RCA Inspiration and Provident Entertainment celebrate three NAACP Image Awards nominations for album and song releases in the Gospel/Christian categories. Recognizing these inspirational collaborations released in 2021, chart-toppers Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music (K Approved Enterprises/RCA Inspiration), H.E.R. and Tauren Wells (Provident Entertainment), and Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) each garnered nods for the upcoming 53rd NAACP Image Awards.

Nominated in the category of Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album is the duet project released by hit-makers Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music, featuring their live performances on Jonny x Mali: Live in LA (Life Room Label/K Approved Enterprises/MNRK/RCA Inspiration). Nominated in the category of Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song, are: the co-artist collaboration by hit-makers H.E.R. and Tauren Wells, who recorded the uplifting single “Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)” (RCA/Provident Entertainment), and hit-maker Kirk Franklin, for his song “Overcome 2021” (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), released on Apple Music in June 2021 for its exclusive “Juneteenth 2021 Freedom Songs” Playlist.

The 53rd NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, February 26th, 2022 at 8 PM/7C on BET.

Gold-selling, Dove Award-winning pop recording artist and songwriter Jordan Feliz is set to release Say It (Deluxe) worldwide on March 11 via Centricity Music. The 18-track deluxe version of Feliz’s acclaimed, third full-length album Say It features a never-before-released remix and two new songs, “Stained Glass” and “Best Thing.”

The deluxe also features the celebratory CBN News, Studio 5–premiered “Jesus Is Coming Back” and its remix version featuring both GRAMMY Award-winning Mandisaand Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG artist Jonathan Traylor. The song follows Feliz’s No. 1 radio single “Glorify” and the Parade-premiered multi-format Top-10 track “Next To Me” to become the third radio hit from Say It. Breaking into the Top 20 on the Billboard NCA Monitored chart along with Most Added status, “Jesus Is Coming Back” points to the hope of Christians around the world, giving voice to those longing for a home other than ones built on earth.

With CCLI SongSelect, MultiTracks and PraiseCharts offering worship leaders resources for the song, “Jesus Is Coming Back” sets the tone for Say It as the opening track. Co-produced by Jordan Mohilowski and Feliz’s longtime collaborator Colby Wedgeworth, the album combines pop, Gospel and soul along with some of Feliz’s most transparent and personal lyrics to date.

In addition to the aforementioned singles, Say It (Deluxe) further includes an alternate version of “Next To Me” along with a remix of the song featuring Dream Records artist HGHTS. Like on the album release, the deluxe version also includes a “Glorify” remix featuring seven-time GRAMMY winner and multi-Platinum selling artist TobyMac and Gotee Records artist Terrian, as well as a remix of the song featuring two-time Grammy-winning, multi-Platinum-selling hip hop recording artist Lecrae along with Reach Records’ Hulvey.

The full Say It (Deluxe) track Listing follows:

01)  Jesus Is Coming Back

02)  Next To Me

03)  Wounds

04)  Glorify

05)  Real Me

06)  When I Say My Prayers

07)  Only Love

08)  Stars In My Sky

09)  Another World

10)  Say It (feat. Aaron Cole)

11)  Glorify (feat. TobyMac and Terrian)

12)  Glorify (feat. Lecrae and Hulvey)

13)  Wounds (Alternate Version)

14)  Stained Glass

15)  Best Thing

16)  Next To Me (HGHTS Remix)

17)  Next To Me (Alternate Version)

18)  Jesus Is Coming Back (feat. Mandisa and Jonathan Traylor)

Performing “Hallelujah, Our King” in the special, Christmas With The Chosen: The Messengers, which became a top box office hit in theaters over the holidays, Feliz also takes his new music and bevy of hits and fan favorites on tour. He performs at Rock The Universe 2022 on Jan. 28 and joins Matthew West for a dozen concerts beginning March 24 in Lubbock, TX and ending April 10 in O’Fallon, IL. See the tour trailer at https://youtu.be/ewqlOQm_ABo.

Beyond Desperate is an annual worship and intercessory meeting, which started since 2014 by Desperate Worshipers (Dewmusik Int’l), it is targeted towards revival of territories.

Acclaimed singer/songwriters and leading corporate worship influencers Shane & Shane are set to release Worship In The Word, an all-new recording for children and families, January 28. In addition, the project is the impetus for a 10-episode streaming series of the same name, which will be available beginning January 25 from RightNow Media.
 
Worship In The Word was produced by the duo’s Shane Barnard and features 10 newly-penned songs inspired by Scripture. One of the album’s first singles, “Come And See (Psalm 66)”—an engaging invitation for Christ to be exalted on the highest mountain and praised in the lowest valley—introduces a worship collection readily accessible for all ages, yet chiefly designed to help children learn about and experience God in a deeper way.
 
“Now more than ever, with the onslaught of information overloading us, we wanted to create authentic songs and compelling resources families can use to worship and study the Word together,” Shane Barnard shares. “Our ultimate goal is to see kids and families develop a hunger for God’s Word and a desire to worship Him, growing deeper in love with Jesus.”
 
Faith-based streaming platform RightNow Media will premiere a 10-episode Worship In The Word series January 25. Featuring an in-depth look at one selection from the album in each episode, viewers can watch Shane & Shane’s recording of the track while learning from unique teaching and interview segments about the song.

“The prerequisite for admittance into Christ’s Kingdom is humility, a childlike faith,” Shane Everett explains. “Our desire is to train children up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), but we also want to remind adults, parents, and older siblings that Jesus references children as examples of His ideal followers.”

Expanding Shane & Shane’s mission—the Colossians 3:16 directive to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God”—Worship In The Word marks the duo’s debut Kingdom Kids release. A compilation of resources for children and families, Kingdom Kids is part of Shane & Shane’s The Worship Initiative equipping ministry.

Worship In The Word follows last year’s Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, Vol. 1, Shane & Shane’s first original release in more than six years. The 13-song album was named among The Gospel Coalition’s “Best Christian Music of 2021.”  

Shane & Shane are founders and leaders of the Dallas-based The Worship Initiative. The equipping ministry offers a library of hundreds of popular worship songs; team training materials; instrument tutorials; and song-based devotionals, among many other offerings. The Worship Initiative has released more than 30 albums to date, and its unique community of artists, songwriters and theologians seeks to be a catalyst for musical and spiritual growth in the Church.

BBC One talent show judge and award-winning gospel singer, Muyiwa Olarewaju, awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020
Star of Songs of Praise’s Gospel Choir of the Year competition given the honour in recognition of his service to music.

BBC One talent show judge, radio host and award-winning British gospel singer, Muyiwa Olarewaju, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020. The vibrant performer is known to television audiences as a star of Songs of Praise’s Gospel Choir of the Year.  He has been hugely instrumental in popularising the gospel music genre on a global scale by mixing traditional gospel music with elements from Africa, the Caribbean and Asia, with soul, R&B and pop.

Given the honour for his service to music, Muyiwa has brought his unique style to music fans around the world as he’s toured with legends such as Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey. He has worked alongside superstars Bob Dylan  and Lauryn Hill.

Prince William handed the OBE medal to Muyiwa at the event on the 12th of January 2022.  A delighted Muyiwa, said:  “I am honoured to be the first in my genre to receive such a wonderful recognition of my work and dedication over such a long period of time.

“I’m incredibly passionate about gospel music and playing a part in the genre reaching as wide an audience as possible. When you pour your heart into your passions, you do so because you love what you do and want to make an impact in not only your own life, but the lives of others. So to be recognized for it as well, especially on such a large scale is a great feeling.”

Muyiwa is the station director of the country’s best known gospel radio station Premier Gospel, which has an audience of 1.3 million listeners nationwide and he presents the popular flagship programmes Gospel Tonight and Worship Tonight to an audience of 500,000. He has also won numerous awards, including Best Presenter Oasis Awards; Best Radio Show and Best Contribution to Gospel Music at the Gospel Music Awards.
In addition, he is host of the TV show Turning Point, which has an estimated audience of 70 million globally.

Today, on Friday, January 14th, Five-time Grammy nominated artist, Dante Bowe, will bring “Joy” to the Tamron Hall Show with an exclusive interview to discuss his humble beginnings and historic Grammy nominations, along with an exclusive performance of his fresh, feel-good anthem, “joyful.”  For a complete list of air times and affiliate channels, please view HERE.

“joyful,”the lead hit single from multi-platinum recording artist Dante Bowe’s sophomore album, circles, reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Song Sales and No. 3 on Hot Gospel Songs, making it the highest solo charting position of Bowe’s career. Bowe wrote his sophomore album, ‘circles’ that reflects on the death of his grandfather and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, and the album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart

Date Bowe has had arguably the most powerful year of his career, making history as the first artist to have the greatest number of simultaneous nominations in both Gospel & Christian genres with 3 solo and 2 group Grammy award nominations for the upcoming 64th Grammy Awards including Best Gospel Performance/Song twice for “Voice of God” and “joyful,” Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Wait on You” with Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music; Best 5 Gospel Album with Maverick City Music for Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album with Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music.

Dante Bowe closed out the season with top ten placements on three different Billboard Year End Charts, hailed as the Top New Gospel Artist of 2021–No. 9 overall for Top Gospel Artist, No. 4 for Top Male Gospel Artist, and No. 4 on Top New Christian Artists. Known for his distinctive raspy vocals, Bowe won his first Dove Award at the 52^nd GMA Dove Awards for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “joyful.” The award-winning songwriter made history with “joyful” again and became the first artist to have his song chart on both the Billboard’s Gospel Airplay and Christian Song charts, bridging the gap between Gospel and CCM formats. Recently seen at the 49th American Music Awards red carpet, Bowe has been featured in Variety, Billboard, Entertainment Tonight and Vogue Magazine’s Fashion Round-up.

Bowe is set to embark on his firstSpring 2022 tour, ‘What Are We Waiting For? – The Tour,” as a solo artist with four-time Grammy award winners & Pop Sensations, For King + Country. Dante Bowe is the one to watch, and he is unstoppable.

Curb | Word Entertainment’s Love & The Outcome announces the upcoming release of their third studio LP, Only Ever Always, arriving Apr. 1, 2022. Beginning today, the full-length project is available to pre-order, pre-save and pre-add HERE. Previewing the upbeat pop set, the duo also drops “I’m Not Lucky, I’m Blessed” and is set to unveil an official music video for the buoyant track today (1/14) at 1 p.m. CT.

Only Ever Always finds Love & The Outcome’s Jodi King and Chris Rademaker choosing hope in the face of hardship. The recent flooding of their Nashville home inspired the 13-track collection as the couple realized rain precedes the rainbow. Produced by Seth Mosley, Mark Campbell and Colin Munroe, the album is colored by the act’s signature blend of positive pop and a retro groove. It boasts select songs from their 2020 EP, You Got This, as well as future hits like “I’m Not Lucky, I’m Blessed,” “More” and “Nothing Surprises You,” featuring Maverick City Music’s Stefan Cashwell.

Today’s advance release of “I’m Not Lucky, I’m Blessed” proves the duo doesn’t believe in happenstance. Penned by Jodi and songwriter Joshua David, the optimistic track gives credit to the Creator for every good thing, made sweeter in light of the Rademakers’ life-altering flood. The sunny singalong was produced by Seth Mosley (FOR KING + COUNTRY, Francesca Battistelli) and features Dmitry Gorodetsky, Charlie Puth’s bassist, whose contribution was fittingly one of divine coincidence.

Pre-order, pre-add or pre-save Only Ever Always HERE. For tour dates and more information, visit www.loveandtheoutcome.com.

Only Ever Always Official Tracklisting:

1. “Only Ever Always”
2. “Need U On Repeat”
3. “I’m Not Lucky, I’m Blessed”
4. “Look What God Has Done”
5. “End Of The Day”
6. “Start From There”
7. “More”
8. “Nothing Surprises You”
9. “You Got This”
10. “Lookin’ Up”
11. “Same Page”
12. “I’ll Find You”
13. “Moving On”

We are thrilled to announce the planned release of a fresh sound from UK based SongWriter and Prophetic Psalmist, Isabella Melodies in January 2022. Omeriwo (He has prevailed) will be the first single to be unveiled from Isabella’s soon-to-be-released 10th album titled “Melodies From The Secret Place” and is simply a declaration of the victory we have in Jesus Christ.

Revelations 5:5 “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed…”

Get ready to be blessed by this one.

Connect with Isabella Melodies for further updates @isabellamelodies

On February 11, 2022, DOVE Award-winning Gospel singer/songwriter Lynda Randle is set to release her new recording Pilgrim Journey – a gripping, gospel album that showcases emotion-filled vocals and rich, honest lyrics. Released by Gaither Music Group, the album features guest vocals by Kimberly Schlapman, of Little Big Town, and Tommy Sims with stirring production by two-time GRAMMY nominated and 13-time DOVE Award-winning singer-songwriter Cindy Morgan.

Pilgrim Journey is an uplifting, spiritual voyage that invites listeners to navigate their inherent yearning for hope and inspires perseverance as they anticipate the eternal promise of freedom. The recording highlights Randle’s signature Gospel stylings while capturing an epic, soulful side of her that is reminiscent of artists who have inspired her, including Mavis Staples, Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Blind Boys of Alabama and more.

“Pilgrim Journey is such a special project to me because it is a bridge between my roots and my present–a musical coming home of sorts,” stated Randle. “It is an album of lament, healing, forgiveness, love…a journey to unity; and bringing people together is my passion. Getting to work and produce with my musical ‘she-ro’ Cindy Morgan and the amazing musicians and talent she brought to the project were more than a dream come true!”

On February 12, 2022, Pilgrim Journey will be aired as part of a special television offer surrounding Randle’s project Homecoming Favorites and Songs of Inspiration on PBS, Circle TV, TBN, RFD-TV, GaitherTV, TCT, Heartland and CTN. The special will also be aired in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV.

To stream or purchase Pilgrim Journey or listen to the debut single, “Plenty Good Room,” visit: https://gaithermusic.lnk.to/PilgrimJourney_LyndaRandle.

Lynda is featured regularly on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel (over 2.3M subscribers) and on the Gaither Music Facebook page (over 1.3M followers). Pilgrim Journey will be available on all digital streaming platforms, featured on various playlists and marketed through direct-to-consumer initiatives. Songs from the release will be heard on Gaither Radio on Pandora and made available on Gaither Radio on Amazon.

Lynda’s unmistakable alto voice has created opportunities for her to minister across the United States and around the world for the past three decades. She has shared the stage with musical legends such as Andre Crouch and Gladys Knight, has enjoyed the distinct honor of being a musical guest for a Billy Graham Crusade and is deemed a favorite on the Gaither Homecoming Video Series.

In 2005, she won a DOVE Award for her album A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson. Lynda’s intrinsic ability to unite diverse audiences makes both her message and music cross-cultural. This is a theme that can be seen through her individual performances, women’s conferences, books and albums; and her ability to build bridges across audiences has never been more transparent than on this heartfelt recording.

Pilgrim Journey official track listing:

1. “Oh Lord” (Prologue)
2. “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” (feat. Tommy Sims)
3. “Can You Hear Me Praying?”
4. “My Feet May Be Tired”
5. “My Soul Is Troubled”
6. “Plenty Good Room”
7. “Give Me Jesus” (feat. Kimberly Schlapman)
8. “Arms Strong and Mighty”
9. “Motherless Child Medley”
10. “Freedom Medley”
11. “Oh Lord”

 Celebrated vocalist KARIMA soars high claiming the Number 1 spot on several Gospel radio charts. The beautiful worship ballad “Redeemer,” is KARIMA’s DARE Records debut and its impressive rise speaks to the power of the song and KARIMA’s exceptional performance of it.

‘REDEEMER’
ENTERING NUMBER 1 ON MULTIPLE CHARTS
#1 BILLBOARD GOSPEL AIRPLAY
#1 MEDIABASE GOSPEL AIRPLAY
#1 BILLBOARD GREATEST GAINER GOSPEL AIRPLAY

KARIMA’s first-ever Number 1 song, “Redeemer” is #1 on the Gospel Airplay Chart, is the greatest gainer on that chart, and is #1 on the Mediabase Gospel chart.

“Just when you think it’s over it’s literally just the beginning. After being in the music industry for 25 years, I hoped and may have even dreamed of being in this position,” said KARIMA. “While I was contemplating giving up on music, God was waiting on me to recognize His ultimate plan for this season of my life… the plan was just to believe in myself and KEEP GOING no matter what that looked like to others or felt like to myself.”

She went on to say “I’ve learned in this process that His ‘no’ is even good. His ‘no’ doesn’t always mean things are permanently not going to happen. His ‘no’ in my situation simply meant not right now. Patience and perseverance was key. He’s a promise keeper and a restorer of all things good. Wow God.”

This rare feat adds to DARE Records’ latest string of hits marking the label’s third consecutive Billboard Number 1 song. Juan and Lisa Winans; “It Belongs To Me,” and “Jesus Will Fix It (Trouble In My Way)” from Shontelle Norman-Beatty both peaked at Number 1 last year.

Michael-Anthony “Mooki” Taylor, DARE Records CEO & Chairman, said, “so many wonderful pieces to this exciting story!” “Tara Griggs-Magee (Dare Records label president) signed Karima and her sisters in Virtue to Verity Records over 20 years ago. While I did a remix on ‘He’s Been Good’ in 2002. I also was writing and recording with Nicole C. Mullen for Carman in 1994.” 

Taylor went on to explain the full circle moment “I signed Karima to DARE Records in 2020 the same week Juan and Lisa Winans’ ‘It Belongs To Me’ (feat. Marvin L. Winans) went #1 and we released the ‘Redeemer’ remake in 2021. Shontelle Norman-Beatty went #1 in September 2021. And HERE-WE-ARE. THREEPEAT! Like the 90’s Bulls!”

Best known for her musical success as co-founder and member of the enormously successful Gospel/Christian trio Virtue, KARIMA signed with DARE Records in 2021. While achieving success on the music front, KARIMA elevates her brand and business enterprises. In addition to the launch of THE SOUP CHIC, an online delivery service of homemade soup, KARIMA plans to launch a women’s athleisure brand called The KARIMA Brand. The fashion line will feature pieces for the on-the-go woman to go from the Yoga studio to the recording studio.