Steph Ade Joins Forces with Pastor Iren on Soul-Stirring New Single: “I Love The Lord”
Nigerian contemporary gospel singer and songwriter Steph Ade is set to close out the year with a powerful declaration of devotion in her highly anticipated new single, “I Love The Lord.” The song features a poignant collaboration with renowned worship leader and Senior Pastor of Celebration Church International, Pastor Iren, delivering a track that is both a deeply personal testimony and a universal anthem of faith.
“I Love The Lord” is a captivating blend of soulful R&B texture and compelling gospel vocals, driven by a simple yet profound message of unwavering love for God. The track shines a light on the intimate journey of a believer, moving beyond performance to embrace the genuine, unreserved affection for the Creator.
The collaboration between Steph Ade, known for her refreshing sound and lyrical depth, and Pastor Iren, celebrated for his impactful ministry and insightful songwriting, brings a unique spiritual gravity to the song. Pastor Iren’s verse provides a timely and powerful reminder of the depth of God’s grace, complementing Steph Ade’s passionate delivery perfectly.
I Love The Lord – Steph Ade, Pastor Emmanuel Iren
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Steph Ade shared the inspiration behind the single:
“This song came from a place of deep reflection on God’s consistent goodness in my life. It’s a simple, undeniable truth: I Love The Lord. Working with Pastor Iren was truly an honor; his contribution adds another layer of depth, reminding us that this love isn’t just a feeling, but a deep-rooted covenant that carries us through everything. We pray this song moves people to express their own deep affection for God.”
Key Features of “I Love The Lord”:
Heartfelt Lyrical Content: Focuses on pure, unreserved love and devotion to God.
Unique Collaboration: Features the blend of Steph Ade’s soulful vocal style and the respected voice of Pastor Iren.
Timely Release: Arriving in the season of reflection and new beginnings, encouraging listeners to refocus their priorities on faith.
“I Love The Lord” is poised to become a staple in personal devotion and corporate worship settings, appealing to fans of contemporary Nigerian gospel and global worship music alike.
About:
Steph Ade is a fast-rising Nigerian gospel artist known for her distinct voice and commitment to producing music that encourages a deep relationship with God. Her songs are characterized by rich harmonies and heartfelt, Christ-centered lyrics.
Pastor Emmanuel Iren is the founder and Senior Pastor of Celebration Church International. Beyond his pastoral duties, he is a gifted songwriter and worship leader whose compositions and ministry have significantly influenced the contemporary gospel landscape in Nigeria and globally.
For decades, Canadian roots-rock artist Cory M. Coons has built a career defined by resilience, sincerity, and a steadfast belief in something greater than himself. His songs—rich with themes of hope, perseverance, and gratitude—reflect a life guided by faith, family, and purpose.
In this intimate interview, Coons opens up about the spiritual foundation beneath his music, the challenges of navigating the industry as an independent artist, and the deeply personal ways his beliefs shape everything from his songwriting to his relationship with his daughter. What emerges is a portrait of an artist who sees music not just as craft or career, but as calling.
Cory, your personal motto is “Family, Faith, Freedom, and Music.” Can you share how your faith shapes not only your songwriting but also the way you approach your career as an independent artist?
Thank you once again for this opportunity with you!
I think having a strong spiritual faith helps to build and maintain a solid foundation in everything we do in life—be it personal or family relationships, and along the musical path I have followed as well. You truly have to find that balance so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labours. If you don’t have a belief system in place with your higher power, spirit, or God, I think success might feel a little empty without being able to share it with those who mean the most in our lives. It can easily become selfish instead of serving a higher purpose. That belief system transforms into the music and lyrics I create. I always try to build upon positive ideas as much as possible. I don’t enjoy negativity or drama. So a strong foundation with family and faith means a lot to me. It’s not knowing what the future holds, but who holds the future. 🙂
Many of your songs—like “Freedom Road” and “Faded Glory (Land of the Free)”—carry a message of hope and perseverance. Do you see your music as a kind of ministry or testimony, even when it’s not overtly religious?
Yes, I think so in some ways. I don’t want to force ideas or beliefs on anyone, but I do believe people can find their way through a higher power. A positive message of hope and faith can guide someone who needs it, helping them turn certain things around. Music is such a powerful tool of healing, and with ingredients like hope, faith, love, truth, and unity, it can be a blessing. I hope my music reflects these elements. I’m grateful for anyone who feels those things through my songs.
As someone who’s spent decades navigating the ups and downs of the music industry, what role has prayer or spiritual reflection played in helping you stay grounded and focused through it all?
It has definitely played a big role. I’ve always had sprinkles of spiritual elements in my music, even going back to my teen years. My mother was very spiritual and religious, and I admired that deeply. I grew up hearing her Gospel records in the house—those things are embedded in my soul. Even though I didn’t attend church regularly in my youth, I’ve always believed in the Lord and Jesus, and I pray regularly now in my own way. It helps keep me grounded, especially when my strength or purpose feels low.
You’ve often involved your daughter Charleigh in your recordings. How does your faith influence the way you model creativity, humility, and gratitude for her?
My family—my daughter and my wife—are everything to me. Any way I can include them in my musical journey, I will. Sometimes the lines between faith, family, and music get so blurred that they just become one in my life. Including my daughter on recordings, having my wife and child involved in videos and photography, sharing road trips—it’s all part of how we experience life together. And I hope she sees creativity, humility, and gratitude in action through those shared moments.
Faith in Every Footstep: A Conversation with Canadian Singer-Songwriter Cory M. Coons
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Your journey has taken you from small-town Ontario to the Grand Ole Opry. Looking back, how have you seen God’s hand guiding your path—even in moments when success didn’t come easily?
I feel like God is always guiding me with the help of spirit guides. I sense my parents watching over me. Even in times when I don’t feel the Lord’s presence, little surprises pop up—like my Opry experience—and remind me He is there. The universe responds to what we put into it. Negativity can amplify just as much as positivity, and I’ve experienced both. So I try to focus on putting out good energy and trusting that God’s timing—not mine—shapes the path.
Being an independent artist can be challenging. How do you maintain peace and trust that God will continue to open the right doors for you and your music?
You just have to believe. Things happen when they’re supposed to. We may want things to come sooner, but they unfold on God’s time. I try to trust that process and make decisions guided by faith. Everything has consequences, so I aim to stay on the positive receiving end.
The music world can feel fast-paced and self-focused. How do you balance ambition with humility, ensuring your work glorifies God rather than just the industry’s definition of success?
I try not to get too self-focused, even as an independent artist. I don’t follow trends or try to be anyone other than myself. If something doesn’t feel honest, I won’t do it. Staying true to yourself always wins in the end—and I believe that’s what God wants from us. Being true to myself means being true to Him. We’re made in His image, so it all aligns.
For listeners struggling to find faith or purpose, what message would you hope they take from your life and music?
I have a motto: “Surround yourself with the right people and the right team of players.” That applies creatively, professionally, personally—and spiritually. Stay true to yourself. If something or someone isn’t real, people will see through it. Be the most authentic version of yourself.
Maestro Andrea Bocelli releases the official video for his collaboration with Capitol Christian award-winning recording artists, Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. The brand new version of the uplifting GRAMMY-nominated track, ‘The Blessing’, was released by Decca.
Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes add, “What a huge honor to record a new version of ‘The Blessing’ with Andrea Bocelli. We’ve listened to his incredibly beautiful voice for many years and had tears in our eyes when he started singing this song in Italian. So moving!! What a special recording this is!”
Andrea Bocelli “The Blessing” With Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes Official Video
Five-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter Brandon Lake shares the official live video for “No Idols” featuring Skema Boy alongside the track’s release.
Multi-Platinum and GRAMMY-nominated modern worship artist Phil Wickham shares exciting news that he will be filming a live Christmas special in Los Angeles, California on December 14.
Phil Wickham Announces Christmas Special Filming Event
Performer, vocalist, and songwriter Franni Cash releases her next single “Good Woman,” which follows “Church Clothes.”
Franni Cash is a 2x Grammy-nominated artist, 3x Dove Award winner, performer, vocalist and songwriter. Formerly of the band We The Kingdom, she’s co-wrote two No.1 songs and was named one of the Top 20 breakout artists across all genres. Her authentic, honest and whimsical songwriting and gift for the stage, is what connects Franni to her fans.
GRAMMY® Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling worship collective Elevation Worship has officially released its soul-stirring new single, “God I’m Just Grateful.” Dropping just in time for the peak season of thankfulness, the song is a powerful, heartfelt prayer of profound appreciation, featuring the incredible vocal talent and songwriting prowess of GRAMMY® Award-winner Chandler Moore.
“God I’m Just Grateful” strips away the complexities of life to focus on a singular, foundational truth: gratitude for the goodness of God. Captured live, the track harnesses the spontaneous, authentic energy of a congregation giving thanks, providing a beautiful soundtrack for personal reflection and corporate worship.
The song is rooted in the biblical truth of Psalm 107:1, which declares, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” It serves as a necessary reminder for listeners to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the countless blessings in their lives, regardless of circumstance.
Chris Brown, lead vocalist and songwriter for Elevation Worship, shared the heart behind the song:
“We felt a genuine sense of awe and thankfulness in the room when this song was written and recorded. Sometimes, the most powerful statement you can make in worship is the simplest one: ‘God, I’m just grateful.’ We pray this track helps people articulate that simple, profound gratitude for His constant faithfulness and enduring love in a season where we’re intentionally counting our blessings.”
Chandler Moore also expressed his excitement for the collaboration:
“I’ve written some of my favorite songs with Pastor Furtick and Elevation Worship, and ‘God I’m Just Grateful’ is right at the top of that list. It captures exactly what we feel every time we come together—it’s an overflow of genuine thanks. This song isn’t about striving; it’s about simply being thankful for who God is and all He’s done.”
“God I’m Just Grateful” is available now on all major streaming platforms. Churches worldwide can also find performance resources for the track on services like MultiTracks, making it instantly accessible for local worship ministries.
