Award-winning Urban Gospel Act and Ghana’s favorite KobbySalm makes a bold statement with his sophomore project, “This is US” (EP). The 6-track body of work boasts well-received singles like the hard-hitting thanksgiving ‘Aseda’ and recently-released Reggae/Trap fusion ‘Twale’ featuring Sam Oladotun x Overflow Inc.
Available now on all major streaming platforms, the hype surrounding “THIS IS US’ EP had already been building over the past weeks through the “THIS IS US’ freestyles which featured the likes of Trooth, KingMade, Tephlon, Terley, LordKess, GhCounty, and Iris Musik.
According to KobbySalm, the ‘THIS IS US’ movement is his way of introducing the true identity of gospel artists in the Urban Space and also propagating the gospel of unity amongst the Urban Gospel Space—a thing which had, in the past, remained close to a mystery to many.
The ‘This Is US’ EP, through the artful blend of sweet tunes and heavenly inspired lyrics, promises to be one that reshapes how the nation sees Urban Gospel music.
Fast-rising sensational Canadian-based Nigerian songwriter Tolu popularly referred to as Mama Tee, after linking up with Nigerian preacher and exquisite producer, Pastor Emmanuel Awipi, has released her much-anticipated debut album titled “Nothing Is Impossible,” which has been receiving massive positive critic review in the past few days.
The seven-track soul-inspiring album expresses the diversity and uniqueness of Mama Tee’s songwriting prowess and the in-depth production skill of Awipi as the sound on the album cuts across several genres and styles, including Rock, hip hop,/RnB, afro gospel and the contemporary.
The 31-minute body of work had Nigerian minister and worshipper Pastor Emmanuel Awipi, also called Grandpa as the primary collaborator on the album as he was featured on every track on the album. Apart from Awipi, there is also the presence of Rume, who appeared on four tracks of the album, alongside Jojovocals, Eben keys, Dayne Kora, Blossom and Öse.
The album is a project that birthed out several experiences with the Holy Spirit, as expressed mainly in the lyrics of every track. The album “Nothing Is Impossible” is a body of work that has come to give hope, transformation and change to the degrading world.
“Nothing is Impossible” is now available on digital platforms;
Stream “Nothing is Impossible” below;
ABOUT MAMA TEE
Tolu Adeosun, aka Mama Tee, is a Canadian-based songwriter. Tolu was born in Nigeria. She, however, immigrated to Canada in 1990. In addition to being a songwriter, she is the CEO of the entertainment label Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice Ent. Inc., a wife, mother, social worker/therapist.
Tolu began writing songs in 2007, shortly after she was born again. Since then, she has written many Christian and inspirational pieces. She has been called a gifted songwriter that delivers messages in a simple yet powerful way.
Mama Tee embarked on this project as directed by the Holy Spirit. she collaborated with Pastor Emmanuel Awipi and the team after being led to ask their mutual Judith for assistance with creating an album.
ABOUT EMMANUEL AWIPI
Emmanuel Awipi, aka ‘Grandpa,’ began his musical career in the early 90s as a drummer, keyboardist and guitarist; Emmanuel Awipi, aka ‘Grandpa,’ rose to become a household name in music education, production and songwriting.
With astute musical leadership spanning over 20 years, he has taken on roles such as the Music Director of Faith Arena; and trained several bands and choirs. With several live recordings to his credit, he has written and produced over 30 songs across the globe.
An outstanding voice coach and author of the bestseller ‘Beyond the Music,’ he currently serves as the International Music Director of CGMI. He has ministered with Israel Houghton, Micah Stampley, and Nathaniel Bassey, to mention a few.
When he is not mentoring musical artistry from grassroots to center stage, Grandpa serves as a leadership consultant on a mission to build, train and rebrand the next generation of leaders.
From the streets of Cape Town, South Africa, Stefan Green has seen the scars and broken layers of humanity. Through his experience, he brings a unique edge in releasing a sound that will become the doorway for many to find hope and healing. More than great songs, he wants those who know him to know why he creates, why he spends hours rewriting lyrics and rethinking melodies, why he sacrifices time, money and so much more, to craft songs that reflect unspoken realities. Stefan is excited to announce two brand new songs from the Christmas Project EP. The project is coming out this Friday, November 26th.
THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT
The Christmas Project – A reminder of hope and joy as we embark on this Christmas season. This year has offered more loss and tragedy than most have wanted to hold, yet here we are, vulnerable, faced with another Christmas and another year approaching. We are given the gift of life and celebration as we hold the tension of light and dark within our grasp. I pray that those who are grieving over this season are able to find restored hope in lifting their voices, finding their faith again and acknowledging their hope is here. If we can undertake this sacred time of year to cherish peace and be abundant in mercy I have no doubt that it will offer healing in a way that only unity and love can.
“REMEMBER BETHLEHEM”
A sweet reminder of the Prince of Peace as we lay down the pains and joys of 2021 and worship our Saviour. Darkness has crept in but hope will rise higher, peace has embodied our weary hearts and a song of praise is sung from our lips. May we find the strength to allow our spirits to grow tender again as we shift our focus onto Him. May we allow our hearts to feel the highs and the lows, not forgetting what was but embracing what is, the presence of absence and the fullness of the future, both overwhelming yet both a gift.
“HOPE IS HERE”
“Behold the Son of Light”… words sung with expectancy and a resounding desperation for peace. The harsh realities we have faced this year have left us anxious and unable to celebrate the victories. The hope we have ahead in walking into a new year of unknown possibilities is weaker than we would like, yet it is still alive if we would allow it room to grow. May our childlike spirit of innocence arise as we remember whatever it is that brings us a sense of renewed hope, hope is not lost, it is within our grasp and we WILL remember our past hope as we step forward into a new year of life.
Renowned worship leader and songwriter Kim Walker-Smith’sRevival Nights Pt. 2 (Live) is now available. Jesus Culture’s worship leader recorded this project live from three locations earlier this year in Little Rock, Clarksville, and San Diego. In anticipation of the release, videos from the recordings have premiered all week including today with the debut of “Hurry.”
“My prayer is that as you listen, your heart will feel the surrounding warmth of the presence of God,” shares Kim Walker-Smith about this live recording. “I pray that your ears would be open to hearing that still small voice speaking love and hope to you. I pray that every burden you’ve been lugging around would be gently lifted off with the very first notes you hear. And most of all, I pray that you encounter Jesus and you are radically and forever changed by it. I believe with all my heart that I am here to serve the body of Christ, in this moment of time and I pray that this collection of captured moments, serves your heart and steers it closer to the heart of Jesus.”
“Behold the morning light, The Son has arrived” are lyrics on the title track of HULVEY’s new album, COMA. The intro song tells the story of a man who has drifted out into the ocean, and falls into a deep sleep, a coma. He is literally in the midst of peril, darkness, and is jarred awake finding himself on the shore. Confused, he realizes he’s awake, but he doesn’t know how he got there. “That’s the story for most believers,” shares Hulvey. “Sometimes we fall asleep on our faith, drift away so far from God that when we eventually realize, we don’t know where we are or how we got there.”
Throughout COMA are similar analogies that Hulvey explains were written for, “any believer or person who feels like they’re asleep or who feels dead inside or feels far away from God or numb.” He describes COMA as “re-awakening, a moment of full self-awareness when you come to realize God is the one who can wake you up.” For Hulvey, so much of his reawakening happened in the middle of pandemic, “When everything shut down and quarantine started, I reawakened. I grew so much with God because I had quiet time. It was me, HIM, the isolation and different moments where I could focus on my relationship with Him because there was nothing else to do.”
I spent a lot of time unrooting a lot of things and the isolation drew me closer to HIM. God clearly laid out my mission and reminded me what this was all about. Hulvey shares that his mission is to create music that “helps people to truly come to know God! For people who do know God, he hopes COMA will awaken, encourage, and inspire. Christ has paved the way for us to be alive. We don’t have to struggle on our own. It’s through Christ that we’re made alive. I just want people to have that opportunity to come alive. COMA is about that reawakening and me reflecting on my walk with God. It’s also an invitation for others to do the same.”
IVAV’s Ty Brasel knows a thing about destiny. Raised on the outskirts of Memphis, he struggled with criminal behavior before rediscovering God and renewing his purpose. Now a faith-driven hip-hop star, he reflects upon his life story — and encourages others to move past their own obstacles — with his newest mixtape, Destiny: Vol. 1. Listen HERE.
Released today by IVAV (a hip-hop division of Curb Records), Destiny: Vol. 1 is full of rapid-fire rhymes, melodic hooks, hard-hitting beats, and celestial keyboards. The result is a genre-crossing hip-hop record for doubters and believers alike, delivered by an artist who has proudly traded the darkness of his past for the bright promise of a better future. Produced by Dirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny, and JuiceBangers, Destiny: Vol. 1 also features cameos from a long list of hip-hop collaborators, including Jay-Way, J. Monty, Plan G, 1k Phew, Jenna Wright, and Parris Chariz.
Destiny: Vol. 1 arrives on the heels of 2020’s The Divine Storm and 2018’s Destined For Greatness, two solo albums whose hip-hop highlights — including viral hits like “Praying Hands,” “Night Dreaming,” and “Highlight” — helped Brasel earn more than 52 million streams worldwide. He builds upon that success with Destiny: Vol. 1, mixing his longtime fondness for southern rap and contemporary pop with atmospheric interludes, autobiographical lyrics, and the otherworldly uplift of gospel music. Brasel has always created his own sound, but he’s never sounded so driven — so destined, even — as he does here.
“Doubt, trauma, and fear can threaten to get in the way of people accomplishing their goals,” says Brasel, who raps about his past struggles to help inspire others to seek salvation. “Sometimes, they can hinder you from even trying. I’m trying to show people, using my own life and my own music as an example, that you can always keep going.”
Destiny: Vol. 1, Brasel’s mixtape release for IVAV, is available HERE now.
Life.Church Worship announces the release of their first full-length Christmas album, Gloria. The ten-song project is available now and offers holiday songs ranging from upbeat praise to deeply worshipful while incorporating a special combination of familiar Christmas songs with worship music.
Over the past few years Life.Church Worship has been writing Christmas songs for the church celebrating the birth of Jesus while also tying in their contemporary worship culture, and they knew this was the year to release a full-length album to share the songs and resources while also serving the global Church. Offering an authentic expression of God moving in the lives of the people in the church, whether celebrating victory or acknowledging the brokenness in our lives, each song offers a message of hope. Gloria was recorded live earlier this year at their Edmond Campus.
“This album is entitled Gloria because, with every song, we give glory and honor to God,” the group shares collectively. “In the book of Luke, which tells the Christmas story, we see angels singing ‘Gloria’ as they worship God and announce the birth of Jesus. In the same way, we hope this album helps people praise God for who He is, thank Him for the gift of His son Jesus, and worship Him with their whole hearts throughout the Christmas season.”
They add, “As a collective of worship pastors from Life.Church, we understand the challenges that churches face in bringing fresh, engaging worship sets for Christmas. We worked to incorporate the classic Christmas songs we all know and love while staying true to our contemporary worship style. While we think the global Church will enjoy singing these Christmas arrangements, one of our biggest goals with this album was to support other churches as we all plan for the Christmas season.”
Their uniquely-penned version of “Joy (To The World)” is led by Worship Pastor Dominique McHenry and features Ryan Ellis, singing of the spirit of warmth, togetherness, and joy in the Christmas season. The third track, “Emmanuel,” is an upbeat arrangement of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” turned into a praise tune in response to the Good News that He has come and features Chandler Moore from Maverick City Music. Worship Leader Stacey Tyler leads “Midwinter,” a song that Life.Church Worship hopes people remember that even in seasons of winter, even in our waiting, we can trust that God is good and He brings life to all things. Be sure to view the performance video of “Joy (To The World)” below and click HERE to find out more.
Running Club Records’ multi-cultural worship collective Village Lights is comprised of Sarah Kroger, Ike Ndolo, and Ricky Vazquez.
The band released their debut self-titled EP earlier this year, which introduced their heartbeat; unity, inclusivity, and reconciliation wrapped in worshipful devotion, seeing themselves as more than a band but as a movement for those who seek justice in our world and Church.
Now with the release of Kingdom, Village Lights continues in that trajectory offering poignant lyrics, a deep blending of the band’s multi-ethnicity, and a fresh poetic approach to liturgical worship. The album was produced by Matt Maher, a longtime mentor to the band.
Nigerian gospel artiste and songwriter, Stella Oluwatoyin Filani best known as Stella, makes her album debut with the release of “Our God Reigns,” available now on digital platforms.
Having debuted the music scene this year (May) with the title track, the Nigerian-born music minister takes no time in blessing her new audience with a full-length project.
“Our God Reigns” is a 16-track body of work featuring songs of praise-worship that reverences God and exalts his sovereignty. The new album boasts production credits from acclaimed Nigerian saxophonist, Jerry Omole, Dimmeji, Isaac Essien at CsRecords and Caasi Media Network, Freddie, and Allwell Obi. It also features guest appearances from Seyi Filani, Seun Filani, Sharon B, and Pastor Anthony Oshiniwe.
In Stella’s words, “I dedicate this album to the Most High God, the One who deserves all the glory and Honour”
Stella is a gospel recording artiste, songwriter, worship leader, and marriage counselor who hails from Kabba in Kogi State Nigeria. She is very passionate about her profession as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, giving hope and encouragement to couples as they navigate difficult issues and challenges of life.
Stella made a graceful entry into the gospel music scene with her debut single titled “Our God Reigns” ft Pastor Anthony Oshiniwe in May 2021. She followed the release with several singles leading up to her debut album. According to the singer, her music journey remains an adventure and she believes she has a heavenly mandate to spread the gospel to nations of the world through music.
Crossway Worship’s Kintsugi elevates God’s handiwork as He lovingly collects our broken pieces and makes us new.
Inspired by the traditional Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery using lacquer and gold, Crossway Worship’s third EP delivers five new tracks that illuminate how each stage in the process of Kintsugi resembles God’s restoration and renewal in our lives.
The first track, “Future Hope”, represents the ‘break’ stage and tells how the artisan, God, sees our brokenness and chooses to focus on our potential, our ‘future hope’. “Mosaic” highlights the ‘assemble’ stage and acknowledges how the Lord lovingly and carefully puts us back together.
“I Will Stretch My Hands”, “Renew” and “Brand New Thing” are built around the remaining three steps in this unique art form, ‘wait’, ‘repair’ and ‘reveal’. These songs explore the themes of worshipping God while we wait for breakthrough, trusting God’s Spirit to shape and refine us and rejoicing in His finished work!
Poetic, spoken-word pieces and unique digital artwork have been developed alongside each new track to enrich the listening experience and encourage meditation on what’s possible when we invite God into our brokenness. Listeners are invited to explore this creative work at www.crossway.org.au/worship/kintsugi.
“When people listen to Kintsugi, we pray they’ll be filled with a new sense of faith and wonder for God’s good work in our lives”, said Music Director, Tim Thong.
“God is the master artist and all things are possible with Him. He knows how to lovingly and gently restore our broken pieces and make us new. We just need to trust in His process and lean into His plans”.
To celebrate the launch of Kintsugi, Crossway Worship would love to hear a story of God’s restoration in your life. Post your story and tag @crosswayworshipau #kintsugi or message the group directly via Instagram or Facebook.
Crossway Worship is a ministry of Crossway Baptist Church in Melbourne, Victoria that exists to bring people into closer relationship with Jesus through music. The group released its debut studio album, Closer Further, in 2020. Previous EPs include My All In All and All I Desire.
