year
Be Essential Songs Honored as Publisher of the Year
(March 31, 2022 – NASHVILLE, TN) – Today BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) celebrated the best and brightest in gospel music at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville. BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and the top 20 songs of the previous year were all honored at the private event hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and BMI’s Vice President, Creative-Atlanta Catherine Brewton.
The inspirational celebration was filled with gospel luminaries and music industry insiders who were thrilled to honor the songwriters whose music brings the sounds of faith and joy to the world. The event kicked off with Mali Music performing the GRAMMY Award-winning song “Movin On,” co-written with Jonathan McReynolds and Terrell Demetrius Wilson. Natalie Grant followed with a performance of Donald Lawrence’s hit song, “God,” which she is featured on, and brought the crowd to its feet. Before the awards were presented to the afternoon’s honorees, gospel legend CeCe Winans gave a powerful rendition of “Believe for It.”
BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year was a four-way tie between Aaron Lindsey, J Drew Sheard II, Kierra Sheard, and Jeshua “TedyP” Williams. GRAMMY, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning songwriter, Aaron Lindsey was honored for two chart-topping songs, “It Belongs to Me,” co-written and performed by Juan and Lisa Winans (feat. Marvin Winans), and “Thank You for It All,” co-written by Jarmone E. Davis and Marvin Sapp. J Drew and Kierra Sheard were honored for co-writing “His Love” and “It Keeps Happening,” which marked Kierra’s “first #1 single at gospel radio as a solo artist and her third #1 overall on the Gospel Airplay chart,” as quoted from The Christian Beat. This also marks the first time that siblings have received this honor at a Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards ceremony. GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter/producer Jeshua “TedyP” Williams was honored for his work on “Hold Me Close” and for co-writing “Trouble Won’t Last” with Keyondra Lockett, who won her first BMI award for the hit single.
BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year was “Speak to Me,” co-written by Troy Taylor and featuring samples from Donnie McClurkin’s 1996 single “Speak to My Heart.” The hit single, performed by Koryn Hawthorne, spent 41 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Chart and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2021 Dove Awards. This was McClurkin’s fifth BMI Gospel Award, and Taylor added his first BMI Gospel Award to his collection of honors, which includes three BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.
BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Be Essential Songs for having hits such as “In Spite of Me,” “Movin’ On,” and “Never Lost” among its repertoire.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 31: Dr. Bobby Jones speaks onstage during the BMI’s 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
Throughout the ceremony, the music continued with featured performances by gospel greats and BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Icons Marvin Sapp and Kirk Franklin, as well as rising gospel star DOE. After being honored with his sixth BMI Gospel Award for “Thank You for It All,” Sapp gave a moving performance of the chart-topping single. The music continued with DOE’s uplifting performance of “Brighter,” from her 2020 self-titled debut EP. To close out the performances, Greg Cox joined Franklin on stage for a moving rendition of “Strong God,” which hit #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. This marks Franklin’s 19th BMI Gospel Award. Following the performance, Franklin paid tribute to Dr. Bobby Jones, who was recognized with a standing ovation for his many years supporting the gospel music community with his show, Bobby Jones Gospel on BET, which was that network’s longest-running original series.
The Top 20 Gospel Songs of the previous year were awarded prior to the ceremony, welcoming 27 first-time winners. Some of the emerging songwriters who collected their first BMI award included Byron Cage, Emerald Campbell, Quennel Gaskin, and Juan Winans to name a few.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Award-winning gospel and worship singer-songwriter Maranda Curtis lends her voice to promote the prevention of liver cancer in the African American community. The acclaimed music artist has partnered with Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association to create a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign and live cast with medical doctors and experts on Saturday, February 19 at 1:00 pm ET in partnership with the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) for faith-based communities titled “Love Your Liver.” The campaign and live cast aims to educate about the importance of liver cancer screenings, which can help at-risk populations catch and treat cancer in its early stages.
Within the African American community, liver cancer is far more lethal than it is for the U.S. population. In fact, in 2019, chronic liver disease was the eighth leading cause of death for non-Hispanic black people ages 45-64. Often, liver cancer develops due to Hepatitis C, which is twice as prevalent in the Black community compared to the general population. Hepatitis C is the leading risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer in U.S. adults. However, in recent years, researchers have discovered that earlier interventions can make all the difference in saving lives.
“I’m proud to lend my voice to the ‘Love Your Liver’ campaign to encourage African Americans to remain diligent when it comes to liver cancer screenings,” said Curtis. “I am thankful to the Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association for the opportunity to promote a cause that is critical to the wellbeing of the African American community.”
Since launching 20 years ago, Blue Faery’s mission has been to prevent, treat and cure primary liver cancer, specifically HCC, through research, education, and advocacy. Andrea Wilson Woods, founder and president of the nonprofit established the organization in memory of her sister, Adrienne, who died from stage IV liver cancer at age 15. One of the organization’s core goals is to help educate people about liver cancer risk factors and encourage early detection.
“Over the past several years, scientific research has shown how important early detection is for those suffering from liver disease or cancer. With liver cancer targeting the African American community more aggressively, it’s even more critical that this community receive regular screenings,” said Woods. “We are so grateful to Maranda for her partnership on the ‘Love Your Liver’ campaign and are confident that her help with this effort will save lives.”
Maranda released her first single in 2012 and has continued to grow her fan base over the past decade with her faith-based hits. Her powerful new album DIE TO LIVE will be released on February 18, 2022.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
The Recording Academy announced nominees for the 2022 GRAMMY Awards today, Tuesday, November 23. Nominees for the Gospel/CCM categories of the 64th GRAMMY Awards are below.
Best Gospel Performance/Song
VOICE OF GOD Dante Bowe Featuring Steffany Gretzinger & Chandler Moore; Dante Bowe, Tywan Mack, Jeff Schneeweis & Mitch Wong, songwriters
JOYFUL Dante Bowe; Dante Bowe & Ben Schofield, songwriters
HELP Anthony Brown & Group Therapy; Anthony Brown & Darryl Woodson, songwriters
NEVER LOST CeCe Winans
WAIT ON YOU Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music; Dante Bowe, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Tiffany Hudson, Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore, songwriters
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
WE WIN Kirk Franklin & Lil Baby; Kirk Franklin, Dominique Jones, Cynthia Nunn & Justin Smith, songwriters
HOLD US TOGETHER (HOPE MIX) H.E.R. & Tauren Wells; Josiah Bassey, Dernst Emile & H.E.R., songwriters
MAN OF YOUR WORD Chandler Moore & KJ Scriven; Jonathan Jay, Nathan Jess & Chandler Moore, songwriters
BELIEVE FOR IT CeCe Winans; Dwan Hill, Kyle Lee, CeCe Winans & Mitch Wong, songwriters
JIREH Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music Featuring Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine; Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, songwriters
Best Gospel Album
CHANGING YOUR STORY Jekalyn Carr
ROYALTY: LIVE AT THE RYMAN Tasha Cobbs Leonard
JUBILEE: JUNETEENTH EDITION Maverick City Music
JONNY X MALI: LIVE IN LA Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music
BELIEVE FOR IT CeCe Winans
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
NO STRANGER Natalie Grant
FEELS LIKE HOME VOL. 2 Israel & New Breed
THE BLESSING (LIVE) Kari Jobe
CITIZEN OF HEAVEN (LIVE) Tauren Wells
OLD CHURCH BASEMENT Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music
Best Roots Gospel Album
ALONE WITH MY FAITH Harry Connick, Jr.
THAT’S GOSPEL, BROTHER Gaither Vocal Band
KEEPING ON Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
SONGS FOR THE TIMES The Isaacs
MY SAVIOR Carrie Underwood
Gospel is also represented this year in the Best Album Notes category with The King Of Gospel Music: The Life And Music Of Reverend James Cleveland. Robert Marovich, gospel historian, founder of the Journal of Gospel Music (formerly The Black Gospel Blog), is the album notes writer for the four-disc music collection.
See the complete nominees list in all 86 categories here. The GRAMMYs airs Monday, January 31, on CBS, and streams live and on-demand on Paramount+ from 8 p.m. ET.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Higher Dimension Praise Chorale opened the 2021 Dunamis Gospel Awards.
Over the weekend, Dunamis Gospel Awards were handed out in 25 categories at Central Triad Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Throughout the evening, with emphasis on its motto, “power in action,” Bishop Terry L. Young, president and founder of the Dunamis Gospel Awards, and Yves McKenzie and Billie M. Johnson, the show’s hosts, punctuated the significance of community and camaraderie among artists, churches, and leaders.
Husband-wife duo David and Tiffany Spencer (pictured right) were multiple winners at Saturday’s eighth annual ceremony, earning a pair of awards for Dunamis Artist of the Year and Dunamis CD/Song of the Year. Other highlights of the night were the live performances that charged the atmosphere, including Jalessa Cade’s rendition of Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s “My Help,” which segued into the chorus of Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise.” Later, Jonathan Parker-Ashley presented her with the award for Worship Leader of the Year. Before the night was over, Parker-Ashley had himself collected an award for Group/Duo of the Year. Members of his group JPA & Ascension joined him onstage to accept the glass trophy.
Choirs and ensembles were well represented with dynamic performances from Higher Dimension Praise Chorale, Will Harris & Friends, Jeremiah Salter & United Worship, Pastor H.E. Dixon & Truth Tabernacle Choir, Macedonia Mass Choir, Dionn Owen & Renaissance, and Sir Jerry Saddler & SOP. Brea Miles and Antwaun Millunz were among the Holy Hip-Hip artists who rocked the mic. Earlier in the evening, Miles picked up the award for Holy Hip-Hop Artist of the Year. Testimony Mime, quartet group Gift3d, and vocalist Ora Roberts also offered stirring performances at the ceremony. Gift3d went on to win the award for Quartet of the Year.
In addition, Bishop Young and his wife Lady Geneva took to the stage to make several special presentations honoring area ministry leaders for their service: Apostle Sylvester D. Johnson (Bishop Jerome Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award), Pastor Leroy Kelly (Mother Doris Cohen Harbor Pioneer Award), Dionn Owen & Renaissance (Apostle John Henry Heath Music of Excellence Award), and Bishop Greg Hargrave (Humanitarian Award). In light of COVID-19 putting the Dunamis Gospel Awards on hiatus last year, 2020’s recipient of the Living Legend Award, Bishop Franklin O. Hanes, was recognized at this year’s show.
Congratulations to all the 2021 Dunamis Gospel Award recipients. Below is the full list of winners and honorees.
Pastor of the Year – Male Overseer Aaron McNair, Jr.
Pastor of the Year – Female Apostle Flora Morris
First Lady of the Year Lady Shawna Milton
Choir Director of the Year Sir Jerry Saddler
Church Choir of the Year Voices of Deliverance
Worship Leader of the Year Jalessa Cade
Church Praise and Worship Team of the Year Greater Hope Cathedral
Musician of the Year – Male Kwynn Gilbert
Musician of the Year – Female Joyce Harbor
Vocalist of the Year – Male Carlton Doggett
Vocalist of the Year – Female Angeline Crank
Dunamis Artist of the Year David and Tiffany Spencer
Quartet of the Year Gift3d
Holy Hip-Hop Artist of the Year Brea Miles
Group/Duo of the Year JPA & Ascension
Dance/Mime Ministry of the Year Alexis Lambert
Community Choir of the Year East Coast Mass Choir
College Gospel Choir of the Year Winston-Salem State
Media Publication of the Year Divine Connections Magazine
Comedian of the Year T-Roy
Songwriter of the Year Alicia Moore
Producer of the Year Charles Wright
Gospel Announcer of the Year Brandon Smith
Dunamis CD/Song of the Year David and Tiffany Spencer
2021 Bishop Jerome O. Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award Apostle Sylvester D. Johnson
2021 Living Legend Award Apostle Faye D. Thomas
2021 Humanitarian Award Bishop Greg Hargrave
2021 Mother Doris Cohen Harbor Pioneer Award Pastor Leroy Kelly
2021 Apostle John Henry Heath Music of Excellence Award Dionn Owen & Renaissance
2020 Living Legend Award Bishop Franklin O. Hanes
Church of the Year His Kingdom Ministries
Photo highlights from the 2021 Dunamis Gospel Awards
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
The 2021 Dunamis Gospel Awards, said to be one of the fastest-growing awards events in the Southeast, is set for this weekend in Winston-Salem, NC.
“These prestigious awards of honor will highlight some of the area’s most prominent pastors, first ladies, church and independent gospel artists, radio stations, radio announcers, and choir directors for their accomplishments and spiritual commitment through their ministry gifts to the Kingdom,” says Dunamis Gospel Awards founder, Bishop Terry L. Young.
The eighth annual ceremony takes place November 13, at Central Triad Church on 2935 Cole Road. Red carpet interviews begin at 5 PM and the awards show starts at 6 PM.
Among several artists delivering special music performances are Will Harris and Friends, Sir Jerry Sadler and SOP, Jonathan Parker-Ashley and Higher Dimension, and Macedonia Mass Choir. First Lady Billie Mason Johnson and Yves McKenzie have been tapped as the evening’s co-hosts.
In recent weeks, the public had the opportunity to cast their votes to help determine winners in each of the awards categories. Winners will be revealed at Saturday’s event. Gospel Music Fever is honored to be nominated for Media Publication of the Year.
Tickets for the Dunamis Gospel Awards can be purchased at ticketbud.com.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
