Contemporary Christian artist Damara Melissa has successfully crowdfunded her new EP, “Beginnings,” to be released Feb. 25, 2022. Inspired by Isaiah 43:19, “Beginnings” is a culmination of four inspirational songs: “Brave,” “Invisible,” “Where I Wanna Be” and “Rise Above.”

The artist wrote the EP when God revealed her idolatry of people to her through the racial upheaval events of 2020. “Seeing differing views on the events broke me in pieces,” Damara said. “It was like there were gaping holes in me, but by God’s immeasurable grace, He rushed in to fill them. As He put me back together again, He kind of moved me through stages. In every area that I needed Him to speak into, He did. And each of them birthed a different song.”

Alongside fellow songwriters Ruthie Larbi and Sheree Wright and producers Steve Lensink at Noisy Neighbours Recording Studio & Dana Miller at Hillside Recording Studio (Damara’s label) Damara created the EP in hopes of strengthening listeners’ faith in God. The chorus of “Where I Wanna Be” describes this perfectly:

You bring me to the edge of me
Test everything that I believe, oh you
Are showing who you are, and who you’re making me
Without you I am not enough
But I’m complete within your love, Oh God
Right where you want me, is where I wanna be

Damara is thankful for the support of her friends, family and community that made crowdfunding the EP possible and will ultimately bring the songs to listeners who need them most.

“Godly healing doesn’t come from having everything worked out, or every circumstance fixed – but from knowing and trusting God is working through the pain for our spiritual good.” Damara said. “Just as God helped me heal and step out in faith in 2020 – I pray these songs will help others do the same!”

Two-time Emmy-nominated actor, producer, comedian, pastor, author, and artist Kel Mitchell will release his new single “Blessed Mode” ft. nobigdyl and Scootie Wop on all music service streaming platforms on March 11, 2022. “Blessed Mode” is an uplifting Hip-Hop track and workout anthem that is sure to inspire, uplift, motivate and make you feel victorious. The track arrives on the heels of his debut book Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level Up Your Faith, a 90-day devotional from which the inspiration for the song is derived.

Following his extensive career in entertainment, starring in beloved fan favorites including Nickelodeon’s Kenan & Kel, All That, and cultural epic feature film Good Burger, among many others, Kel combines his love for music and his spirituality on the single “Blessed Mode.” Kel knows what it’s like to struggle through depression and addiction, but he also knows the power of God’s presence to help you find freedom and the blessings in your life. As a youth pastor at Spirit Food Christian Center, Kel is passionate about sharing this testimony of hope with the next generation, and he wants to share it with his audience, too, across mediums and his platforms.

“Blessed Mode” ft. nobigdyl and Scootie Wop is the ultimate anthem to make you feel good, whether you’re in the gym, working out at home or just looking for that pep talk to lift you up and hype you up,” said Kel Mitchell. “This is a return to music for me, but the song specifically was inspired by the Hip Hop tracks I love to play as motivation for my students through my ministry, where we often listen to music to get ready to pray together. In the same way that I hope the book can inspire others to embrace their blessings and find strength spiritually, mentally and physically, I hope this song serves as the soundtrack to activate others’ BLESSED MODE!”In Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level Up Your Faith, Kel Mitchell offers 90 powerful devotions to help you including:

• Find freedom in God’s life-changing presence.
• Experience God’s power through prayer.
• Recognize God’s many gifts in your life.
• Share the blessings you’ve received with others.

Hip Hop-influenced Christian artist Lawrence Jamal drops his latest single, “Gospel,” to Christian CHR, Rhythmic, and Christian Rap/Hip Hop-formatted radio outlets today.

“Gospel” follows the success of Jamal’s single, “Pick Me Up,” which hit No. 1 on the CRC Weekly chart, No. 2 on CRC Monthly, No. 3 on CRC Quarterly and No. 8 on the CRC Yearly 2021 chart. The single also enjoyed a No. 1 run for several weeks at NGEN Radio in Houston.

Jamal, a hip hop/rap artist from South Arkansas, has been producing music that delivers a message of “Everything Freedom” since 2015. He has been writing music and poetry since he was a teenager and became acquainted with the music industry and recording studio scene while living in Los Angeles after high school.

“My main mission,” Jamal says, “is to make music that is relatable to both non-Christians and Christians, in and outside of today’s church.”

The song, written by Lawrence Jamal and produced by Jamal and Conleyfor3, has been released to digital outlets on the Everything Freedom label.

Lawrence Jamal released his first project, “The Lawrence Jamal EP,” in 2017. A 9-track project titled “Everything Freedom” followed in 2019. In September 2020, he released “Don’t Play This At Church.”

“God has only used the difficulties of my past, even of the recent past, to continue to shine His light through my music,” says Jamal.

Matt Sassano has landed in the top 10 on CMW’s Christian Rock chart for the first time with “Not My Name,” which was produced by Josiah Prince of Disciple. The song is also clocking in at #30 on the CHR chart.

The breakout success is significant for Matt, an independent solo artist who has spent the past 6 months on this first major touring circuit with Seventh Day Slumber. Beyond the prominence of such a high charting position, Matt is more moved by the impact the song has made in terms of lives impacted and changed.

“One of the things that I’ve always loved about music is its ability to make people feel understood and connected,” he shares earnestly. “It’s a personal song to me as someone who grew up with two disabilities: cerebral palsy and dyscalculia. For a long time, I was faced with so many labels, and I really sought to feel understood. I think this song is not only an amazing anthem that pumps you up, but it’s also a chance to reach into a community that is often overlooked: people with disabilities, people who feel like the black sheep, anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable in their own skin. This song is meant to say no matter what people label you, no matter what people say about you, there’s a God that loves you. Underneath all the labels is a person with potential.”

The song, which was recorded with Josiah Prince in Nashville and mixed by Kellen McGregor (Memphis May Fire), has also been resonating with fans on the road. Matt shares, “As I’ve been out on the road with Seventh Day Slumber, I’ve had so many people approach me and say man, what you said up there really impacted me. I’m so glad that you guys are really resonating with the song!”

Matt is currently on the road with Seventh Day Slumber on The Recovery Tour, with dates listed at https://seventhdayslumber.com/#tour. You can watch the official lyric video for “Not My Name” above, and find it on major streaming platforms at https://bit.ly/MattSassanoNotMyName. Learn more about Matt Sassano by following him on Facebook and Instagram.

GRAMMY Award-winning rock band Switchfoot announced the departure of long-time guitarist Drew Shirley. The band’s full announcement is below…

“Friends, there’s no easy way to say this. After years of sharing the road, Drew and the band have decided to take different paths, and will be parting ways. He joined us shortly after the release of our 4th album and we’ve shared an incredible journey, full of countless highs and lows together. We love Drew dearly, and we are so thankful for the time and the memories we have had. This has certainly been a difficult season for us, encountering challenges that have ultimately taken us in different directions. We have always said that our friendships are more important than the band. And it’s still true: our love for each other is so much bigger than rock and roll. We are excited to see what the next chapter holds for Drew, and also for Switchfoot. We are beyond thankful for the support that all of you have shown us during this challenging time and we remain committed to this community, each other, and to the journey we share together. More now than ever before, hope deserves an anthem.

Drew: we are fans, friends and brothers for life.
Much love to you all,
Switchfoot
-jon, tim, chad, jerome”

Celebrating the release of her bestselling new recording, Pilgrim Journey, and the premiere of her first-ever television special, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Lynda Randle recently embraced yet another career milestone as she stepped into the iconic “circle” on the stage of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

Backed by the venerable institution’s house band, Randle made her Grand Ole Opry debut with a stirring rendition of her recent single, “Plenty Good Room,” as well as her signature song, “God On The Mountain.” The Tuesday evening lineup also included performances from Grand Ole Opry member and top ACM Award nominee Chris Young; Opry members John Conlee and Dailey & Vincent; award-winning band Sawyer Brown; popular comedian Leanne Morgan; and breakout country newcomer Frank Ray.

Randle also recently celebrated the premiere of her first-ever television special, Lynda Randle and Friends: A Pilgrim’s Journey. Debuting February 17 on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and now available on-demand, the Black History Month presentation features appearances from GRAMMY Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Tommy Sims; Kimberly Schlapman of country supergroup Little Big Town; and Randle’s brother, GRAMMY-winning dc Talk founding member and Newsboys frontman Michael Tait.

In addition, Randle was featured on Black News Channel (BNC) last week, the nation’s fastest growing news network and the only provider of 24/7 multiplatform programming dedicated to covering the unique perspectives, challenges and successes of Black and Brown communities. Speaking with Kelly Wright, co-host of “The World Tonight with Kelly Wright and Nayyera Haq,” Randle discussed the inspiration behind her new album before sharing a special acoustic performance from the project.

Randle’s acclaimed Pilgrim Journey released February 11 from Gaither Music Group (Capitol Christian Music Group/Universal Music), debuting in the Top 10 on Apple Music’s Top Christian Albums chart. Selections from the project have landed on Spotify’s New Music Friday Christian, Apple Music’s Country Faith, and Amazon Music’s Fresh Christian playlists, among others.

Marrying Gospel, soul, blues and Americana soundscapes with Randle’s warm, rich vocals, Pilgrim Journey showcases new arrangements of popular Inspirational classics, spirituals and original selections. Produced by GRAMMY-nominated, multi-Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Cindy Morgan, the album includes such standout tracks as “Give Me Jesus” (feat. Kimberly Schlapman); “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me” (feat. Tommy Sims); and the stirring “Motherless Child Medley,” a fan-favorite from Randle’s repertoire.

To mark the fourth anniversary of the abduction of Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram/ISWAP from Government Girls Science and Technical College, on February 19, 2018, the founder of the #FreeLeahSharibu movement, Reno Omokri, is releasing a charity single, titled Angels on Guard: A Song for Leah. 

Written by pop music diva, and renowned broadcaster and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, the song, Angels on Guard: A Song for Leah, is performed by Onyeka Onwenu, also featuring foremost gospel music star,  Panam Percy Paul and Reno Omokri. 

More importantly, it features Nathan Sharibu, Leah Sharibu’s father. 

Angels on Guard: A Song for Leah, is Executive produced by Reno Omokri and is intended to draw world attention to the case of Leah Sharibu, who was abducted by radical Islamic terrorists along with 109 other schoolgirls. 

Five of those girls died on the day of their abduction. 104 were later released because they were either Muslims, or agreed to abandon Christ. Leah Sharibu is the only girl still in captivity, because, according to the released girls, she refused to give up her faith in God through Jesus Christ (Yeshua Hamashiach). 

Reno Omokri has been campaigning for Leah Sharibu’s release since 2018, and has written a book, Leah Sharibu: The Girl Boko Haram Left Behind. 100% of the royalties of that book was paid to Leah’s mother. 

Mr. Omokri also wore a customised #FreeLeahSharibu tracksuit over Mount Everest on Thursday, April 11, 2019, and has met with 9 sovereign governments in a bid to pressure the Nigerian administration of General Muhammadu Buhari to secure Miss Sharibu’s release. 

Angels on Guard: A Song for Leah is available for immediate download on iTunes, Spotify, and other music streaming platforms from Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

Watch Video Below;

Dove Award winning Tribl collective Maverick City Music is set to make a network TV appearance this week. Maverick City Music will be a featured performer on The Kelly Clarkson Show this Friday, February 18th. Check your local listings for channel lineup and times.

Last week, Maverick City Music dropped their Breathe EP in celebration of Black History Month 2022.  The new EP features the signature vocals of beloved Maverick City Music artist Joe L Barnes, Maryanne J. George, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore and Dante Bowe backed by the Mav City Gospel Choir. The Breathe EP includes live and studio versions of standout songs lifted from 2021’s Jubilee: Juneteenth album, like “Breathe,” “Joy of the Lord,” and “Make it Right,” plus three all-new original recordings. The Breathe EP serves as a reminder to all who listen to take a moment to breathe and celebrate life and the legacy of black gospel music.

 Multiple Award nominee and popular Gospel singer-songwriter KARIMA expands her growing business operations with the launch of the second label, “K A R I M A B R A N D.”

Giving a gift of hope and smiles to everyone, this Valentine’s Day, KARIMA’s inaugural collection will feature a variety of activewear for every style from hoodies and tees to yoga pants and joggers, as well as windbreakers, biker shorts, and headbands. The comfortable and affordable line is versatile and stylish. She will also introduce options for men and a limited line of Mommy & Me items. 

Each piece is crafted with the person’s inner beauty in mind. Made for an active lifestyle this first launch will present two collections in a range of sizes “Make It Rain Sunshine (M.I.R.S.)” and “Redeemed” which are available now on shopkarimabrand.com.

“My mission is to make comfy + chic an achievable lifestyle that makes everyone feel and look their best,” said Founder, CEO KARIMA. “No matter if you’re en route to the gym, running errands, meeting friends, or even if you are watching your favorite TV series, K A R I M A B R A N D has something for everyone.”

The women-owned K A R I M A B R A N D comes alongside KARIMA’s other Nashville-based brand, The Soup Chic. Created five years ago, The Soup Chic nurtures body and soul using offering fresh, homemade, all-natural ingredients as the K A R I M A B R A N D encourages health and wellness through an active lifestyle. 

KARIMA continues to maintain a successful music career. Currently, her biggest hit to date, “Redeemer,” has reached audiences worldwide and was Number 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Airplay chart for two consecutive weeks. KARIMA is poised to release a new song, “It’s Alright To Cry,” in early April. 

Shop K A R I M A B R A N D here: www.shopkarimabrand.com 

Stream & Listen to REDEEMER here: https://smarturl.it/1f03sk

Motown Gospel, a division of Capitol CMG/Capitol/Universal Music Group, announces the signing of South African singer, songwriter, and television personality HLE to an exclusive recording agreement. The partnership is the first of its kind, representing the only direct signing of a global artist in the famed label’s 23-year history.

Today’s announcement comes after a whirlwind season of success for HLE, spurred on by her acclaimed Your Kingdom on Earth. The project peaked at the #1 position on Apple Music’s Gospel Albums chart in 7 countries and landed key positioning in the U.S. & Canada across various streaming platforms. Among the many accolades that followed were 3 South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations, including Female Artist of the Year and Best Live Audio Visual Recording, ultimately winning the honor for Best Contemporary Faith Album.

“As a powerful multimedia presence, HLE seamlessly combines creativity and beauty with personal ministry,” share Monica Coates & EJ Gaines, Co-Executive Directors of Motown Gospel. “HLE elegantly transcends culture. We are delighted to partner with her in her vision to reach a global audience.”

“Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG is a true giant of the industry, known for cultivating some of the world’s greatest artists,” exclaims HLE. “I’m excited to become one of them as my music is taken across the globe.”

In addition to her thriving solo career, HLE recently began hosting VIP Invite, an uplifting television series that offers viewers a front-row seat to entertaining and uplifting musical experiences each week. Season 2 of the popular program will premiere this Sunday, February 20th at 17:00 CAT on Mzansi Magic Music DSTV channel 321.

HLE is currently at work on new music. Her debut offering with Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG is expected to come later this year, introducing HLE to the U.S. & Canada gospel marketplaces, while leveraging existing synergies within UMG’s global network.