Chicagoan Mark Hubbard’s name is synonymous with Gospel choir excellence. The highly respected, celebrated and decorated choir director has created unforgettable performances with musical legends including Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, Melba Moore, Tramaine Hawkins, Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Carr, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Beverly Crawford, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark-Sheard and the late Aretha Franklin, among others. If a majestic constellation of voices is required, Mark Hubbard is the person called to bring them together.

In fact, it was Mark Hubbard who was enlisted by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) Team to assemble the first Gospel choir to perform on the Lollapalooza stage. The 40-person choir he put together – dubbed “Music in the Key of Chicago” – will provide a dose of uplifting sounds at the popular Grant Park event.

Hubbard also has a new single out: “Now Cry Holy,” is a stunning showcase of his ability to weave many voices into one ethereal sound. Featuring his signature ensemble “The Voices,” the song sublimely mesmerizes with every note.

“Now Cry Holy is so special to me for a few reasons,” says Hubbard. “I fell in love with it at my church, New Life Covenant Southeast. The writer of the song was our worship leader and she used to sing it all the time. I loved how it was arranged and how it just arrests all of the senses so that you don’t want to do anything but soak in every moment of it.”

When Hubbard was preparing for an album recording, he asked the songwriter, Valencia Lacy, if he could record it. She agreed. The song was written to have a lead singer on it, but the singer wasn’t available at the last minute. “I had to rearrange the song to accommodate not having a lead singer, and it ended up being perfect,” says Hubbard. “Not having the lead took nothing away and the song really ministers to people the way that we recorded it.”

That was in 2009. “For 12 years, the song has just been sitting,” says Hubbard. “Every time we went to release it there were roadblocks.”

In March of this year, Hubbard was determined to release the song and reached out to his friend Hezekiah Walker for radio support. Hubbard says, “I was confident that this was a song the world needed to hear. With all that we were and still are going through, we need the reminder that God is still holy no matter our conditions. I planned to call on everyone I knew to get support for the record. I was hoping that Hezekiah Walker would play it on his radio show.” Instead, Walker offered him a record deal.

Within hours of that phone call, Hubbard had received and signed a recording contract: “I had no intention or motivation beyond getting my song played on the radio, but this is how God works…he gives you exceedingly, abundantly above what we can ask or think. I am literally brought to tears every time I think about how all of this happened.”

“Mark has been out for quite some time and he has been consistent and dedicated. Even though he has had label deals before, Mark has been working independently for so long that I wanted to help him get his music out since I am in the position to do so. Mark is faithful to the Gospel genre and to the Gospel community, I felt like this was a moment to help him shine,” says Hezekiah Walker.

“’Now Cry Holy’ is the perfect song for this season. It was refreshing for me to hear because we have gotten away from singing about the holiness of God. There are so many catchy slogans and anthems in lyrics now, it felt good to just hear ‘holy is the lamb’ sung so beautifully. It reminded me of the Gospel music I heard growing up,” Walker says.

“Now Cry Holy” is available now everywhere digital music is sold.

Gospel singer, Nike Okebu celebrates her birthday with ‘Ten Thousand Tongues’  featuring Mike Abdul.

With a burden to stir people to praise the Almighty God in gratitude, the new Gospel music act, Adenike Okebu teams up with popular Gospel artiste, Mike Abdul on her latest release – ‘Ten Thousand Tongues‘, who took it to another level. 

According to Okebu: “This song is borne from a deep place. Music heals the soul and has been my medicine whenever I was depressed”. 

“So many people who appear strong and without problems actually suffer so much from trying to live up to people’s expectations of them and one place to find solace is in songs of gratitude to God who gives Peace of mind”.

Produced by Tyanx, the single is also available to the public on all platforms.

Listen & Download Below

Curb | Word Entertainment’s We Are Messengers has debuted the music video for their latest single, the anthemic “Come What May.” The resilient track serves as the next radio single and offers the first taste of new music from the K-LOVE Award-winner’s forthcoming third studio album. Stream or purchase “Come What May” HERE.

Featuring We Are Messengers’ signature life-changing lyrics and arena-ready hooks, “Come What May” declares that the character of God is unchanging regardless of our circumstances. “In the past year, we’ve all collectively been forced to concede that, despite our illusions and devises, we do not get to control the world around us,” shares front man Darren Mulligan.

“‘Come What May’ is a song that not only acknowledges this reality, but revels in the fact that we have a God that loves us and is worthy of our faith, hope, and trust no matter what circumstances we are facing. It’s a celebration of freedom of not having to fabricate a false reality to ourselves and those around us and a declaration of the goodness of God.”

The Dove-nominated band will perform the brand-new track and a host of hits when making their Red Rocks debut on Aug. 3. They will share the iconic stage with Casting Crowns, Zach Williams, CAIN and Brandon Heath as part of “Live at Red Rocks,” presented by K-LOVE. This fall, the band will once again hit the road on TobyMac’s “Hits Deep Tour” before joining Newsboys for the “Step Into The Light Tour.”

Roxè, gospel hip-hop’s most buzzed-about, emerging singer, songwriter, and rapper, leans into his spirituality with his breakout song “Jesus: Kingdom of Love,” a top single that has rapidly garnered over 30,000 streams on Spotify. His electrifying dance and choreography bring fun and excitement to the Gospel stage like never before.  Today, the artist released the video to accompany the single from his debut album entitled “Roxè, The One” and officially debut his “No Hate No Violence” campaign, all part of his mission to empower listeners to be part of a generation that ends the cycle of violence.

Roxè’s message is timely. Over 24,445 people have died from gun violence in the US this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, with over 370 mass shootings as of July 20. As the United States is set to witness a summer plagued with gun violence, Roxè’s “No Hate No Violence” message is needed now more than ever.  With his mega-church tour set for this summer and plans to speak to numerous youth groups and organizations, the 22-year-old hopes the song, message and tour will stop the tide of shootings caused by the pandemic and the increase in gun sales.

Roxè recently performed at the Urban Soul Cafe “Backyard Brunch” event in Nashville, TN to kick off the Stellar Awards weekend and will be appearing again in Nashville on August 15 at the “Party in the Park,” a back-to-school community celebration.

“I want my music to inspire others to rise above the hate and the violence,” says Roxè. “By creating positive music, with lyrics about love, unity, and Christ, maybe people will realize that you can have fun, enjoy positive music and have hope for a better world.”

Working with some of the music industry’s key heavyweights including Q Parker (112) and Prince Howard (Director of A&R at Beatroot, LLC), Roxè’s self-titled album “Roxè, The One“ is currently in production and will be released later in the year.

“Roxè pushes the boundaries of today’s Christian Hip Hop,” said A&R Director Prince Howard.  “His songwriting is direct and passionate, the music is purpose-driven and captures the spirit of this unprecedented year.”

Raised by a family of prolific singers, preachers, and entertainers, the West Chester, Ohio, native is inspired by the work of numerous artists, including his brother, Johnny B.  Roxè is represented and managed by Ohio-based Top Shelf Music, Inc.

Contemporary gospel singer-songwriter, Beauty Obodo has premiered the official video to her declarative single “I Shall Live”. The song was released in April 2020 at the peak of the global pandemic and lockdown, releasing the spirit of faith into the atmosphere and counteracting fear in the hearts of many with faith-inspired declarations of God’s words and promises to us.

According to the music minister, “I Shall Live” is a declaration of God’s Love as an assurance of protection against sicknesses, diseases, and any form of evil. The track is produced by Chika Ahuche of Chykeyzpro Music Production.

Beauty Obodo’s passion for God and her worship of Him continues to be an inspiration to many and reflects on the depth of her highly inspirational and spirit-lifting songs. Earlier this year, she teamed up with Liberian-born worshiper Moses Swaray for a new single titled “Gracious God,” which was well-received with great reviews and testimonies, and is still a blessing to many globally.

Get into the Uncle Toks directed new visual for “I Shall Live” below;

Vibrant and empowering are words that capture the essence of Londa Larmond. Since her solo debut in 2001, this Canadian gospel treasure has faithfully maintained her calling: bringing inspirational messages of God’s love with her authoritative and commanding voice, uplifting anyone who listens.

Londa released her previous single, GREAT GOD, since her 2011 live album release, GREAT THINGS. With new experiences and maturity, Londa steps back into the spotlight showcasing her signature melodic voice, resonating in a fusion of invigorating sounds. “My music’s purpose is to let people know that God is always with them and in the midst of a song being sung He’s able to accomplish their heart’s desire,” asserts Londa. “He is with us through thick and thin, and He wants and is ready to do great and powerful things in our lives.” 

This song is an anthem in Londa Larmond’s life. Though it’s been re-recorded by many, Londa wanted to record it in typical “Londa Larmond” style adding an uplifting bouncing groove as a reprise.

Having gone through marriage, divorce and now being a single parent – it hasn’t been easy to say the least, but God HAS BEEN and CONTINUES to be FAITHFUL!! This song truly embodies how Londa feels about her Heavenly Father! It’s a testament of His goodness towards her and her 2 sons.

She is eternally grateful for all that He has done for her and has made it her vow to always sing about the GOODNESS

OF GOD. 

Watch Video Below

Gospel music singer and minister, Aramide offers up a brand new video tagged “Shout of Joy.”

The video and song delivered in both English and Yoruba languages acknowledges God’s goodness.

Aramide is a Gospel singer whose ministrations have caused many lives to be lifted, joyful and refreshed.

The worship minister also believes that singing Gospel music is about ministering to people of God in melody, for joy, dancing, spiritual reflection, worshipping with thanksgiving for Godly assurances which has remained her watchword for many years till date.

This video serves as a follow up to her latest album titled “Winner.” The song is produced by Papasam.

Watch Video Below;

The sensational recording gospel minister, popularly known as Flames Ogar, releases his second single titled “We Flag the Name of Jesus”.

The upcoming Calabar-based “Apostle of Praise” runs an annual Gospel concert in Calabar – Calabar Prophetic Praise (CPP) every first Wednesday of the year!!!

“We flag the name of Jesus” was done with the RCCG Cross River Province 4 YAYA Choir, featuring the international popular rugged-gospel spoken word poet – Lyrical H. I

Listen Below

Gospel minister, Funmi Afolayan teams up with Gabriel Afolayan to release a new music video titled , “Oruko Oluwa”. Directed by Israel Onadare, Oruko Oluwa is a single off her debut 5-track album (Oruko Oluwa).

In this new song, Funmi Afolayan deploys apt adjectives to describe God and shower Him with praise.

The musical melody of the song blends with the piercing smoothness of her voice in a way that makes the songs ideal for worship, fellowship, and meditation.

According to Toyin Falola, a distinguished Professor of History at the University of Austin at Texas, United States: ‘Oruko Oluwa’ is a five-song eponymous album that explores the belief of the Christian faith in God, His magnanimity, His omnipotence, and His power to effect change in human life.

Funmi Afolayan is a Gospel minister, singer, and song writer who started her journey into the ministry as part of the enterprising Glorylanders of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Lagos.

She later led the Praise Bells of the Zion Faith Mission, Ibadan, another dynamic choir of which she’s still a member.

Watch Video Below;

Mike Sani has brought to us his debut soul-lifting tune title Only Jesus. He has brought back to our remembrance the awesomeness of God the Son in the person of Jesus. Only Jesus can save, only Jesus can heal and only Jesus can protect. His name is Jesus and like the Bible says all power in Heaven, on earth, and beneath the earth is given to the man Jesus.

Mike Sani comes from a humble background, one that depicts humility, Godliness, and genuine love for Christ. He is a vessel that God is using to bless the world.

This song was inspired through scriptures like John 14:6,, Malachi 3:6, and Luke 18:27 which say the things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Only Jesus by Mike Sani is out now and available for immediate download on all platforms.

Watch Video Below;