Zoe Records UK has been given the award of Record Label of the Year by the Prestige Awards and Best Gospel Record Label by SME News UK Enterprise Awards for 2022. In 2021 Zoe Records UK was awarded Most Empowering Record Label by SME News UK Enterprise Awards. Over its 24 years of existence Zoe Records UK has won several awards as a pioneering record label which produces and promotes Gospel Music in the United Kingdom, in Europe, in Africa, Asia and in North America.
In 2013 Zoe Records UK was awarded Best Gospel Music Promoter by Praisetek Gospel Music Awards, and Best Gospel Record Label by the BEFFTA awards. In 2014 Zoe Records UK was awarded Best Gospel Record Label by the Prosperity Gospel Awards. In 2018 Zoe Records UK was awarded the Legendary Award for its longevity in the Gospel Music Industry by Praisetek Gospel Music Awards.
Zoe Records artists have won several groundbreaking awards including Lola Godheld who won the first and only Dove Awards (organised by Gospel Music Association in the United States of America) by a Black British artist in 2011 for the Urban Recorded Gospel Song of the Year for her song ‘Wait on the Lord’.
Zoe Records UK artists Isaac Odeniran was awarded Best Gospel Album and Little Debbie Dee was awarded Best Christian Album in 2005 by the Christian Broadcasting Council Media Awards.
Zoe Records UK has been given the award of Record Label of the Year by the Prestige Awards and Best Gospel Record Label by SME News UK Enterprise Awards for 2022. In 2021 Zoe Records UK was awarded Most Empowering Record Label by SME News UK Enterprise Awards. Over its 24 years of existence Zoe Records UK has won several awards as a pioneering record label which produces and promotes Gospel Music in the United Kingdom, in Europe, in Africa, Asia and in North America.
In 2013 Zoe Records UK was awarded Best Gospel Music Promoter by Praisetek Gospel Music Awards, and Best Gospel Record Label by the BEFFTA awards. In 2014 Zoe Records UK was awarded Best Gospel Record Label by the Prosperity Gospel Awards. In 2018 Zoe Records UK was awarded the Legendary Award for its longevity in the Gospel Music Industry by Praisetek Gospel Music Awards.
Zoe Records UK’s sister imprint Zoe Films UK also continues to expand it’s catalogue of work through it’s various film releases via cinemas, festivals and online platforms. For information about Zoe Records UK and Zoe Films UK Email administrator@zoefilms.co.uk or call 0208 534 2194.
(Las Vegas, NV) Power 88.1 FM announced today that Grammy and Stellar Award-winning recording artist Brent Jones isjoining Las Vegas’ top-ranked urban radio station starting January 8th as the host of the newly minted “The Brent Jones Show”.
Reaching over 2.7 million listeners in the greater Las Vegas metropolitan area, Power 88.1 FM has been serving the community for over 50 years. Playing an eclectic blend of Hip Hop, R&B, Old School, Jazz, Blues, and Gospel, Power 88.1 FM is broadcast throughout the greater Las Vegas Valley on Power 88.1 FM and around the world via the Power 88.1 Mobile App, Power 88.1’s website, and the HD 24/7 Channel.
"The last few months have been absolutely crazy - from my song's movie debut last week on the Hallmark Channel to our recent sold-out European Tour of Switzerland, Italy, and more - I am thrilled beyond measure to announce the debut of my brand new radio show (The Brent Jones Show) on Power 88.1 FM, Las Vegas' top-ranked urban contemporary station on January 8th!
The Brent Jones Show will be live in studio and feature not only the very best in inspirational music but also live artist interviews, engaging content, humor, and poignant interactions. With a bold and broad approach to timely and controversial topics, my show is spiritually centered always with an undeniable anointing empowered to reach listeners of all backgrounds and ages." says Brent Jones
In addition to being a radio host, Brent Jones is an award-winning recording artist, worship leader, father, husband, mentor, entrepreneur, author, preacher, and workshop clinician. Featured in the blockbuster DreamWorks movie “Trolls World Tour”(starring Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick & Mary J. Blige), a hit song collaboration"Time"with pop star Ariana Grande, and a recent Billboard #1 plaque for his contributions to the Trolls World Tour movie soundtrack, JDI Entertainment artist Brent Jones has spent over 20 years atop the Billboard music charts.
And as one of music’s top selling recording artists, Brent Jones was recently awarded Gold & Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) - to certify over a million albums soldof “Awaken My Love”, Brent's critically acclaimed collaboration with music superstar Childish Gambino (who made history as the first rapper to win Record of the Year & Song of the Year- 62nd Annual Grammy Awards).
Shade Tree Mechanic ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsPlease Come Home For Christmas ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsRunnin' Out Of Lies ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsTryin' To Get To You ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsSomeone New - Before I Let You Go ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsNo Diggity ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsLove's Train ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsBarefootin' ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsCan We Talk? ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsEveryday Will Be Like A Holiday ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsTennessee Whiskey ~ the Delta Blues OutlawsKeep On Rollin' ~ the Delta Blues Outlaws
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Nashville, TN -- Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr invite you to celebrate this season of joy and love by sharing a new Christmas collection of music with you. CHRISTMAS WITH THE BARRS is an exciting Christmas album full of holiday favorites and classic Christmas songs for every seasonal playlist and family gathering.
On this album, Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr have an iconic collaboration with Gospel music legend Dr. Bobby Jones and Kyla Jade (of The Voice) on the high-spirited song "Jesus What A Wonderful Child". They have created a one-of-a-kind official music video encapsulating them all in holiday animated characters. Watch and Listen to "Jesus What A Wonderful Child"
"I was excited to have this opportunity to sing with this wonderful husband and wife duo," says Dr. Bobby Jones. "This is a special time of the year in which we put Christ first. God is able and always does what He says He will do, even after such troubling times as we experienced over the last few years. During this time of the year, we celebrate Jesus being brought into this world as our deliverer. Christmas is special because of Him!"
"Jesus What A Wonderful Child" official music video can be watched and shared from Bishop Frederick Barr's YouTube channel. This fun and churchy animated feature is directed and created by Xavier Payne and embodies the praise and excitement of our Savior's birth.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BARRS is an extraordinary holiday musical experience produced by Bishop, Dr. Barr, and Lance Lucas (Jekalyn Carr, Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers, Kevin Davidson). The album features Mark Kibble of the Grammy Award-winning group Take 6 on "My Favorite Things" and Anne Taylor-Slaughter on the jazzy rendition of "Go Tell It On The Mountain". The album is released on the Barr's Tiger Records label and is available now on all digital outlets.
Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr are pastors of the Life Church International in Nashville, TN, and owners of The Barr's Music City Soul Food Restaurant. They are a powerhouse couple known throughout Nashville for their selflessness and unstoppable approach to life and business.
Here is Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr's Animated Holiday Music Video "Jesus What A Wonderful Child" Featuring Dr. Bobby Jones and Kyla Jade on YouTube at https://youtu.be/RRNz65o2OzI
Klasik Boutique Receives 2022 Best of Rahway Award
Rahway Award Program Honors the Achievement
RAHWAY November 14, 2022 -- Klasik Boutique has been selected for 2022 Best of Rahway Award in the Women's Clothing Store category by the Rahway Award Program.
Each year, the Rahway Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small businesses through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Rahway area a great place to live, work, and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2022 Rahway Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Rahway Award Program and data provided by third parties.
To learn more information about Klasik Boutique including their clothing products, please visit https://www.klasikboutique.com
About Rahway Award Program
The Rahway Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Rahway area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Rahway Award Program was established to recognize the best local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.
Hey Papi Promotions Network member Sabrina Thompson makes the news with her Girl In Space Club.
Despite having a full-time job at NASA, Thompson runs the direct-to-consumer label Girl in Space Club. Girl In Space founder Sabrina Thompson at work wearing one of her designs. Read more about the Girl In Space Club on website https://girlsinspaceclub.com
June 23, 2022, 4:26 PM Press Release by Rosemary Feitelberg EDITOR, READY-TO-WEAR & SPORTSWEAR NEWS
Somehow Sabrina Thompson is completely at ease with the unlikely trifecta of art, aerospace and entrepreneurism.
Aside from being a full-time NASA employee and atmospheric scientist, she is an artist, founder of the streetwear brand Girl in Space Club and is developing a prototype suit for female astronauts to wear en route to space or underneath Extra-Vehicular Activity suits.
Wannabe space travelers will be able to buy the $600 flight suit she has designed for consumers and will soon be produced in her home base city of Baltimore. It has been developed with the incubator Sew Bromo and Belvidere Terrace Atelier. Through Girl in Space Club’s nonprofit arm, Thompson plans to use art and fashion to offer STEM education to high school girls.
Having joined NASA in 2010, she now designs orbit trajectories for space missions. Translation? “I don’t want to sound like a GPS, but I basically calculate how much it costs in terms of fuel and then the path that we’re going to take to get from Point A to Point B. So if we leave Earth to get to another planet, I design the trajectory to get to that other planet, and then the orbit, the fly-by or whatever path we take to get to the target destination,” she explained.
Unlike generations of children who have dreamed of becoming astronauts, Thompson said working for NASA wasn’t something that she ever envisioned. “I didn’t know my job existed until I started working there,” she said. “To be honest, I stumbled upon this.” As a child growing up in Roosevelt, New York, she was either in her bedroom with the door closed — music blasting — drawing her own characters or out on the basketball court. Her mother worked as a nurse and her father drove charter buses. As “a pretty good student” and the valedictorian of her class, Thompson said her high school art teacher helped her choose a major at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. “She said, ‘You’re good at math and science, and you’re very creative. Why don’t you try mechanical engineering?’” Thompson said.
That advice eventually led to internships, including one at NASA. Before joining NASA full-time, she earned a graduate degree in aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech. More recently, she completed a second graduate degree in atmospheric physics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Nike, Free People and Lucky Brand are a few of her favorite brands. She said “she also likes ethnic clothes,” and buys fabric during occasional trips to India to make her own styles. A bit of a sneakerhead who had practically every pair of Air Jordans in multiple colors, Thompson said she has tried to grow out of that “but it’s not happening.” She has, however “slowed down a lot” and has sold some of the 75 pairs, due to necessity. “I sold them because I was running out of space,” said the Baltimore-based Thompson.
In 2018, she started Girl in Space Club, after realizing that something was missing from her life. “I had a great job that was satisfying my curiosity about how things worked. It allowed me to grow in technical areas. But that artist inside of me was internally starving,” Thompson said.
Having not taken the brand too seriously initially while still searching for a niche, in early 2020 that switched, with Thompson gaining some mentoring. Now the direct-to-consumer label is starting to consistently be profitable through online sales and pop-ups. A $125 jean jacket, a $40 “Eva T-shirt” and the $25 “Universe Inside Me” digital art print are some of the offerings.
The space suit prototype that is being developed for female astronauts is to be worn during missions for launch and entry. Extensive research and development will be needed, according to Thompson, who is in the early stages of connecting with partners, speaking with potential investors and applying for grants. The design could potentially be modified to be customized for the launch requirements of companies in the private sector of aerospace.
Still in the research and design phase, she said the aim is to create something stylish and for the female form. “If you look at all the astronaut suits that have been designed, they were designed with the male in mind, not the female,” she said, noting how an all-female space walk had to be postponed in early 2019 due to the lack of spacesuits to fit the women astronauts.
Taking into account research and development, testing, sourcing different materials and replacement items, the development of a spacesuits requires millions of dollars. The in-flight suit that is in development will “definitely be cheaper than that,” Thompson said.
Having twice applied to go to space with NASA, including in the summer of 2020, Thompson is planning to try again in 2024. “They say it takes two or three tries before you get selected,” she said.
With South Korea becoming the seventh nation to use a homegrown rocket for a successful satellite launch earlier this week, NASA continues to set the standards despite an influx of private companies getting into aerospace. “You have so many companies that have popped up in the space industry in the last couple of years. It’s insane,” she said. “It’s partially because, when you work for the government, there are rules and regulations. There is a lot of bureaucracy and things that need to take place before you can move forward with initiatives. When a new administration comes in, everything you’ve worked for, maybe for the past four years or eight years, those programs could be pushed off to the side to focus on something else. When you have people from private industry working on space, you don’t have those issues.”
Noting how many SpaceX employees previously worked for NASA, Thompson said other private companies have been inspired by how successful SpaceX has been and are following suit. “Globally, this is happening. A lot of people are coming together in different countries — in Africa, all over Europe, in India and of course in China. I strongly believe this is the future. We will see more astronauts outside of NASA astronauts.”
BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Aug. 19, 2022 / -- More than 175 churches, organizations, and businesses throughout Southwest Connecticut have come together to throw a party for the region. They're calling it CT CityFest with Andrew Palau. With a special emphasis on unity, hope, and good news, the free two-day festival will be held August 27-28, at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut (1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, CT 06604).
Accomplished in partnership with the Luis Palau Association—a well-known non-profit ministry based in Portland, Oregon—the family-friendly festival will feature award-winning artists TobyMac, Lecrae, We Are Messengers, Blanca, Megan Duke, Zenzo, and Impact Music. It will also include a Family Fun Zone and stage performance, as well as action sports demonstrations from skateboard, BMX, and freestyle motocross athletes. This will all lead up to a culminating moment on both Saturday and Sunday when author and speaker Andrew Palau will share a clear message of hope with the crowd.
In addition to the free two-day festival at Seaside Park, multiple affinity events and smaller gatherings have been taking place throughout the region. The ongoing effort has also included a region-wide service initiative known as CityServe, focusing on the most urgent and pressing social needs in the area. Local leaders are looking to continue this unity and partnership for the long-term.
Details of CT CityFest with Andrew Palau are below:
WHERE: Seaside Park 1 Barnum Dyke Bridgeport, CT 06604
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28, 2022 Schedule for both days: Family Fun Zone and Stage Program: 4:00-5:00pm Action Sports Demo: 5:00-6:00pm Main Stage Program: 6:15-9:45pm A full schedule of events is available online at www.cityfest.org.
MEDIA NOTE: Members of the media interested in attending CT CityFest should contact Jay Fordice at jay.fordice@palau.org or 503-341-2297 to arrange for media credentials.
ABOUT CT CITYFEST: CT CityFest with Andrew Palau is a region wide campaign focused on serving the region and proclaiming a clear message of hope. It came about as a result of years of planning by hundreds of leaders from the faith, business, and civic communities in Southwest Connecticut. The vision is to see the Christian community come together in greater unity, service, and proclamation - showing the community at large the joy, peace, love, and grace of Jesus Christ. For more information on CT CityFest with Andrew Palau, visit www.cityfest.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas Announces the Appointment of Jacqueline Griffin to its Corporate Board of Directors
Washington, DC, May 23, 2022 – Motivational Speaker Jacqueline Griffin has become the newest Director to serve on Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas’ Corporate Board of Directors. Griffin, who is known by many as the mother of Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL Quarterback, and current ESPN Analyst Robert Griffin III, is the Founder and CEO of the Moms Motivating Moms (M3) organization, and the President of The Robert Griffin III Foundation.
“Our leadership team is looking forward to working with Ms. Griffin in this capacity. With her experience as a grandparent of local Boys & Girls Club Members, a former member of the U.S. Army, and familiarity with the local community in which we serve, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas thinks she will be an excellent addition to the team to help us grow and further impact the lives of the youth who need us most,” said Tiana Quick, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas.
Griffin raised her children in Copperas Cove, Texas, and her grandchildren attended Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas’ (BGCTX) affiliate Boys & Girls Club of Copperas Cove for a number of years. She has supported BGCTX in numerous ways, most recently by providing the opportunity for 40 Copperas Cove youth to attend a Christmas shopping spree in December, 2021 through The Robert Griffin III Foundation. In her new role on BGCTX’s Corporate Board of Directors, Ms. Griffin will serve as a representative of the organization’s Waco Chapter of Clubs.
About Robert Griffin III Foundation: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to discover, design, and support programs that benefit struggling military families, underprivileged youth, and the victims of domestic violence. To learn more about Robert Griffin III Foundation, please visit the website at https://rg3sports.com/rg3foundation/.
About Moms Motivating Moms: Our goal is to help mothers (all women are and have mothered a child in their lifetime) empower each other through encouragement, resources, and the support needed to make a difference in the lives of their children, their families, their communities and our society. To learn more about Moms Motivating Moms, please visit the website at https://momsmotivatingmoms.com.
TMMP Awards deadline for nominations fast approaching
Christian artists have just under a week to be in contention for The Music and Media Awards (TMMP) 2022.
All artists who submit their music to one of TMMP’s media partners by Tuesday 17th May, will be considered by a panel of judges for this year’s awards.
You can submit your music to:
UK Platforms: Astep FWD, Gospel Hydration, Visions TV Online, Unbound PR, Zoe Records, House of Saint, Narrow Sounds, Integrity Music, GMIA,HFP Music, Feedem Music, Ministry of Music, Sound Doctrine, Polongo TV, Heart Song Live, Uprise Music, Reggae Gospel 360, MHM Magazine, Man In The Middle, LCBN, GX Radio, Life Radio, ToshMag, Star Radio UK, Sandra Godley, Akosua, Christian Music Platform, Ruthie Christian Media, Club Kingdom Radio & ER Management, PAAM TV UK, Reggae Tribe, Gospel Promo.
International Platforms: Evido's Entertainment, Goodnews Television, AD4TVRadio, God Music App, Praiseworld Radio, Amen Radio, Klevarest Communications, Kadosh Productions,Gospel Gh, God Radio 1, Gospel Music Buzz, Aspire Bookings
Due to the pandemic, last year’s event was held online and featured performances by Sinach (Waymaker), Noel Robinson, Philippa Hanna, Jonathan McReynolds, Emanuel Smith, Reblah and more.
This year, TMMP, which aims to promote and celebrate the diversity found in UK Christian and Gospel music, is holding its flagship annual event over two days at Life Church in Bradford in August.
12th August there will be a wide range of workshops and breakout events aimed to encourage and inspire musicians, artists, songwriters and worship teams, ahead of an evening concert featuring some of the top names in Christian music from around the UK.
On Friday 12th August there will be a wide range of workshops and breakout events aimed to encourage and inspire musicians, artists, songwriters and worship teams, ahead of an evening concert featuring some of the top names in Christian music from around the UK. A black-tie red carpet awards ceremony will then be held the next day (on Saturday 13th August).
Details of the workshops and line-up for the concert and awards will be released in the next few weeks, but super early bird discounted tickets are now available from: www.tmmpawards.com/tickets
Eric Reverance, one of the co-founders of TMMP said:
“I am so excited. This is a weekend not to be missed, celebrating the diversity of the wealth of talent in Christian music around the UK.
“We would like to encourage all artists to submit music to our partners and to come along."
TMMP co-founder Andrew Morrison said:
“We are delighted to be hosting the awards and other events at Life Church in Bradford. There is so much great talent out there and one of the reasons we have decided to host this year’s event in West Yorkshire, is because it’s a world class venue fit for some of the top names in UK Christian and Gospel music.”
TMMP co-founder Shireen Morrison said:
“I’m looking forward to the TMMP Awards, it promises to be a fantastic weekend gathering together to learn and celebrate.”
The WORLD’S LARGEST POETRY TOUR returns to London, UK this 7th May 2022
PIA London - the UK’s largest Christian annual spoken word event is back after a 2-year break. Exceptionally gifted poets Ezekiel Azonwu and Chris Webb return to London and are joined by new faces but no less talented Jasmine Sims and Jazer Willis. The UK’s Dai Woolridge along with top poets from the Bible Society-sponsored #PoeticChallenge are set to showcase at the event and there will be a special Beauty Workshop by Kiyanna Azonwu. All of this will take place at PIA London Summit on Saturday 7th May 2022 at Dominion Centre in London.
The UK has a vibrant and spirited spoken word scene filled with rising talents; this is a real moment for the scene with artists coming together to encourage and learn from one another like never before. With over 1000 tickets sold so far, PIA London Summit is already the biggest ever Christian-based poetry event and certainly one of the best attended in the UK poetry scene. This May, the poets aim to deliver another round of scintillating words, rhyming couplets, strategic sentence structures, and theatrics on several important themes in the faith.
Exciting times once again as the organizers are searching for the UK and Europe’s best poet to open the PIA London Summit in what is now dubbed the #PoeticChallenge and sponsored by Bible Society. The previous winner Paul Syrstad claimed it the ‘highlight of my year’. There were 30 submissions from which 8 were shortlisted by Judges and public votes. The winner gets to perform live to open the show on 7th May. With the highly anticipated PIA Workshops, meet and greets, and powerful performances from the poets, the UK is in for a treat and then some.
Accolades from previous years speak of not just the fantastic performances but also of the events organisation with the poets giving high praise to the London team for ‘top quality professionalism’. Attendee's feedback for the shows include ‘life-changing’ ‘spectacular’ ‘stupendous’ ‘best ever’ ‘incredible’.
Saturday 7th May 2022 Show Time: 7pm - 9pm VIP: Currently Sold Out Tickets: General Admission £25 (more on the door) Venue: Dominion Centre, 9 The Broadway, High Road Wood Green N22 6DS
Notes to Editors ● Spoken word is one of the fastest-growing art forms in the UK and PIA is now a firm fixture in the UK scene. ● 2017 saw the PIA World Tour London debut which makes this year only the 4th time the PIA poets have come together in the UK ● The event was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic and a virtual conference was held in 2021 to which London ticket holders were given free access. ● Jackie Hill Perry, Preston Perry, Jannete Ikz, and Joseph Solomon will be making the trip but London will see the addition of new PIA poets, Jasmine Sims and Jazer Willis. ● London’s events are a collaboration between PIA World Tour, AStepFWD, and ArtisteHub along with official event sponsors Compassion UK and Bible Society. ● All VIP tickets are now Sold Out and General Admission tickets are currently £25. ● The #PoeticChallenge had 30 submissions and is the annual poetry challenge to see which local poet gets the chance to open the event. ● Bible Society are the challenge sponsors for 2022 and will announce the winner at the event.
Africa Network BFTF membership website for all ministries interested in Africa, now has a translator into over 100 languages. Sign UP Here https://bftfafricanetwork.ning.com
Every one of more than 15,000 pages of people, information, free resources, research, sermon outlines, training, photos, videos, discussions, national unity groups, special interest groups etc.
Two-time Academy Award winner and 2022 nominee Denzel Washington will be speaking at the 2022 International Leadership Summit, which is taking place Mar. 31 through Apr. 2 in Charlotte.
The annual conference was founded by T.D. Jakes and brings together aspiring and tenured entrepreneurs, leaders and influential change agents to revolutionize the future of leadership. At this year’s event, Washington will join Jakes for a master class discussing Hollywood, faith and life in the spotlight, according to a press release.
Washington, who is also a producer and director, is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation and holds the title as the most Oscar-nominated Black man of all time. Washington has 10 Academy Award nominations under his belt, including one this year for his work in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” In 2019, Washington was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, one of the highest honors for a career in film. At the 2016 Golden Globe Awards, he received the Cecil B. deMille Award for lifetime achievement, which is bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.
In addition to the Academy Award nomination for “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Washington expanded his directorial portfolio in 2021 with “A Journal for Jordan,” starring Michael B. Jordan. Washington has previously directed the films “Antwone Fisher” (2002), “The Great Debaters” (2007) and “Fences” (2016).
“Denzel Washington’s career is unrivaled — both on and off the screen, his passion for impacting the world shines through,” said Jakes.
“Denzel’s wisdom, business prowess, and ability to mentor and mobilize has indelibly influenced the world, and I am honored to welcome him to the International Leadership Summit.”
Jakes has spent the last 45 years serving and inspiring people on a global scale. In addition to his role as Bishop of The Potter’s House, Jakes is a philanthropist, an educator, a real estate developer and a respected leader in the international business community. The annual International Leadership Summit will provide visionaries and leaders with the tools they need to become “master builders” who can construct a solid foundation and revolutionize the way they lead in an ever-changing world. Guests from 19 countries have registered to attend the summit, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Kenya, South Africa and Switzerland.
Other speakers at this year’s conference include Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, business tycoon Janice Bryant Howroyd, author and political commentator Van Jones, Pastor Joel Osteen, and other key figures in business, entertainment, nonprofit and faith arenas.
Registration for the conference is open at https://thisisils.org. Attendees may join virtually or in person.
A FREE Devotional Guide The 3:16s of the New Testament The most well known verse in the Bible is John 3:16. There are, however, 20 other 3:16s in the New Testament and they are all worth reading. I did and I wrote a devotion on each of them and put them in this eBook. Start the New Year in The New Testament with the 3:16s. https://christian-perspectives.ck.page/01123380c9
OUR GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2021 IS ERIC REVERENCE
INFORMATION ABOUT ERIC REVERENCE CAN BE FOUND BELOW
My Story
Eric Reverence is a UK based Recording Artist, Worship Leader, Evangelist, Multiple award-winning Singer Song writer, Evangelist, Event Organiser and a pioneer of Kingdom works and Networking. He is the Co-founder of The Music and Media Platform Awards (TMMP), UK President of Gospel Industry Network (GIN UK), founder of Spontaneous Worship, founder of Pakistan Project and is a Youth Ambassador in the UK. Eric’s heart and passion is to spread the Gospel and love of God through his music, produce songs for everyone needs, charitable works, create platforms for upcoming artists and musicians, empower and build others especially young people with creative gifts.
Eric’s career started off in 2010 with a first single ‘I Give You My All’ which touched many lives and was aired on national and international Christian radio stations and TV networks including UCB Radio and Wonderful TV. In 2014 he released his EP ‘I Will Carry On’ followed by an international tour in Ghana and Netherlands which was phenomenally successful. In 2017, His rise to success landed him a record label deal with Nine Fruits Record where he released his single ‘I Believe’ and received major recognition including appearing on MOBO Awards article, StepFwd Christian Charts and many international articles. Eric became a Partner and Patron of Countrystyle Community Tourism Network/Villages where he worked with Diana McIntyre-Pike (President/Founder & Community Tourism Consultant) to develop the Christian Tourism Market in the Caribbean.
In 2018, Eric was appointed the Media and Communications director of Great Commission Society (GCS) and now holds the role as Membership Director. In 2019, Eric and his Co-partner hosted one of the biggest events in the UK ‘Gospel Explosion Summit- UK meets USA’ which was very successful and received lots of global exposure. His continued rise to success connected him with Visions TV Online and MHM Magazine as their Strategist Adviser.
In early 2020, Eric organised a successful global charity project called ‘The Believe Song’ which involved over 60 musical artists across the globe and raised funds for countries who were affected heavily by Covid 19. Eric worked with Great Commission Society (GCS), Visions TV Online and South African International Artist and Producer J Ross to complete the project. In May 2020, Eric and his Co-Founders Andrew & Shireen Morrison founded TMMP Awards with the aim to become the biggest Christian award in the UK.
Eric’s continuous rise to success has seen him shared stage with international Christian/Gospel artists and global icons including Hillsong, Tim Hughes and Sonnie Badu. Eric has also completed successful tours in the UK, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Ghana and Latvia. Eric has just released his latest hit single ‘Miracles’ and currently working on his album which will be completed in 2021 followed by Africa tour (Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania) UK tour, Europe Tour, North America and Asia Tour.
Achievements and Honours:
2020 – Winner of International Artist of The Year (Gospel Choice Music Awards)- USA.
2020 – Humanitarian Awards Winner (Prayze Factor Awards)- USA
2020 – Believe Project 2020- Involving 60 musician artists across the globe.
2020 – Nominated for International Artist of The Year, Song of The Year and Contemporary Artist of The Year (Prayze Factor Awards)- USA.
2020 – Nominated for International Artist of The Year, Song of The Year and Contemporary Artist of The Year (Gospel Choice Music Awards 2020)- USA.
2020 – Nominated for International Artist of The Year, Song of The Year and Contemporary Artist of The Year (S & M Gospel Music Awards)- USA.
2019 – Nominated for International artist of The Year (Texas Gospel Music of Excellence)- USA
2019 – Organised Gospel Explosion Summit 2019 UK Meets USA in London, UK.
2018 – Winner of Male Artist of The Year (Gospel Touch Music Awards)- UK.
2018 – Appointed one of the Directors of Great Commission Society (2018).
2017 – Partner and Patron of Countrystyle Community Tourism Network/Villages- Caribbean.
2017 – Nominated for Role Model of The Year (National Diversity Awards)
2016 – Winner of Artist of The Year (BEFFTA Awards)- UK
2015 – Winner of Praise and Worship Leader of The Year (PraiseTek Gospel Music Awards)- UK
2014 – Nominated for New Artist of The Year (African Gospel Music Awards)- UK
2011 – Finalist at Gospel Rock Competition- UK.
2000 – Selected to represent UK at World Methodist Youth Conference- Atlanta Georgia USA
1998 – Won National 5-Aside Football Tournament at Wembley Arena- UK
Press Release written by Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez - AWARD WINNER, AUTHOR, MC, BLOGGER, BROADCASTER & AMBASSAOR FOR PEACE -UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION – AVAILABLE FOR MC SERVICES IN NIGERIA & OTHER COUNTRIES- CONTACT +447882809005.
Internationally renowned worship leader Eric Reverence reconnects with his West African roots on his new single, ‘Oluwa’, out now.
It’s a simple one-word title, but it says a lot. ‘Oluwa’ (the Yoruba word for God) is an exuberant, joyful Afrobeat Gospel tune, designed to usher in 2022 on a note of thanksgiving and expectation. Eric wrote and recorded the song during a successful tour in Nigeria in November 2021.
The making of ‘Oluwa’ marks a sort of homecoming in Eric’s own personal journey. British Ghanaian-born Eric moved to Canada in 1991 and eventually to the UK in 1992, but his memories of childhood in Ghana weren’t particularly happy ones. “Life in Ghana was a huge struggle as I was always told by my teachers and headteacher that I was useless and worthless,” he recalls. Eric’s ministry as a worship leader and Gospel artist has taken him across the UK and to the USA, Ghana, Netherlands, and Latvia, but it’s always been with a more western pop sound. And then in 2020 Covid-19 struck and George Floyd was murdered. Both those events got Eric thinking that it was time for him to return to his African roots - musically at least. A tour of Nigeria followed, and the concept for ‘Oluwa’ was born. Produced by Tobass Adolphus, the song combines the sounds of the various tribes of both Nigeria and Ghana. The joy and vibrancy of the song are expressed beautifully in the accompanying video, with its breath-taking choreography, made by the Nigerian production company Justice DH Films and creative director Austine Holy.
“God has seen us through a lot in the last year,” Eric says. “Oluwa’ is a song of thanksgiving to God for what he’s brought us through, and of anticipation for what he has in store for us next.”
‘Oluwa’ is out now. For further information or to arrange interviews, contact Eric Reverence at: • Email: reverencee@gmail.com • Social Media: @ericrevrence • Website: https://www.ericreverence.com
"Emmanuel(Wonderful Counselor)" a song written by Jordan & Mark Biel and recorded by Amanda Ownby Stacey makes Canadian radio !!!
Christmas Songs Radio also featured Amanda on their website and Facebook page. This song was also featured in the video "Unconditional Love ( A Christmas Story)".
Dreamin' Out Loud, LLC, a credited limited liability company registered in the state of Missouri is very proud to announce the re-launching of its' indie record label Dreamin' Out Loud Entertainment.
Established in 2009 as a family-owned indie Contemporary Christian Pop label, Dreamin' Out Loud Entertainment (D.O.L.E.), was voted indie label of the year at the inaugural 2013 IMEA Music Awards in Ashland, Kentucky. One single, "Rough Day", was released on its' flagship artist in 2014.
In 2014 (D.O.L.E.) signed Christian Contemporary Pop artist Kristin Rader from Cleveland, TN. The single "Smile" was released on her in 2015.
In 2016 (D.O.L.E.) was put on inactive status but as of Fall 2021, has been re-launched as a multi-genre niche entertainment recording company focused on spreading a positive, up-lifting message through the creative arts. Its' releases will be through mp3 only.
"Our mission is to bring to the world positive, uplifting and professional materials of the highest quality", says Arthur E. Payne III CEO.
The first official release for the re-launched Dreamin' Out loud Entertainment label is an original Christmas song entitled Emmanuel (Wonderful Counselor) written by Jordan Biel & Mark Biel. Jordan Biel is the founder and CEO at Innovate Records. Lead vocals are by Amanda Ownby Stacey. The single was originally produced and arranged in 2014 by Jonathan Crone in Nashville, TN with lead vocals re-recorded by Joe Mills of Highpoint Recording Studio, Lenexa, KS.Watch the new video here...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzOW5GqqXTk
Dreamin' Out Loud Entertainment is a company founded on Christian principles and morals and is a division of Dreamin' Out Loud, LLC.
Former Council Member and State Delegate Tony Knotts Announces His Candidacy for the Council District 8 Special Election
Experienced Public Servant Offers Stability, Accomplished Leadership, and a Steady Hand in a Time of Public Health and Economic Challenges
Oxon Hill, MD – Tony Knotts, who served as the District 8 Council Member from 2002 to 2010 and Maryland State Delegate for District 26 from 2014 to 2018, today is announcing his candidacy for the District 8 Special Election and is also filing his candidacy for the 2022 regular District 8 Primary to be held in June. Yesterday, District 8 County Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker announced her intent to resign her office, which, if effective before December 7, 2021, will trigger a special primary and general election in the early months of 2022.
Today, Council Member Knotts issued the following statement:
"From my time as a U.S. Marine to my service to the residents of District 8 as County Council Member, including serving as Council Chairman, and representing District 26 as a State Delegate, I have dedicated my life to the cause of public service and, specifically, to improving our quality of life in Prince George's County. I am proud of the tremendous progress that I helped District 8 and our County realize during my tenure as County Council Member, including the development of our County's signature economic development achievement -- the National Harbor Project, building the Southern Area Technology and Recreational Complex in Fort Washington, and establishing the new Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill. In the wake of the most serious public health crisis in our lifetime, the COVID-19 pandemic, the residents of District 8 need an experienced, steady, and accomplished hand to lead our communities into the future, not on-the-job training or instability. I fully understand the need to establish smarter development and environmental policies, increased infrastructure investments in Maryland 210 and Southern Maryland Light Rail, new investments in our public schools, and more direct support and services for our seniors, veterans, minority-owned businesses, and returning citizens. Most of all, I understand that a County Council Member cannot get anything done for the residents of District 8 without knowing how to work as a team with his or her colleagues on the County Council and with the County Executive. I am ready on day one to lead as the next County Council Member for Councilmanic District 8."
Tony Knotts is a lifelong resident of Prince George's County. He is a Vietnam War Veteran having served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Knotts is married to Wanda Knotts and currently resides in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He is a graduate of Fairmount Heights High School, where he was a substitute teacher while pursuing a Master’s Degree. Knotts earned an Undergraduate Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Management from Bowie State University. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. Knotts worked for the Washington Suburban and Sanitary Commission (WSSC), one of the largest public utilities in the nation, as a Budget Analyst, Minority Business Enterprise Officer and finally retiring as a Strategic Management Specialist. Knotts maintains membership in a host of civic associations and an active membership in the Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington. Knotts’ professional affiliations include the Coalition of Concerned Black Christian Men and the South County Economic Development Association among many others.
Hi Akiva, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today? For a person who never took any classes in playwrighting or directing I realize now it is a God-given gift. Able to articulate line by line for actors/actresses, making sure the storyline flows from the beginning, middle, and the end, researching the right background music that enhances the scenes, etc.
When I think back, I saw the pieces planted in me at an early age, during my adolescents and now adulthood. When I was little, I would spend hours in my room playing with my GI Joe toys, Transformers, etc. In my little room, I lived in a rhombus imagination. I created scenes for my toys to act in. I was the actor and director.
Approaching my teen years, I lost my mom and dad a year apart from one another. At this point the writer in me begins to write down feelings, things I wish I had, things I experienced, saw in my family, among my peers, and in society. I would begin to write short skit in my journals. Now around this time, I am also a star athlete at Westminster Academy named All-County in Broward (Fort Lauderdale, Fl) for Wide Receiver. I was heavily recruited to play baseball after high school. After being timed as one of the fastest running the bases; they compared me to the next fastest ever ran that fast was MLB Otis Nixon of Atlanta Braves. I was for sure I was going to play in Major League Baseball especially playing against Alex Rodriquez (New York Yankee) and Danny Kanell (ESPN Sports Analyst and New York Giant). But God has something else planned for me.
After graduating from Bethune Cookman University with a BS in Sociology. Another piece to the puzzle that I realized I needed later with my writing/directing. I worked three years with the Department of Juvenile Justice as a Group Treatment Counselor for youth first-time offenses in the judicial system. I also got married in June 1998.
I will have to say while in college I became a Tyler Perry fan. I remember not having too much money as a college student purchasing a ticket to one of the plays he was producing in Orlando, Fla. Since then, I followed and watched Tyler. One thing I can learn from him is that he never gave up. It took that one experience of people wrapped around the building to kick start his career. My people wrapped around the corner to get in is coming. I had one experience in 2013 for Cain N Abel. What happened I got distracted after losing my job. I really felt that was the year I was supposed to have left the workplace of a 9 to 5.
In 1999, I decided to enlist in the United States Air Force which brought me to the DMV area. I was stationed in Andrews AFB, MD for 9 years and 5 months receiving an honoring separation in 2008, but later in 2015 the USAF medically retired me.
My first stage play.
2009, I was attending Lighthouse Baptist Church; at the time the church wanted to do something different for the Christmas celebration. My wife at the time volunteered my name to write them a stage play. Yes volunteered. She reminded me that all the years in college I would write skits and always talk about production. For some reason, I stopped thinking about performance arts. I decided to say yes to the opportunity. As soon as I said yes, I began to have visions. I saw characters for the play, a storyline, supporting songs, etc. Next, I began to people watch; I personally chose everyone who I thought was qualified to play the roles I was writing. The play was called, “My Christmas Story.” The play received a standing ovation. At that point, I realized the gift God gave me is for real.
I begin to write more plays that were dear to me because there were stories of mine hidden in different characters. A lot of people review my plays like an emotional rollercoaster. You will get your laughs, thrills, suspense, teaching, and a lot of tears.
My motto is to provide high-quality stage plays that focus on the following cores from the play: comedy, teaching, drama, and ministry.
The following stage plays I have written over time:
2010, 2013 Cain N Abel; A grandmother took on a job to raise two of her grandsons. One grandson chose God and the other one chose the streets. It took the grandmother and her god-fearing grandson to go pull the other brother out of the darkness. I wrote this play to show how the effects of favoritism would do among family members, especially siblings.
2015 Deep Cover Stage Play Production – A pastor lost his first love in Jesus Christmas. He was more worried about expanding the church. He was losing his identity until an invited Bishop for the revival called him out on his behavior.
2016 Answering His Call Stage Play Production; An honor roll student finds herself In School Restriction. While in restriction the students opened up on personal things they were going through. At this point, she understood why she was there as she helped and encouraged each student that was going through depression, lack of confidence, and dealing with pregnancy.
2018-2019 I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Dinner Theater)
2019 Deep Cover “Let Your Light Shine in Dark Places” Pastor Wilson is challenged by his son to use his platform and speak out against police brutality, racism, and social injustice.
2019 Deep Cover “Let Your Light Shine In Dark Places” Panel Discussion at Anacostia Arts Center, DC- food, live entertainment, and a panel discussion on police/community relations, racism in society and the church, social injustice, and rights to vote
2020 Hired to write a book into a stage Play Production. The Storm Has A Ministry Stage Play Production. A mother’s story recovering from breast cancer, two divorces but wasn’t prepared to lose her son to violence in the streets of Atlanta, Ga. Instead of being bitter, she turned her pain into a ministry to teach others how to get through their pain.
2021 Life N Music web series Musical Drama series; Season One Episode one will begin March of 2022.
2023 Upcoming Stage Play Production, When Two Storms Collide.
After putting all the pieces together, I can walk boldly that I am a playwright, director, and now a screenwriter. Life and other experiences have made me the writer I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way? A smooth ride not at all. I was raised by my grandmother. I never understood why I wasn’t living with my mother and my brother. My grandmother felt my mom was too young to raise me at the time. After some disagreement between mother and daughter my mother left and gave birth to my brother a year later.
I spent some time with my mother when I guess I was allowed. I remember spending the night at her apartments and or even going to work with her. My mom was hard work. She kept a job. One of the hardest things as a young man is to see his mother get beaten by her boyfriend. One night my brother and I were locked in a room as we can hear our mom being tossed to the walls and punched by her boyfriend. I wish I could have done something but I was paralyzed with fear. I wasn’t used to seeing that living with my grandmother. I actually shared about that abusive night in my play, Cain N Abel.
My mom received some bad news in 1986 that she had cancer. I think it was high in stages as she did not last long after going through chemotherapy. Jan 1996 my mom died in my room. For a long time, I couldn’t sleep in my room.
My dad was always in prison during my growing up. When describing my dad, I tell people I saw him three times: 1. Visiting him in Radford Fl prison when I was very young. 2. In my senior year in high school, my dad came to visit me at my grandmother’s. We talked briefly. He promised to be the dad I wanted in my life. 3rd. Six months later from the conversation at my grandmother’s living room my father was murdered in Miami Beach, Fla. I stood before him as he laid stiff in the casket. I looked at him remembering our conversation and seeing our resemblance.
Worked multiple jobs to take care of my family. I always had two jobs until 2008. I believe in taking care of my family by all means. That was a challenge especially on days I didn’t feel like going.
Being a full-time student attending night classes to receive my Masters in Information Network Systems. The money I would receive from the military for being a full-time student I would use to finance my stage plays for years until the money ran out.
Marital Problems- while writing my plays I experience some marital issues. The way I was able to handle it I developed a lot of characters in different plays. I was able to share how I felt through my actors. A lot of that was in I’ll Be Home For Christmas. It was my way of talking to my daughters and well to my wife. July 29th, 2020 received a divorce.
September 2020 learned I had chronic leukemia after going through some testing and biopsy. I was torn in pieces. I wasn’t for sure how long I had to live. I went back to holding my mom’s hand while she was dying. Remembering how much she went through with chemo. I always feared having cancer all my life.
In February of 2021, I did a short film with Kevin Simmons (Intentional Vision Filming). The short film was therapeutic for me. Kevin felt I was the best person to play me. I decided to come out of the director and become an actor. The film focused on me packing giving a sigh I lost my family and now dealing with the news of having leukemia. I called it “Faith Walk”
During these trying times, I was about to be blessed to write my first song called “Time After Time”, co-writer Burnie Stevenson.
More of the challenges now besides my health is trying to find sponsors and investors. I truly feel once I’m able to gain more help in that department we can reach out to some big-name actors, actresses, and or artists to appear in the plays I have already written.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about McClam Enterprise Productions? McClam Enterprise Productions was founded in 2010. We are a faith-based production company that believes in creating believable scenes on stage where everyone from all ages and races can relate. We turn biblical scriptures and or parables into modern-day stage plays. One of the first ones that people still talk about is Cain N Abel's 2010 and 2013 productions.
We are rapidly growing; our organization consists of the following: Casting Director, Stage Crew Director, Operation Manager, Transportation Operator, and Project Manager. In the beginning, I wore all those hats but over time I found the right people to trust to perform the work. Their main objective is to keep me busy focusing on production and execution with the cast, etc.
Currently, we specialize in one-on-one consultation on how to put a production together and acting, review scripts, stage crew assistant, work for hire turn your book into a script.
Our professionalism and high-quality productions set us apart from others. Our main objective to make sure our audience remember their experience with McClam Enterprise Productions. It reminds me when you ask a person how was church? Oh it was good, I can’t remember what the Pastor said but I tell you everything else was great!!! They are saying for that 2 hrs. their experience was great!!! That is what we want our viewers to experience!! The fun they remembered having.
Planting seeds wherever we go is our branding. We want to use our platform to plant good seeds in the lives of the people. If a community is having a police relation issue; our plays know how to target that situation in an entertainment setting but at the same time we are providing a solution and creatively show the audience both sides of the situation where people can see the Officer as a human and the Officer (s) can see the citizen as a human. I call this both sides meeting in the middle.
Our services are open to anyone! We ask you to have good energy and a passion to learn and take directions.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you? We are always looking to work with other people or businesses that share the same vision to help our community. We are currently collaborating with Assured Business Organization Services (SheAbos) founded by Angela Middleton. Angela Middleton after attending one of my productions sat me down and showed me how she can help me free up more of my time.
Since the coloration, we now work together in a group we called Network Link. We bring CEOs of other businesses in the community and give them the platform to share more about their organization. The main thing is to share, support, and network with one another.
Anyone from the community ever attends our event we teach them how to start their business and educate them on the purpose of networking.
You can reach us at mcclamenterpriseproductions@gmail.com or subscribe on mcclamenterpriseproductions.com
