Matthew West, Maverick City Music, Anne Wilson, FOR KING + COUNTRY, Phil Wickham Lead Artist Nominations for 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards

Nominees revealed by Chris Tomlin, Jimmie Allen, Erica Campbell and more in livestream event 

The GMA Dove Awards Nashville event will be held October 18th and will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN app, Friday, October 21st, 2022 at 8:00p.m. ET and 10:00p.m. ET

The Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce nominees for the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards. Top nominations include songwriter and producer Jeff Pardo with nine (9) nominations, Matthew West and Maverick City Music with seven (7) nominations each, six (6) nominations for Anne Wilson, Ben Glover, FOR KING + COUNTRY, Jeff Sojka, Jonathan Smith and Phil Wickham and five (5) for Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Chandler Moore, Chris Brown, Jonathan Jay, and Steven Furtick. Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,087 submitted entries.

Nominees were announced in an artist-hosted livestream event featuring Jimmie Allen, Erica Campbell, Evan Craft, Sonya Isaacs, Brandon Lake, Trip Lee, Chris Tomlin, and Tye Tribbett. The announcement premiered live on the GMA Dove Awards YouTube and Facebook pages.

“Congratulations to this year’s impressive list of Dove Awards nominees,” says GMA President, Jackie Patillo. “For the past few years, we’ve chosen a theme for each show that represents our community and why we celebrate. Today we announced this year’s theme, Sound of Heaven. Although our musical styles may be different, our mission is the same. Together we lift one voice – the sound of heaven.”

Voting for the final winners will run August 18th through August 25th. The GMA Dove Awards are happening live and in person in Nashville, TN, October 18th, 2022. A limited number of tickets are still available. Music City Fan Experience tickets are also available – an unforgettable, multi-day Nashville get-a-way that includes tickets to the Dove Awards. This year’s broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN app, Friday, October 21st, 2022 at 8:00p.m. ET and 10:00p.m. ET, with an encore presentation on October 28th, 2022 at 8:00p.m. ET and 10:00p.m. ET.

Nigerians are yet to get over the captivating wedding of beloved gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo, and her pastor husband. Since the news of her engagement broke up, KFN has kept fans glued with their wedding festivities. The couple held the final leg of their wedding on Saturday, August 13th with celebrities and dignitaries in attendance. As more photos are been uploaded online from the wedding, the wedding cake has caught the attention of many. The eight-step cake had inscriptions of many of her hit songs like excess love, na you dey reign, Chinedu amongst others. The gigantic cake has left many drooling.

The couple had earlier held their traditional wedding on Friday, August 12th. The video, which made rounds from their traditional wedding, showed the couple beaming with joy as they showed off their dancing skills. Mercy Chinwo and Pastor Blessed shut down the city of Port Harcourt for their white wedding. With celebrities like Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Waje, Chigurl, Joe Praize, Pita Sings, Njay, and many others in attendance, there was no doubt that the wedding would be the talk of the town for weeks. Interestingly, Banky W was the best man of the day. The groomsmen, including the groom, were dressed in light brown suits. Mercy Chinwo, as expected, looked eye catchy with her long train wedding dress.

In June, Mercy Chinwo stunned many when she announced her engagement to a Lagos Pastor, Pastor Blessed of Waterbrooks, where singer and actor Banky W also worship. A delighted Mercy Chinwo shared the news online with a photoshoot of their moments together. She also captioned the photos with a heartwarming message.

She wrote: “I am blessed to be blessed with the blessed official. The thoughts of doing the next phase and the rest phase of my life with you makes the blessing more real… I love you, Sweet”. Following the proposal, the couple took their first leg to forever.

Mercy Chinwo and her boo held their marriage introduction on July 18 in Port Harcourt. Videos of the marriage ceremony which surfaced online showed the singer beaming with joy as she took the first leg to forever with her boo.

A few days after taking the first step to forever with a wedding introduction held in Port Harcourt, the couple sealed their union with a court wedding on August 4th. Sharing photos from the beautiful moment, Mercy Chinwo gave thanks to God.

FINLAND-BASED RWANDAN gospel singer Eric Reagan Ngabo recently released his brand new song ‘My Lord’ as he seeks to redefine his music career in the diaspora.

The song is part of his debut album ‘Wewe Ni Mungu’ which he plans to release in December, this year. It’s an album that means a lot to the musician who is investing so much effort to make it a success through collaborations with established gospel musicians in the region, including Ugandan Pastor Happy Alex who features in the singer’s new song.

Reagan is not new in the gospel music industry given the number of releases he has so far made including “Mube Maso”, “Imbere Ni Heza” and the brand new song “My Lord”, all of which he dropped this year as he runs against the clock to launch his album to his music supporters in Finland and the rest of Rwandan community in the world.

The 38-year-old started music as a career in 2015 when he was still in Rwanda. He was at the time leading the worship performance at the Anglican Church of his birthplace at Nyagatare Parish in Eastern Province.

He left for Finland in 2017, years after finishing his high school studies in Electronics which he studied at the former E.T.O Muhima (Kigali).

He now studies Software programming, also known as Python and the skills he has acquired so far has seen him become a junior developer in Finland.

He combines his academic studies with music studies which he has been pursuing at a music school located at River Bible Institute in Finland as part of the Praise and Worship and Theology studies. Headquartered in the United States, the school was founded by American Pastor Rodney Howard Brown.

Reagan’s music studies have helped him grow musically, despite going through the hurdles that any other artiste doing music in the diaspora goes through. His first record ‘Ishimwe Ni Iryawe’ has played a big part in the singer’s growth given that it’s one of the releases that gathered the gospel audience’s admiration.

“Doing music in the diaspora is not easy because there are not many people from our country. Here we don’t speak English and that is a big challenge for music to penetrate the Scandinavian countries,” he claimed.

“But, the passion and the love we have for music motivate us to keep pushing over and over.  That’s why I try to write songs in other languages like Swahili as in my new song My Lord By-Eric Reagan to promote my music not only in Rwanda but also in the region,” he added.

In “My Lord”, Reagan encourages Christians to always worship God, dance for Him, and praise what He does for the people.

“As Christian, it is good to praise and worship God with our knowledge, power, and wisdom,” Reagan said of the song.

The singer’s album is now taking shape as he prepares to drop another song ‘Impamvu” which features his Rwandan gospel counterpart Emmy Vox. The audio and the video, he said, will be out soon.

What is special about the album?

The singer prepares to release the album as an occasion to express what God has done for him, especially how He helped him grow musically and spiritually. His album is all about thankfulness, especially a celebration of what Reagan has achieved over the past five years that he spent in Finland.  

 “To be honest, financially speaking, nothing is special. But spiritually speaking, there is a lot that I achieved that I am thankful to God. My studies in the School of Theology and Praise and worship is one crucial achievement that I thank God for,” he said of the album.

His music is not yet where he would want it to be but Reagan’s ‘never give up character gives him the strength that he could sooner or later become a gospel musician that Rwandans will celebrate for quite a long time. 

Source: NT/Eddy

RENOWNED GOSPEL SENSATION Aline Gahongayire started her music career in 2000 at Zion Temple but decided to embark on a solo career in 2008 and has not looked back since. As she marks a 22-year-long journey in music, Aline will bless gospel music lovers with an eight-track album and a bonus track.

I thank God that I am still standing after 22 years in the gospel music scene as a woman. No matter what challenges came my way, I faced them and God was with me through it all. I learned a lesson from this journey that can help other girls or women, which is to not fear to do what you believe in and instead fight for it. I faced a lot as a woman in the spotlight with a lot of criticism but I fought for my passion. It wasn’t easy I almost gave up but that’s when God gifted me a song called ‘Ndanyuzwe’ which lifted me up and made me realize that I have to live life the way it is but mostly not give up on what I had built all these years. My journey was chocolate!

What inspired your seventh album?

I want my music to help people and be a blessing to them. This album consists of songs that are, from the deepest of my heart, thanking God and will help people to praise God. With this album, I will celebrate my 22-year anniversary in music and thank God for all that I have achieved in these years. God gave me this wonderful platform to give back to the community and through my music, different people were dressed, school fees were paid, hearts well healed, and so on. I hope to bring joy and God close to people with this album.

Will you stage a concert to mark the celebration?

I plan on celebrating this milestone with a charity concert but in series, if I may say, there will be big concerts, and corporate concerts but of course all in line with my mission of helping because it is part of who I am.

What are the highlights of your career?

Having started music in a choir shaped me in form of discipline and that helped me a lot when I decided to do a solo career. Leaving the choir was challenging in terms of serving many people and doing music solo. The greatest highlight was the success of my first album and the support I got from people who loved my music. 

What other plans do you have for your music career?  

Even though I am launching my seventh album I feel like I am just getting started because my prayer and vision is to connect not just locally but also internationally, to raise God’s glory and of course my country’s flag wherever I go to as a musician. So, this is just the beginning for Aline Gahongayire.

Source : NT/Elliane

Rwanda-based Christian Entertainment and news website, RwandaGospel, releases every week a special edition of the Top 07 official Rwandan gospel music Chart. Unconditional Love by Iyamuremye Serge hits the number one spot on this first released Top & of the year 2022. Congratulation to Serge Iyamuremye.

Please see the full chart below:

7.HEMBURA BY THE WELL WORSHIP MUSIC

6.WA MUNSI WAGEZE BY IRIBA CHOIR

5.NAWE USA NAWE BY ELAYONI MUSIC

4.YESU ARASHOBOYE BY JESSICA MUCYOWERA

3.ARASHOBOYE BY VESTINE & DORCAS

2.NZAGUTEGEREZA BY GENTIL MISIGARO

1.UNCONDITIONAL LOVE BY SERGE IYAMUREMYE

Ev. Joseph Caleb Uwagaba, a lecturer from a university in Pologne whose name got big in the Rwandan gospel industry after the death of his wife, got remarried Alice Uwingabire and they received a surprise at the ceremony.

The occasion took place on Sunday, June 19, 2021, at Muhazi Beach Resort. After the Dowry and Introduction ceremony, then came the religious one headlined by Rev. Vincent Rwibasira from Bethesda Holy Church where Caleb belongs. It is after four years since Sabine Mucyo, Caleb's wife passed away in 2018 after 100 days with him. 

Saying their VOW with the 'I DO' which was, "I give you this ring as a sign of love and trust I have for you, Alice Uwingabire. I am doing it in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen." Friends and families were there to support and celebrate love with them. Bosco Nshuti, Clapton Kibonge, Steven Karasira from Umucyo Radio, Ev. Fred Kalisa, Ev Mucyo David who owns 'The Secret' movie, and Dj Spin on the mix were some of the participants. 

Caleb told InyaRwanda about his feeling, "In short, I am so happy that so many good and important people have come into my life, but also this love of my life came along. I discovered myself when she came and am glad that our day was nice. "

Alex Dusabe surprised the newlywed couple with a song he composed for them and it was used during the event though he wasn't there. Some take from it says, "How lovely it is to see Caleb and Alice sitting together. It is like a priceless perfume at the altar of families and friends, as a joyful day to never end. The light has shone, a new day has come, go live in peace and love forever."

After the civil wedding, Ev. Caleb updated his marital status on his social media platforms, saying "Status updated from single to married. Glory to God. Today I got the responsibility to love and protect Alice as the Rwandan Republic Law orders."

by Kajette

RCA Inspiration celebrated the BET Awards 2022 show, with a night of powerful music and words of inspiration, as Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) took the stage performing with Maverick City Music, and garnered a win this year. The sixteen-time GRAMMY®-winning artist/songwriter/producer and GRAMMY®-winning group Maverick City Music teamed up for a vibrant live performance of their single “Kingdom” and Franklin’s beloved hit “Melodies from Heaven.” Their new single “Kingdom,” is featured from the newly-released Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin album Kingdom Book One (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration), which also includes their new recording of “Melodies from Heaven.”

Separately, Kirk Franklin took the stage again, as the previous five-time BET Award winner was honored with his sixth career win. Winning the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award, Franklin won this year as a co-performer with Lil Baby, for their collaboration on the Lil Baby x Kirk Franklin track “We Win.” The #1 hit song was released in May 2021, featured from the Space Jam: A New Legacy Official Soundtrack, which was released by Republic Records and Warner Bros. Pictures. Franklin also delivered an inspiring moment during his acceptance speech, inviting Maverick City Music on stage and passing the baton to celebrate them as the next generation. The BET Awards 2022 show was held in Los Angeles on Sunday June 26th and hosted by Taraji P. Henson. Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin are continuing to perform live across the country this summer on their Kingdom Tour.

Check out Kirk Franklin’s BET Awards acceptance speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI-Vx2XD_qs

Check out the BET Awards performance with Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music:

Nigerian gospel powerhouse, Mercy Chinwo has announced big news as far as her personal life’s next level is concerned. The bells are ringing in her camp as she has announced her engagement to her now Fiancé Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa.

Fast on social media congratulated her and “splashed” everywhere with the officially released announcement photos as congratulatory messages came in from everywhere.

She wrote on Instagram: “I am blessed to be blessed with @theofficialblessed,” she wrote in the caption.

“The thoughts of doing the next phase and the rest phase of my life with you make the blessing more real. I love you sweet.” Mercy added

Aside from other colleagues in the Nigerian music cycle, celebrities and friends from the gospel fratenity, Ghanaian gospel singer, Diana Hamilton wrote “Congratulations to you WOG @mercychinwo. More blessings to you both”

“Oyaaaaaa oh He makes all things beautiful in His time Congratulations My Sister ” Moses Bliss penned in the comment section.

“NMEEERRCCCYYYYYY MY BELOVED DAUGHTER AND HER FINE BOBO…… WE HAVE A WEDDING TO PLANNNNN!!!” renowned indigenous gospel singer, coming from Chioma Jesus. 

Mercy Chiwno has also treated fans to a new video shared on her YouTube featuring her proposal.

Source : Worshippers Ghana

It is with some great showcase in the gospel industry that Jesca Mucyowera has recently released a song 'Yesu Arashoboye' that calls everyone to look back at what Jesus has done in spite of what is pending.

Doing such will enable all Christians to stay positive and thanksgiving always since God is the Almighty. Mucyowera's name made it from Injili Bora Choir and now she is an independent artist though still in the choir.

People love her songs and they comment showing how helpful they are as it appears on YouTube. For instance, within 2 weeks this new song no has more than 15k views and one can watch it to add some good going ups, 'Yesu Arashoboye'. 

As the artist told InyaRwanda, the song is a true story of the miracles she witnessed with her eyes, "It is my true story. After seeing where I came back and where I am and how I used to cry and now I can spend a month without crying, I always say that there is no tear he can't wipe. I wanted to tell everyone to never focus on what is missing or pending, instead of on what Jesus has done which was not easy. If we can all do that, we can always live by giving thanks, " she said.

It is a long song that lasts for 12:19 min and Jesca Mucyowera starts with, "I've seen that there are no tears he can't wipe, no inserted sorrow, no wound he can't heal, for real Jesus is able. What he hasn't done cannot hinder me from thanking him for what he has done. Let's worship and thank him together. I have seen him with my eyes during the child's delivery, he healed very bad sicknesses, outshone the war zone, and brought victory. That King is able."

by Kajette

In partnership with BahAfrica Entertainment, Gisubizo Ministries is organizing a concert that will take place on July 10, 2022, from which the songs on the ministries’ third album will be recorded live at CLA Nyarutarama.

As they revealed, the album will be listed with eight different songs and only three of them; ‘Humura’, ‘Umuremyi’ and ‘Urakwiriye’ have official videos. This means the remaining five will be shoot in the concert. 

This being the third session of these sorts of the concert on Gisubizo Ministries’ behalf, Vicent Ingabire who is in charge of organising this concert told Igihe that most of the songs on this album aimed at brightening up the hearts of the gospel music lovers.

Producer Nicolas and Fabrice Nzeyimana did the audio production of this album and the videos were produced by Flery Ndayirukiye, the mind behind BahAfrica Entertainment and the very same company will make the other videos from the concert.

There will be other five artists at the concert and so far only, the ‘Ubuhamya bw’Ejo’ hit maker, Ame Frank who has mostly known for doing gospel songs covers is the only one who has been announced on the list.

Joel Shimwe told InyaRwanda that it has been eight months of preparations and so they can ensure the best results. Therefore, Rwanda Gospel managed to talk to Fleury Ndayirukiye from BahAfrica Entertainment and he shared that for the five years they have been working with Gisubizo Ministries, they now wanted to join hands and ensure the best. "Gisubizo Ministries is such a big group in the industry and we have been doing some videos for them for five good years. This time around, we didn't want to scatter our energy, we decided to do this together and see what might be the results after," said Fleury. 

This concert comes after the first one which took place in May 2018 at CLA Nyarutarama and the second was held at Intare Conference Arena in 2019. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has been an issue, they are rescheduling this time round.

The Gisubizo Ministries won the 2016 Groove Awards Rwanda as the Best Choir of the Year, the Best Song of the Year and the Best Worship Song of the Year. In the region, they won the 2017 Groove Awards Kenya outcompeting so many different choirs in Central and  East Africa. 

So far, it is almost 18 years of operation and the ministry has 24 branches worldwide where seven of which are based in Rwanda, three in DRC, five in Uganda, five in Kenya, three in the USA and one in Holland.

by Kajette