Singer/songwriters Michaela DeLong, Nathanael DeLong and Cordell May, known as We The Least, have taken Songwriter of the Year honors in the 19th annual ChristianSongwriting.com competition. The contest, hosted by CM United, is the longest-running Christian songwriting contest in existence. We The Least won the competition with the band’s song titled “Made You Too.” A video for the award-winning song is on YouTube.

We The Least band members were selected by a panel of judges comprised of Mike Weaver, lead singer for Dove Award-winning band Big Daddy Weave; Austin French, contemporary Christian recording artist on Fair Trade; Paul Wright, hip-hop and R&B singer/songwriter formerly on Gotee Records; and Ron Rawls, worship leader, Grammy-winning producer, and keyboardist/band director for Mandisa.

In addition to the title, winning the competition earns We The Least band members numerous prizes and opportunities, including radio promotion by A-Sides Radio Promotion, PR services by INOV8 PR and artist development consultation by McLaughlin Music Group.

For a complete list of prizes, go to christiansongwriting.com/information.

Each year, the ChristianSongwriting.com contest names quarterly winners, with all first place quarterly winners becoming eligible to be selected as the annual songwriter of the year.

A full list of winners, including quarterly winners, is below:
19th Annual Songwriter of the Year – We The Least: Michaela DeLong, Nathanael DeLong and Cordell May

1st Place Winner (1st Qtr) – Dave Pettigrew
2nd Place Winner (1st Qtr) – Cameron Shaw
3rd Place Winner (1st Qtr) – Sarah Traynor

1st Place Winner (2nd Qtr) – Mark Boucot
2nd Place Winner (2nd Qtr) – Jeramy Reeves
3rd Place Winner (2nd Qtr) – Mitch Langley

1st Place Winner (3rd Qtr) – Michaela DeLong; Nathanael DeLong; Cordell May (We The Least)
2nd Place Winner (3rd Qtr) – Chris Smith
3rd Place Winner (3rd Qtr) – Jonathan Quigley

1st Place Winner (4th Qtr) – Jonathan Quigley
2nd Place Winner (4th Qtr) – Kathryn King
3rd Place Winner (4th Qtr) – Janie M Cunningham

The annual competition runs from January through December. The 20th Annual Songwriting Content currently is underway. Learn more at ChristianSongwriting.com; all details can be found at christiansongwriting.com/information; you may enter at christiansongwriting.com/enter.

Judges for the 20th Annual Songwriting Contest are Clay Crosse, 4-time Dove Award-winning artist and songwriter; John Katina, lead vocalist and songwriter for The Katinas; Chrissy Conway Katina, vocalist and songwriter for ZoeGirl; and Cale Kight, primary songwriter, lead guitarist and vocalist for Love Like Gravity.

Five-time Grammy nominated artist Matthew West celebrates his milestone 100th episode of The Matthew West Podcast.

The That Sounds Fun Network podcast recently surpassed an impressive 2 million downloads. Each week on The Matthew West Podcast, West is joined by some of his favorite artists, authors, athletes, and influencers to inspire and challenge listeners to go deeper in their faith and discover how to live a more meaningful life.

Some of these guests have included NFL stars Tim Tebow and Kurt Warner, CMA and ACM Award-winner Carly Pearce, Olympians Shawn Johnson East and Scott Hamilton, actress Candace Cameron Bure, stars of The Bachelor Ben Higgins and Madison Prewett, and more. The 100th episode features Emmy award winning television host Mike Rowe where he and West discuss the balance of work versus faith. Listen to The Matthew West Podcast HERE.

“Launching the show has helped me personally rediscover the power of story and the deep connection that takes place when we tell ours,” shares West. “I’ve also been reminded of the beauty of meaningful conversation. Each guest and each episode has taught me something about myself and helped me grow in my own life. I’ve been blown away by how many people are listening each week, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the show!”

Adding to the excitement the genre hitmaker’s current single, “Me On Your Mind,” is quickly climbing the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart – currently at number 14 – and has surpassed 3 million streams across all digital streaming platforms. Earlier this month, he was awarded his second RIAA Gold certification for his single “Truth Be Told.” Dubbed by Billboard as a “well-rounded songwriter,” he served as a co-writer on rising star Anne Wilson’s track “My Jesus” which became RIAA Gold certified and is the longest running number 1 on the Billboard Christian Chart in 2021.

West is also gearing up to release his sixth book, “The God Who Stays,” on September 6. For more information visit www.matthewwest.com/thegodwhostays. He is currently captivating audiences around the nation with his Brand New Tour – for dates and ticket information visit www.matthewwest.com/tour.

Singapore has just lifted most Covid restrictions that have been in place since the pandemic started, Christian music artists Keith and Kristyn Getty announced today that they will perform at the 5,000 people at The Star Theatre on Saturday, May 28 – one of the biggest concerts in that city in the last two years. Under the Covid restrictions, mass gatherings were prohibited.

The Gettys, the pre-eminent modern hymn writers in the world today, will bring a Gospel message to the people of Singapore at the state-of-the-art venue, which has hosted music’s elite including Bob Dylan, Elton John, James Taylor, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Tony Bennett and many others.

The trip will mark the Gettys’ first performance in Singapore. However, the group is already well-known in that city-state. “Surprisingly, our biggest audience in the world is in Singapore; it is consistently the number-one ranked city for streaming our music,” said Keith Getty. “This speaks to the remarkable strength and health of the church there.”

“We are excited to have the Gettys come to Singapore and remind Christians here about the importance of singing together in worship, especially through such trying times like this pandemic” said Christopher Chia, senior pastor of Adam Road Presbyterian Church, which is hosting the concert.

The Gettys will perform hymns from their recent albums, including Sing! In Christ Alone – Live at the Getty Music Worship Conference  a live recording from their annual conference on congregational singing, and Confessio – Irish American Roots, which traces their journey back to Northern Ireland and celebrates the Scots-Irish-American roots of their modern hymn writing.

For information about Getty Music: https://www.gettymusic.com/

For details about Adam Road Presbyterian Church and tickets to the concert: https://arpc.sg/getty/

MNRK Music Group is elated to announce its 16 nominations for the 37th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The powerful night of faith and music will take place in Atlanta on July 15 and 16. MNRK’s very own Jonathan McReynolds, James Fortune, Todd Dulaney and Josh Copeland collectively bring in 16 nominations.

With several nominations across the Stellar Awards categories, hit-makers Jonathan McReynolds and Todd Dulaney lead with 7 nominations each. Award-winning artists James Fortune and Josh Copeland follow with their own respective nominations.

A complete list of MNRK Music Group’s Nominations can be seen below:

Category 1 – Artist of the Year
-Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music; Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP; Life Room/K Approved/RCA Inspiration/MNRK

Category 3 – Male Artist of the Year
-Todd Dulaney; Anthems & Glory; MNRK

Category 5 – Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
-Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music; Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP; Life Room/K Approved/RCA Inspiration/MNRK

Category 6 – New Artist of the Year
-Josh Copeland; No Fear; Anointed Sounds / MNRK

Category 7 – Album of the Year
-Anthems & Glory; Todd Dulaney; MNRK
-Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP; Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music; Life Room/K Approved/RCA Inspiration/MNRK

Category 9 – Producer of the Year
-Todd Dulaney & Dontaniel Jamel Kimbrough; Anthems & Glory; MNRK

Category 10 – Contemporary Duo/Group of the Year
-Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music; Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP; Life Room/K Approved/RCA Inspiration/MNRK

Category 12 – Contemporary Male Artist of the Year
-Todd Dulaney; Anthems & Glory; MNRK

Category 16 – Contemporary Album of the Year
-Anthems & Glory; Todd Dulaney; MNRK
-Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP; Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music; Life Room/K Approved/RCA Inspiration/MNRK

Category 19 – Music Video of the Year
-Never Let Me Down; Olu Samuel Emedobi; FIYA World / MNRK (James Fortune)

Category 23 – Special Event Album of the Year
-Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP; Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music; Life Room/K Approved/RCA Inspiration/MNRK

Category 27 – Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
-Todd Dulaney; Anthems & Glory; MNRK
-Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP; Tyler Siemen; Life Room/K Approved/RCA Inspiration/MNRK

Category 28 – Praise and Worship Album of the Year
-Anthems & Glory; Todd Dulaney; MNRK

The nominations for the 37th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards were announced and TRIBL Records, one of the trailblazing labels in the Christian, Gospel, and Inspirational music, received 6 nominations. TRIBL’s GRAMMY-winning super group Maverick City Music earns six nominations including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for the Billboard Gospel #1 single, “Jireh.”

Co-Founder & President of TRIBL’s Records, Stephanie Valcarcel, says, “Our artists and creative teams work effortlessly all year to share the gospel in new and inspiring ways both sonically and visually. We are honored to have our work recognized by the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and its voting members.”

The Stellar Awards, which are the most prestigious awards in Gospel music, will take place on Saturday, July 16th in Atlanta, GA.

A complete list of TRIBL Records nominations is below.

Category #1: ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Maverick City Music; Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition; TRIBL Records

Category #2: SONG OF THE YEAR

“Jireh” (Featuring Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine); Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick & Chris Brown; TRIBL Records

CATEGORY #5: DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

Maverick City Music, Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition, TRIBL Records

CATEGORY #10: CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

Maverick City Music, Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition, TRIBL Records

CATEGORY #23: SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR

A Very Maverick Christmas; Maverick City Choir; TRIBL Records

CATEGORY #28: PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition; Maverick City Music; TRIBL Records

Awakening Events and Awakening Foundation announce that multi-GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award  winning artist and songwriter Zach Williams will continue his headlining tour this fall. Kicking off September 14 and running through November 20, the Zach Williams Fall ’22 Tour will hit 36 major markets such as New York City, Colorado Springs, Baton Rouge, Phoenix, and Austin, and feature special guest Ben Fuller. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 13. Click HERE for more information.

A Fan Appreciation sale also begins this Friday, allowing fans to save 20% on tickets with the exception of VIP tickets. The special sale will run through May 27.

Additionally, Williams’ fall tour will offer something even more special than ever before for VIP ticket holders. In partnership with the Salvation Army, for every VIP ticket sold, a food box will be given to a family in need in the community, providing enough meals to feed a family of four for an entire week.

The announcement of Williams’ fall tour run follows the success of his 35-city spring tour, where 30 of the 35 shows sold more than 90% of their capacity, while 23 stops officially sold out. Curtis Pinkerton, Director of Marketing for Awakening Events, shares, “There is something very special happening on the road with Zach Williams right now. The experience of a Zach live show is unlike anything we have in Christian music today, and we’re excited to share this experience with more fans on the Fall ’22 tour while most of all, helping families in these communities.”

All VIP ticket holders will be able to participate in the VIP Exclusive Eat & Greet Experience, which includes:

• One (1) entry to pre-show VIP Eat & Greet full-course gourmet dinner prepared by Napa Valley, CA-based professional Chef Paul Fields
• The opportunity to meet Zach Williams and get a photo*
• Premium concert seating
• Early access to shopping at the merch table
• A commemorative VIP tour laminate and gift bag

Enjoy an amazing meal while also making a difference in your local community. This is a very limited offer and additional specifications apply. Visit HERE for more information.

“This fall, we’re gearing up for the biggest tour we have ever done,” Williams exclaims. “Every song, album, and show I’ve done has led me to this moment. I’m bringing my good friend Ben Fuller along and we will tell our stories and sing songs about grace and redemption while playing brand new music and old favorites. Come and see what Jesus is doing this year at the Fall 22’ Tour with us!”

RCA Inspiration celebrates multiple nominations for the upcoming 37th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, with multiple artists nominated for their album and song projects over the past year in 17 categories. Eighteen Stellar Award nominations for hit artists Mali Music, Kelontae Gavin, Travis Greene, Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling, and Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) include the major categories of Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Album of the Year, and Choir of the Year, along with nominations in Contemporary, Traditional, Urban/Inspirational, and Praise and Worship categories.

Garnering seven nominations for a live EP collaboration is chart-topper Mali Music (K Approved Enterprises/RCA Inspiration). As a co-performer on the Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music hit collaboration album Jonny x Mali: Live in LA, their 2021 project of live performances was released in partnership between Mali’s imprint K Approved Enterprises, RCA Inspiration, Jonathan’s Life Room Label and MNRK. The Stellar Award nominations on the Jonny x Mali: Live in LA project include: Artist of the Year, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Album of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, Special Event Album of the Year, and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year. Separately, Mali is also named in his appearance with singer Amethyst on her song “Redeemed” (ft. Mali Music), nominated for Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year.

Garnering five nominations is chart-topper Kelontae Gavin (Marquis Boone Enterprises/RCA Inspiration) for his album The N.O.W. Experience. His Stellar Award nominations include: Male Artist of the Year, Traditional Male Artist of the Year, Traditional Album of the Year, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and Praise and Worship Song of the Year for his hit single “Great.” 

Garnering two nominations is chart-topper Travis Greene for his album Oil + Water. His Stellar Award nominations include: Male Artist of the Year, and Contemporary Male Artist of the Year.  

Garnering two nominations is the album from the acclaimed Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling (HezHouse Entertainment/RCA Inspiration), Third Round. Their Stellar Award nominations include: Choir of the Year, and Traditional Choir of the Year.  

Separately, chart-topper Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) received a nomination in the Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year category, as a co-performer on the Lil Baby x Kirk Franklin track “We Win.” Released in May 2021, the song was featured on the Space Jam: A New Legacy Official Soundtrack, which was released by Republic Records and Warner Bros. Pictures.

The 37th Annual Stellar Awards will be taped in Atlanta, GA, July 15th-16th, 2022.

Melanie Penn will release her sixth studio album, More Alive Vol. 2 on July 15, featuring a full album with 10 songs and multiple videos. The talented artist released four music videos this winter/spring to give her audience a taste of the incredible music she will deliver in mid-summer.

In January 2022, Penn started releasing four songs from her album, “The Story,” “Look Up,” “Just Jump,” and the original version of “The Melody.” All four songs are currently available on YouTube and all listening platforms, with Penn’s full album releasing on July 15 that will be available at all music outlets.

Penn has once again teamed with Nashville producers Ben Shive and Cason Cooley for the project. Shive is producer for all of the songs on More Alive Vol. 2, with Cooley co-producing five of the recordings. The recording process with the team this time around was easier, since socially distance restrictions were lifted. Penn and her team were able to get into the studio for the first time in two years and work in person with the musicians.

“The covid era was so painful for all of us but I have to admit it yielded some of my favorite songs to date. In another time I would never have written songs like ‘Peace’ or ‘The Story’ – as usual God brought beauty from ashes! I lamented the covid era for a long time but after everything I’ve learned I wouldn’t go back to my ‘2019 self!”

When Penn released More Alive Vol. 1 in 2020, the country was dealing with Covid-19 that led to isolation in homes, fear of the disease and an uncertain future. In 2022, struggles still remain with different issues, but Penn delivers uplifting songs and thoughtful lyrics to share the hope that only God can give. Her albums flow with consistent messages for fans and listeners, that once more brings a wide range of songs that always come back to the dependence on our faith.

Penn’s journey with the songs and music of her new album comes with heartbreak, since the music was written during the long Covid era when she was caring for her father’s battle with cancer, who eventually passed away in 2021. However, the strength of Penn’s faith poured into her songs. The soothing “Peace” tells us how to overcome adversity while anchored in God’s promises, whereas “Follow You” musically describes how we deal with the emotions of our heart, although God can make it a gift of an open door. “He’s Got the Whole World” is one of the more upbeat songs on More Alive Vol. 2, where the song delivers an answer that God is totally in control, no matter the situation.

Stay tuned with Penn on her website and social media, as she will have new videos in May, June and July, along with an album announcement on May 23.

More Alive Vol. 2 Track Listing:
1.    The Story
2.    I Will Trust
3.    How To Sing
4.    Just Jump
5.    Look Up
6.    Follow You
7.    The Melody
8.    Psalm 23
9.    He’s Got The Whole World
10.    Peace

For the fifth consecutive time, leading saxophonist Beejay Sax returns to the prestigious Eko Hotels for this year’s edition of the praise experience, headlined Beejay Sax Live.

Beejay Sax Live is a unique praise concert organised with the sole aim of bringing together individuals, young and old, irrespective of tongue, tribe and status, to offer relentless praise to God.

Date: Sunday, May 15th 2022
Venue: Eko Hotels and Suites.
Time: 5pm prompt.

Ministering: Moses Bliss, Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, Chigozie Wisdom, Tosin Bee & Adeyinka Alaseyori.

Tickets and reservations:
www.beejaysax.com
Contact details- 08058982828

Thy Kingdom Come, an interdenominational revival worship meeting that will be held at OVO Arena Wembley, London on Sunday 24th, 2022 has confirmed that its ticket will be out on the 9th of May 2022.

Anointed Gospel music ministers who will be gracing the program live in the UK includes Nathaniel Bassey, a Gospel music minister, recording artist, songwriter, and producer, who also serves as the Pastor of The Oasis- The Youth Church of RCCG, The King’s Court. Lagos, Nigeria.

Minister Victoria Orenze, a renowned worship leader, songwriter, and music producer who also serves as a Pastor at Jesus Unhindered Ministry would also be ministering. Nonetheless is also Dunsin Oyekan, popularly referred to as ‘The Eagle‘; a songwriter, worship revivalist, and convener of the Code Red Worship Experience & The Outpouring revival movements.

Thy Kingdom Come is a God-given project being put together by believers who feel led to contribute to the emblems of the fire of revival that God is stirring in the United Kingdom.