Acclaimed singer/songwriter and best-selling author Ellie Holcomb will release her new Christmas EP, Sing: Christmas Songs, on November 1st to accompany her latest children’s book, Sounding Joy, which was released earlier this month. Celebrating the recent release of her holiday book and the forthcoming album, Holcomb debuted the original song “Sounding Joy” today. Watch the live acoustic performance.

“My book and album were inspired by the song ‘Joy to the World,’ and it’s an invitation to sing about the hope we have because God put skin on and moved into the neighborhood,” shares Ellie Holcomb. “I hope these songs will invoke dancing in the kitchen while you bake Christmas cookies and storytelling of the very best kind. I hope it will help kids ponder what joy sounds like and the reason we can have joy no matter what we’re facing.”

The Christmas book explores the question of what joy sounds like as the reader travels through beautiful Christmastime scenes in the board book, which is illustrated by Laura Ramos. Likewise Sing: Christmas Songs is an invitation to sing about the hope of the season and features classic and original Christmas songs. Holcomb’s sweet and lovely celebration of Christmas encourages each reader and listener, young and old, to lift up their voice and repeat the sounding joy!

Holcomb continues, “Joy sounds like the voices of my friends and family in my home while I’m preparing a meal. It sounds like my kids singing happily in their room together or like carols and bells and laughter and water running. It sounds like It’s A Wonderful Life playing in the background and Charlie Brown Christmas and Linus reading the most wonderful of stories that came true in real life… the magic of knowing we are never alone, and of hearing that message ring true over and over again in all the songs we sing at Christmas. We have a reason to sing, a reason to hope. Love gets the final word. Glad tidings of GREAT JOY!”

Click here to get the book and pre-order the upcoming Sing: Christmas Songs.

Minister Toluwanimee set to release highly anticipated sophomore Album ‘Good & More’ scheduled for release this October 2022.

Following the release of her debut album ‘Deeper’ in 2019, with viral songs like Lord Today, Walking on Waters, and others. Toluwanimee has continued to bless the body of Christ and the world with her songs like Mercy, My God, The answer. The forthcoming album has appearances from powerhouse music group Mr M & Revelation in Thank You, and a special feature on the cover of her popular song ‘Mercy’ with Victor Thompson. 

The album ‘Good & More’ is packed with *13*spiritual songs and psalms that will not just stir up the hunger to worship but build a strong intimacy and fellowship with the Father. Every song points back to a heart filled with gratitude. 

Good & More is a diverse body of work cutting across different languages and genre. Toluwanimee brings in diversity, vocal prowess and unmatched creativity evident in this body of work. Every song is Holy Spirit inspired. 

We believe that as you listen to every song in the album, it will experience the Good and More side of the Father. 

Sixteen-time GRAMMY-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Kirk Franklin and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of its second season of Good Words With Kirk Franklin. Through intimate discussions exploring faith, redemption, and the realities of today’s world, Franklin invites listeners into shared moments with some of the biggest names across entertainment. Premiering today, the first episode includes a candid conversation with Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Tamar Braxton.

Throughout this season, Franklin will lead thought-provoking conversations with some of today’s most impactful leaders and artists, including Dr. Bernice A. King, Iyanla Vanzant, John Boyega, Jenifer Lewis, Karamo Brown, Omarion, Tamron Hall, Tobe and Fat Nwigwe, W. Kamau Bell and more. Together, they engage and explore their thoughts around race, religion, politics, music and self-expression. The conversations will make space for laughter, joy and lighter moments.

“Good Words is a podcast where culture meets faith and a place where my guests can be real and open like you have never heard before,” said Franklin. “I’m excited to return for a second season and share more enlightening conversations with some of my favorite artists and thought leaders.”

Good Words with Kirk Franklin is produced by Janicia Francis and Danielle Jones-Wesley at Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company.

Subscribers on Apple Podcasts can access weekly episodes ad-free. Listeners can subscribe to Good Words with Kirk Franklin on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

Chart-topper DOE has garnered another #1 hit, as her latest single “When I Pray” is #1 on two Gospel radio charts, two weeks in a row. At #1 for the second consecutive week on both Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart and the MediaBase Gospel Chart, “When I Pray” is the second #1 single from the three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist’s solo album CLARITY, following her album’s first #1 single “Brighter.”

An uplifting ballad, DOE’s “When I Pray” brings a powerful reminder of finding God’s love through struggles and connecting in prayer. Her debut full-length album CLARITY, is an 11-track inspirational album, with DOE writing on all songs, released earlier this year by Jonathan McReynolds’ Life Room Label in partnership with RCA Inspiration.

Garnering praise for her introspective songwriting and stirring performances, DOE also recently taped an appearance for TBN’s Praise, alongside artists Newsboys, Tasha Layton, and Ruth La’Ontra, was an inductee into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, which has also honored Naomi Judd, Valerie Simpson, Dawnn Lewis, Jody Watley, Jekalyn Carr, Siedah Garrett among others, and has multiple nominations at the upcoming Dove Awards, taking place in Nashville on October 18th. DOE’s nominations include the Dove Award categories of New Artist of the Year, Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for CLARITY, and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “When I Pray.” Separately she also has a fourth nomination, in the category Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year, on the track “Breathe” released by Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore, Jonathan McReynolds, DOE), that she was a co-writer on.

Starting her music career as a teenager, performing with her family in their group Forever Jones, DOE received two GRAMMY Award nominations with their recordings, and as a solo artist DOE was nominated a third time for her featured appearance on Jonathan McReynolds’ hit song “Cycles.” Besides “When I Pray” and “Brighter” marking DOE’s two #1s on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart from her album as a solo artist, “When I Pray” also marks her fourth #1 on Gospel Airplay, having scored two previous #1 hits (Forever Jones’ single “He Wants It All,” and Travis Greene’s single “Good and Loved” feat. DOE). DOE continues to find success with her solo album CLARITY and sharing ministry in worship and performances across the country.

Two-time GRAMMY Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist Lauren Daigle took the crowd completely by surprise last night at the second of her two-night stint at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, when she called up former ‘America’s Got Talent’ contestant Ava Swiss. The two performed Daigle’s 2018 track “Remember,” a palpable moment that holds special meaning to Swiss, also an Oxford High School shooting survivor.

“Ava has something so potent to sing for,” explained Daigle. “I was so moved by her story… by her bravery, I went backstage earlier and just started bawling (because) I’m so proud of her, and she is so loved. I hope that our donation (to “42 Strong”) will make a difference.”

Ava’s story is well known thanks to her appearance on AGT, on which she revealed that Daigle’s “Remember,” helped guide her through her experience. Daigle also took the moment, to present Ava with a $25,000 check (donated through Daigle’s Price Fund) to benefit “42 Strong,” a non-profit organization started by one of the victim’s families whose mission it is to “create a better future by helping students develop a greater sense of purpose, community, and resilience.” Additionally, Daigle’s Price Fund will match that donation, sending another $25,000 to Colorado’s Healing Fund – an organization whose mission is to “provide immediate and long-term support to victim’s families and survivors” in the aftermath of mass violence. There was not a dry eye in the house, nor on stage when Ava and Lauren embraced.

For more information on Lauren Daigle’s Price Fund, click HERE.

This December, Lauren will return with her annual “Behold: A Christmas Tour” celebrating the most magical time of the year. Daigle will play three nights at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and two nights at the Saenger Theatre in her home city of New Orleans, LA. For tickets and more information, visit www.laurendaigle.com.

BEHOLD: A CHRISTMAS TOUR 2022

• December 6 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
• December 7 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
• December 8 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
• December 10 – Saenger Theatre – New Orleans, LA
• December 11 – Saenger Theatre – New Orleans, LA

Gaither Music Group has announced the release of the debut Christmas recording from acclaimed vocalists and Gaither Homecoming favorites Reggie & Ladye Love Smith. Featuring a mix of new arrangements and medleys of traditional Christmas songs, That Special Time of Year is available now for pre-sale. A performance video of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is available on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel and on the Gaither Facebook page.

Combining the title cut — a holiday original — with nostalgic classics, the recording, produced by Reggie, includes the duo’s renditions of “What Child Is This?,” “O Come Emmanuel,” and “Away in a Manger,” as well as standards such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Let it Snow,” and “Home for the Holidays.”

“These songs are some of our all-time favorites,” says Ladye. “Though the arrangements are unique, the timeless lyrics have been ringing in the Christmas season for many decades. We hope we have given these special songs new life so that the next generation can enjoy them as we have.”

The husband-and-wife team will ring in this season on tour with the legendary Gaither Vocal Band, of which Reggie has been a member since 2017. They have been part of the Gaither Homecoming tours and recordings since 1997. Reggie co-wrote the title song that he says takes him back to some of his favorite childhood memories.

“Our families are very central to both Ladye and me,” says Smith. “She and I grew up with Christmas traditions that we still enjoy like cooking favorite family recipes and reminiscing about family and friends who are no longer with us. When Ladye whips up one of her mom’s special dishes or we hang an ornament, those things spark precious memories. And that’s what the song ‘That Special Time of Year’ is all about.”

As a duo, the Smiths have performed in over 30 countries and at some of the most prestigious venues in the world including the Super Bowl, New York’s famed Carnegie Hall, and the Kremlin in Moscow. They have shared the stage with some of the most iconic artists in pop, country, and gospel music including Dolly Parton, George Jones, Lee Greenwood, Brenda Lee, Ricky Skaggs, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, and Patti LaBelle, and many more. They have been part of the famous Opry Singers at the Grand Ole Opry, featured as vocalists at Billy Graham Crusades, and sung on movie soundtracks of award-winning films.

That Special Time of Year is available today for pre-sale/pre-save at online accounts, retail stores and at Gaither.com; individual music videos from the release will be available at all digital streaming accounts. Visit this link: Reggie and Ladye Love Smith or Amazon, Apple, Spotify, Pandora, and other streaming platforms. The new release is distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music Group.

GRAMMY award-winning collective Maverick City Music recently announced on social media they have decided to “put a pause” on their professional relationship with Dante Bowe. The collective cited “behavior that is inconsistent with our core values and beliefs” without elaborating on specifics. In their full statement, which you can read below, Maverick City asks for continued support for Dante as a brother in Christ.

Due to behavior that is inconsistent with our core values and beliefs, we have decided to put a pause on our professional relationship with Dante Bowe. Decisions like these are not easy because of the level of nuance, both professionally and personally, but we felt it necessary to address.”

Maverick City Music is a collective of various artists from many different backgrounds and life experiences; as such no one artist’s actions or behavior can always be attributed as a reflection of our core beliefs and values.

Dante is a brother in Christ and as such he has our full commitment and unwavering support as he continues to navigate his path forward. Each of us need God’s grace, and our hope is that we all pray and give him the same opportunity to grow in Christ as we give ourselves.

Coinciding with the statement from Maverick City, Dante Bowe announced plans for a social media hiatus. You can read Dante’s full post below.

In light of recent events and opinions, I’ve talked to some of the wisest leaders and brothers around me. I’ll be taking time off social media to rest mentally and physically.

Years ago, when I dreamt of all I would accomplish one day, I didn’t account for the pressure and opinions that would come with it. It’s important for everyone to know when to step back and refocus. Hope y’all understand and support. I’ll hit you up when I’m back.

Love you guys! This is for the best.

Please join us in praying for Dante and Maverick City Music during this difficult time.

Two of the most successful touring acts in Christian music today are partnering for a one-of-a-kind co-headline tour this December 1-13. Premier Productions, Rush Concerts and World Vision present: “Chris Tomlin X MercyMe: A Winter Tour.” Tickets for the tour will go on sale Friday, October 7 at tomlinmercyme.com. Patrons can sign up now for the pre-sale at tomlinmercyme.com.

“After years of incredible friendship, I am so excited to announce that I am hitting the road with MercyMe this winter for the first time! For me, there is no better way to close out 2022 than to come together and celebrate God for all he has done, is doing, and will continue to do in each of our lives…” shared Chris. “And since it will be December, there may just need to be a “flurry” of Christmas songs in the night, hope to see you there!”

“Finally! I can’t tell you how many times MercyMe and Chris Tomlin have talked about touring together,” shared Bart Millard of MercyMe. “We’ve been friends for many years and we’re so excited that it’s finally happening. These nights are going to be special and truly a tour you do not want to miss.”

“Chris Tomlin X MercyMe: A Winter Tour”
December 1 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena
December 2 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena
December 6 Charleston, SC North Charleston Coliseum
December 8 Macon, GA Macon Coliseum
December 9 Huntsville, AL Probst Arena
December 10 Southaven, MS Landers Center
December 11 Little Rock, AR Simmons Bank Arena
December 13 Dayton, OH Wright State University Nutter Center
Tomlin will embark on the “Chris Tomlin X MercyMe: A Winter Tour” just after the close of his 35-city tour with UNITED, named by Pollstar as a “Top 10 Worldwide Tour.”

Earlier this month Tomlin released a new full-length worship album, ALWAYS. The project contains 13-tracks all of which were co-written by Chris except for the historical and beloved hymn “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful” which features Steffany Gretzinger. The Tennessean claimed, “For three decades, Christian musical artist Chris Tomlin’s been as much a faith leader as a songwriter, able to parlay his faith in spirituality into influential and popular music. Via “Always,” his seventeenth album out on September 9, he surges forward from leader to legend in the worlds of gospel and contemporary Christian music…The 17-time Christian radio chart-topper releases new music that cements his legendary status in the genre.” Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake and Lady A also appear on Tomlin’s ALWAYS. The album’s title track is Tomlin’s current radio single and is a nod to Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” The project was produced by Ben Glover, Jeff Sojka, Bryan Fowler, Ed Cash, Jonathan Smith and Dave Haywood of Lady A co-produced “The Answer.”

On October 18, Tomlin and Erica Campbell will co-host the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards. The show will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN app on October 21st at 8:00p.m. ET and 10:00p.m. ET. Chris is the recipient of 27 Dove Awards.

On October 21, MercyMe will release their 11th studio project, ALWAYS ONLY JESUS, a 10-song collection filled with the musically inventive, lyrically substantive songs that have always been the bedrock of their career, including today’s instant grat track “To Not Worship You,” as well as the project’s first single, “Then Christ Came.” Currently playing on 80+ stations, the track is No.17 on the Billboard AC Monitored chart, and No. 8 on Billboard’s AC Indicator chart. “Then Christ Came” follows an impressive streak of 48 No. 1 radio singles that have not only fueled MercyMe’s 28-year career, but also helped define the landscape of contemporary Christian music.

MercyMe is set to share new music from ALWAYS ONLY JESUS, as well as plenty of fan favorite chart-topping hits, when they return to Red Rocks for one night only, Oct. 17, 2022. The engagement will mark the band’s second time to headline the iconic venue. Days later they will head out on a 19-city tour with guests Rend Collective and Andrew Ripp October 20 – November 20.

As the whole world continuously fights for a return to normalcy in the wake of the pandemic, social upheaval, and a loss of groundedness, perhaps there is no more pertinent a rallying cry than, “The Lord is my banner.” Yahweh Nissi, which is the Hebrew name for God meaning “the Lord is my banner,” is the title of Benny DiChiara and Empowered’s third studio album. The project, which is set to release October 7, 2022, from Slingshot Records, is a no-holds-barred triumph of faith undeterred and courage unshaken.

“God spoke to me that He is looking for His people to not only claim Him, but to rise up with their voices to bring people back to Jesus,” says DiChiara, frontman and primary songwriter for the band. “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). This is the heart behind the title track, ‘Yahweh Nissi,’ which is a war cry for Jesus.”

With their signature crunchy guitars, driving percussion and DiChiara’s distinct and arresting vocals, the band shows no sign of losing the momentum from their previous chart-topping project, Three Days, which garnered multiple No. 1 songs and music videos on the indie charts, as well as industry-wide acclaim.

The first album released by the band since DiChiara experienced a life-altering brain injury, Three Days garnered significant national press attention for the band. Yahweh Nissi is poised to continue that trend.

Produced by Dove-award nominated Mikey Howard of 7eventh Time Down, the project’s foundation is built upon what Howard calls the band’s “passion for music and their craft.”

The project opens with the title song, the raw, real, and relevant “Yahweh Nissi.”

The second cut on the album, “Jesus Can Heal the World,” is a stand-up-and-jump-into-worship anthem with an instantly singable chorus. The song reflects resounding truth that is timeless as it is timely. “With all that is going on in the world, we simply need to point people to the only One who can fix it,” says DiChiara.

The band goes for a visceral reaction with the foot-stomping, faith-inspiring “Soul Shaker,” a song that was written not only to “reach out to and talk to people about Jesus, but to literally shake their soul to seek Him,” says DiChiara.

On “I Surrender All,” the band puts a new twist on lyrics that have become synonymous with the modern day hymnal. With their signature classic rock flavor, Empowered not only upends the traditional melody, but pontificates on the concept of surrender. The song encourages listeners to not only surrender their circumstances and actions, but also the outcomes, of which God is ultimately in control.

Finally, the EP wraps up with the band’s latest single, the moving ballad, “I’ll Meet You There (Daddy’s Song),” written in tribute to DiChiara’s own father. Already making waves at radio across the country, the song and band were recently featured on Atlanta Live, coinciding with the release of the poignant music video.

Collectively, the interplay of songs on the project encompasses the passion and compassion Benny and the band so clearly have for God and the church. “God has driven such a clear message into me for this project and the millions of people who claim Him as Lord,” says DiChiara.

That message will be front and center at the upcoming Yes Fest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on October 15, 2022, where the band will open for acts including Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Riley Clemmons, Phil Joel, Ryan Stevenson, and 7eventh Time Down.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than Yes Fest around here,” says DiChiara, who lives in Baton Rouge with his wife, Donna. “We are humbled and excited to share our music at such an event.”

Having been featured in such prominent media as CBN’s The 700 Club, Cornerstone Television Network’s flagship show, Hope Today; award-winning television show Babbie’s House; nationally syndicated radio show Bill Martinez Live! (airing in 300+ U.S. markets); Inspiration.org; popular Baton Rouge, Louisiana, lifestyle publication 225 Magazine; LIFE Today Live with Randy Robison; World Christian Broadcasting; MRG Media; The Meeting House on Faith Radio and many more, the band’s stalwart dedication to sharing the truth of the Gospel has and will likely continue to find multiple ways to reach the lost, the down-trodden, and those who simply need the reassurance of God’s unconditional love and grace.

Gospel music minister, Enkay Ogbuche is set to hold a worship and live recording event tagged “PNEUMA”.

The singer took to her official social media page via Instagram to make the announcement. According to the details in the shared virtual flier, Gospel music ministers who will be gracing the event are Nathaniel Bassey, Ada Ehi, Manus Akpanke, Isabella Melodies, and many more.

She wrote; “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Psalms 8:1

That’s the word of God for you today from the stables of PNEUMA happening on the 2nd of October 2022. All details are in the flyer. Register at www.enkaymusic.com. Pray with us, plan to attend, don’t come alone, get ready to be blessed! The spirit says COME”.

The worship and live recording concert (PNEUMA) has been scheduled to hold on October 2nd, 2022 by 5 pm at the City of David, Ligali Ayorinde Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.