It was a couple of days after the war began in Ukraine that Tommy Iceland, an Iceland-born, Sweden-raised, and now Nashville, TN-based songwriter was prompted by God to record “Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies).” Listen to the song HERE. Originally by Chris Tomlin, Iceland knew a new version of the song needed to be made and feature a Ukrainian worship leader.

“It was very early on that I felt we needed to do Tomlin’s ‘Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies),’” Iceland explains. “I was listening to that song and the lyrics just struck me differently, especially with this war in mind. ”

He also knew it was important that the song would come directly out of Ukraine and from the people facing the terror of war. “At that point, I didn’t know any worship leaders in Ukraine but I did know others around the world,” he shares. “I’ve been able to have a global perspective by growing up in Europe and I care so deeply about churches all around the world.”

Through mutual friends, he was connected to Mark Sergeev, a worship leader and youth pastor of Melitopol Christian Church located in south Ukraine. When they first connected on March 1st, Iceland knew he was the voice to use for the song.

“I got to know Mark better and he’s just genuine,” he says. “He has such a heart for God and his whole life is about bringing the Gospel to people at any cost. That’s something I’ve seen during this war – he’s willing to lay down his life to share the Gospel.”

At that same time, Sergeev, his wife, and their three children were hiding underground with others from their congregation in the basement of their church. Bombs were literally going off just outside, taking over the city.

“Mark told me that he loved the idea and wanted to do the song but at that particular time, they didn’t even know if they were going to make it out alive,” Iceland shares. “It wasn’t a long text because of what was happening at that moment, and when our messaging stopped I just broke down – I had no idea if he and his family were going to survive the night.”

The next day they were able to talk, but by then the Russians had occupied Melitopol. Continuing to hide in the church basement, which also stored recording equipment, Sergeev was able to record the vocals although the recording couldn’t get sent due to Russia shutting down all internet services. Iceland didn’t hear from Sergeev for a couple of days but miraculously two days later the song file arrived and the song was able to get finished.

Then, in the middle of the night on March 9, Sergeev was abducted by the Russian soldiers and was under threat of being killed. He ended up being released the next day and is now back with his family.

With an initial threat of any use of his voice or name for this song could be detrimental to his life, Sergeev made it clear that he wanted his voice to be used for the recording, to share hope around his country and around the world of what is happening.

The final touch on “Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies)” includes an additional verse written by Iceland and sung by nine-year-old Kate Zarubaiko, also from Ukraine and whose family has fled to Sweden. You can hear her voice, along with Mark Sergeev and Tommy Iceland by clicking on the lyric video below.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Tommy Iceland is partnering with Missions International, a non-profit organization that directly helps those in need who are impacted by the war. All donations made will benefit the families in Melitopol and all over Ukraine. Please visit MissionsInternational.org/ukraine-relief for more information.

Stars Go Dim is an American pop rock band from Tulsa Stars Go Dim shares a live video for “Yes He Does,” which can be viewed below.

The live recording was filmed at RCA Studio B. The track will be featured on their upcoming third studio project, Grace In The Wilderness. The project leads listeners on a pilgrimage toward hope that expands on the infectious pop sound that’s defined Chris Cleveland’s catalog since the impassioned singer debuted his first self-titled album under the Stars Go Dim moniker.

Coupling meaningful lyrics with a voice that knows no bounds, Cleveland pulls out all the stops on the intrepid collection as his immaculate voice effortlessly glides across 13 tracks — all co-written by the ace songwriter. Produced by Jeff Sojka, Jeff Pardo and Anton Göransson, the new LP features the explosive “This Is Love,” the worshipful “Prepare The Way” and the affirming “Yes He Does.”

Pre-order/pre-save Grace In The Wilderness, available Apr 29, HERE.

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Elevation Rhythm releases the official live video for “Easy,” which can be viewed below. The track is from their most recent release, Growing Pains.

As an essential part of Elevation Church based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the group sets the musical compass for a younger generation of worshipers. With youth and young adults at the forefront of their mission, Elevation Rhythm’s sonic backdrop is intentional to keep up with the changing times, which is why the group experiments with a variety of bold sounds and textures. Incorporating elements of pop, rock, worship, and hip-hop, each of the twelve songs found on Growing Pains offers the youthful energy found in its diversity.

The group will share some of these songs live when they join Elevation Worship along with Pastor Steven Furtick on the spring arena tour Elevation Nights. Kicking off April 26 in Chicago, they will bring the experience of Elevation Church to cities around the U.S. The tour will wrap in Boston on May 5. Tickets are on sale now – for further information visit ElevationNights.com.

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Minister Toluwanimee teams up with viral sensation Victor Thompson on the cover of original song ‘Mercy“. Produced by K”orale.

The original sound was released in 2021 and has since become a global sound.

The soothing delivery of this sound will bring to mind the unfailing Mercy and goodness of God that we enjoy on a daily basis.

Mercy cover is part of her unplugged sessions which has other beautiful songs covered by her. All available on her YouTube channel.

Enjoy this powerful rendition and do not forget to get the original version on all digital streaming platforms.

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Gospel music crusader, CDO, premiered a new music video titled ‘Ike’ off The Album Of The Year.

‘Ike’ is a song that speaks about God’s exceeding greatness. Just as the title ‘Ike’ implies power, the song sums up the fact and truth that all powers belong to God.

Through our life experiences, we bear witness that God is the main source of power. Ike is an upbeat contemporary sound with indigenous influence, produced by Blaise beat. A great song of praise.

Watch Video & Download Album Below; 

Nigerian recording/worship artiste, NEWPOWER makes his 2022 debut with a beautiful worship tune “Enjoying Your Presence,” lifted from his upcoming debut album, THE REVOLUTION. The new song accompanied by a lyric video captures the singer’s heart of worship while expressing deep reverence and adoration for God.

Soul-stirring and spirit-lifting, “Enjoying your Presence” is inspired from a place of intimacy and total surrender to God. The new track is available today to download/stream on various digital platforms.

Prior to “Enjoying your Presence,” Newpower has blessed listeners with other great songs like “Nothing is Impossible,” “Move of Your Spirit,” Others, which will be housed in his forthcoming album.

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Multi-GRAMMY winning duo and Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist FOR KING + COUNTRY drops the official lyric video for “Broken Halos” today (Apr 5). The track is from their latest album WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?, which released last month.

WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?, FOR KING + COUNTRY’s fourth studio project, features the talents of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, with 13 new original tracks that confront relevant issues and confirm the duo’s commitment to community, unity and family. Set against a sonic backdrop painted by the Platinum-selling group’s lush, vivid pop, the collection features cameos from Dante Bowe, Kirk Franklin and Tori Kelly, and includes barrier-breaking single “RELATE,” awe-inspiring “For God Is With Us” and unifying No. 1 hit “TOGETHER.”  “What Are We Waiting For? – The Tour” will take FOR KING + COUNTRY to arenas across the United States, performing brand new songs from its upcoming album for the first time, against the backdrop of an all-new stage design.

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Integrity Music releases the official 360 video for Local Sound’s “More Than Halfway,” which can be viewed below.

The track was written by Daniel Lopez, Emily Wyant, Jared Runion, Melodie Wagner & Garrett Tyler.

To date, Local Sound has toured with the likes of Mosaic MSC, Cody Carnes, and Mack Brock, and plans are underway for further tour dates this year. The group has also been involved with events such as the Outcry Tour, Desperation Conference, and Camp Electric.

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Faith based music powerhouse YB drops the official music video for “Neon Freestyle” which can be viewed below.

Known for his poignant messages, YB continues to rise within the christian hip-hop community. YB has 4.6M+ total Spotify streams to date with nearly 100K monthly listeners HERE.

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Indie gospel music artiste, Philip Olaomi releases the video “Alagbara” off his latest compilation of indigenous Yoruba songs album tagged “Yoruba Worship Songs.” 

Speaking about the inspiration behind the album project, Philip says, “It all started with divine inspiration to compile indigenous songs I grew up with, the songs that shaped the greatness of God and provoke thoughts that attract me into His inner courts. 

These songs need little or no accompaniments to attract you into the great depths of His presence.”

With a strong passion for God’s presence, He worships intensely and encourages others to do the same. 

Philip’s music ministry has grown and translated into various musical experiences, which include leading worship at gospel concerts, praise gatherings, church conferences and various conventions.

When asked how his music is a ministry, he shares, “music is the way I relate more intimately with God. It is my undeniable and sure access to God. I have seen Him move quickly when I raise my voice in praise, to the glory of His name.”

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