Black Nativity Musical Brings Joy To Atlanta

credit: Black Nativity Atlanta

Black Nativity is a phenomenal gospel musical based on the song play by Playwright and Poet Langston Hughes. The show is currently showing LIVE in Atlanta at Georgia Tech's First Center for The Arts.

Running until December 19th, the show is a must see.

Check out more details on our BOLD TV YouTube Page. 

For more information on Black Nativity and tickets to the show visit: http://blacknativityatlanta.com/

DJ D-Nice Teaches Students New Skills at Otis Redding Foundation Music Camp

DJ D-Nice, the Creator of the World Famous "Club Quarantine," recently treated Students to a Master Class at the Otis Redding Foundation's OMC 2.0

The latest version of Otis Music Camp, OMC 2.0 The Virtual experience, held June 8-12, allowed for a plethora of familiar industry faces to stop by and continue the mission of enhancing and motivating young minds in music and the arts. Just when campers thought the week couldn’t get any better, legendary DJ, Derrick “D-Nice” Jones, treated them to a surprise guest appearance.

D-Nice’s virtual “Club Quarantine” parties have been bringing millions of music-lovers, including Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna, Ellen DeGeneres, Lionel Richie, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, together.

“Having someone who is not only a prominent member of the music industry, but also someone who is dedicated to bringing people together and lifting us up with music, is indeed an honor and a privilege for OMC 2.0,” says Karla Redding-Andrews, daughter of Otis Redding and VP/Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation. “The campers were tasked with writing songs around the themes of Ban Hate, Love All Over the World, and Empowerment, all of which are so prevalent in D-Nice’s messaging”.

“I do believe, especially for this age group that this was one of the most important lessons I ever learned in my life; I learned it at this exact age, 15 years old, learning about life, learning about music, and being creative and learning about community and being passionate and being true to yourself,” says D-Nice, speaking to the campers via BlueJeans. “Being able to speak to you guys and being able to share this story on what life could be, I don’t have the perfect life, but I have a life full of amazing experiences and it all started with music and community.”

Other presenters for OMC 2.0 included: Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls, songwriter Billy Mann, recording artist Alex Aiono, PR executives Isaac Hamm, Aliya Crawford (W&W PR) and Karen Lee (W&W PR), attorney Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb, Inc.), recording artists Bren Joy and Eric Burton (Black Pumas), Tom DeSavia and Michele Smith (Concord Music Group), Ron Andre Elvis Telford (Creative Titans Music), and Atlanta rapper Deante Hitchcock.  Screenshots of the presenters speaking with the 25+ campers and 10+ coaches are attached. Hi-res images are available upon request.

The full schedule and more information about the OMC 2.0 presenters, coaches, etc. is available online at https://otisreddingfoundation.org/2020-virtual-otis-music-camp/

The Otis Redding Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Macon, Georgia. Founded in 2007, ORF looks to empower, enrich and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing and instrumentation. For additional information on the foundation and to see pictures from past camps visit https://otisreddingfoundation.org. To keep up with the conversation follow the foundation on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.


Follow @BOLDJournal on on all social media networks for the latest updates.

Grace To Get Through #BOLDPodcast Season 2: Episode 13

Inspired in part by a single profound tweet from Lecrae....This episode features an exclusive interview with the Hip Hop Artist, Philanthropist and 'Tweeter' himself. It explores the importance of being patient with ourselves during the Restoration and REVOLUTION process especially as it pertains to the practice of faith. 

To become a BOLDJournal+ Subscriber and get exclusive access to RAW, UNEDITED footage from this episode and more visit: www.patreon.com/BOLDJournal to Subscribe.

Unlock Plus Perks on BOLDJournal Patreon

Stellar Awards Announces 2020 Virtual Production

credit: Stellar Awards

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards has announced that this year's Awards Show will be virtual. The virtual television broadcast will include a special tribute to first responders. Artists Jonathan McRenolds and Koryn Hawthorne are still set to host the event. Returning to host, this time as a co-host will be Kirk Franklin.

The superstar trio will work together to keep the virtual television praise party lifted and flowing seamlessly throughout the evening. Confirmed performers include Donnie McClurkin, James Fortune, J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, Travis Greene, Pastor Mike Jr., Kierra Sheard, and Doe, with more to be announced.

An important tradition at the Stellar Awards will be held for next year’s 2021 show, where Jackson will bestow well-deserved special honors and recognition upon Gospel greats who have elevated the genre. The previously named recipients – The Clark Sisters, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Shirley Caesar in addition to Gospel music industry leaders Dr. Leonard Scott, Skip Barrett, Kerry Douglas, and Dr. Teresa Hairston – will be celebrated for their contributions to Gospel music when The Stellar Awards returns to Las Vegas next Spring in March 2021.

Tickets purchased for 2020 Stellar Awards events that were scheduled for August 14–16 will be refunded. Previously announced nominees for the 2020 Stellar Awards includes , veteran Gospel collective, Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers who leads the field of nominees with nine nominations. Other top nominees include Gospel icon and Stellar Awards Host, Kirk Franklin and powerhouse singer, producer and performer Tasha Cobbs Leonard with eight nominations each; JJ Hairston (7 Nominations), Bishop Paul S. Morton (6 Nominations), John P. Kee (5 Nominations), Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers (4 Nominations), William Murphy (4 Nominations), Pastor Mike, Jr. (4 Nominations), Maranda Curtis (3 Nominations), and Fresh Start Worship (3 Nominations) round out the field of top nominated artists. For the complete list of the 35th Anniversary Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees, please visit www.thestellarawards.com.

To view the full press release visit https://www.thestellarawards.com/press.html

Follow @BOLDJournal on all social media networks for the latest social media updates!

Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond Take Verzuz To The Next Level

Gospel Music giants Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond will jointly host the verzuz event Sunday May 31, 2020. Bishop T.D. Jakes will open with a few words of encouragement before the battle begins at 5PM EST.

With all the craziness going on in the world right now surrounding the murders of unarmed black men and women. Hopefully this will bring some uplift even if just for a moment.

Touted as "The Healing" Verzuz, rightfully we know that real "healing begins when change starts happening". One Instagram user commented in regards to the event happening. We are definitely appreciative of Kirk, Fred and Bishop Jakes moving toward the effort.

12 Year Old Keedron Bryant, whose video "I Just Want To Live" has gone viral, was used as the background music for the event.

The broadcast featuring Kirk Franklin, Bishop TD Jakes, and Fred Hammond will take place LIVE on http://verzuztv.com/ and Instagram.

"I Just Want To Live" is a perfect example of rising up and using your voice accordingly! We salute Keedron for using his gifts. Check out "I Just Want To Live" by Keedron Bryant below:

View this post on Instagram

😭😭😭😭😭 . . . #Repost @keedronbryant • • • • • • just singing what’s on my heart...hope this blesses someone🙏🏾❤️ @sdhtoronto thanks for this dope shirt!!🔥🔥 #ijustwantolive #blacklivesmatter #ijustwannalive #equality #black #blackexcellence #racism #justice

A post shared by Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) on May 31, 2020 at 4:40am PDT

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Latice Crawford Releases Brand New Singles "Amazing" & "Something Something"

Latice Crawford is back with new music! The Gospel Artist just released not one, but two new singles "Amazing" and "Something Something". She is signed with EOne Nashville. Both singles showcase Latice's ability to deliver melodic and soulful messages to listeners and followers of Christ. 

Latice recently shared a statement about her new projects: "This new music I'm releasing is all about our common symptoms (our temptations, struggles, stumbling blocks on our journey, those pills we use to maintain or fill our voids.) My hope is that my music will simply help us identify our stuff, see that we all have the same issues, and that we all use a variation of the same resources. I hope that we can judge less, and come together to see, and ultimately find our common source, the cure, Jesus Christ,"

After stealing the hearts of believers on BET’s singing competition Sunday Best, using her three-octave, contralto vocal range, her self-titled debut album reached two Billboard charts, and the Top Gospel Albums chart. Her second album, “Diary of a Church Girl,” also appeared on the Top Gospel Albums chart. The gospel superstar is back in action. Her new songs deliver the powerful, passionate message we need right on time! 

"Something Something", a fresh, original take on a classic expression is a funky feel-good melody! It has a nice vibe that will make you want to get up and dance, and praise at the same time! Check out the official video for "Something Something" below:

Both songs are available now at all major digital retailers, You can check them both out  HERE. and connect with Latice on Instagram @LaticeCrawford

What are your thoughts on these fresh new singles? Leave your thoughts about the new music in the comment section below and share them with us on all social media platforms @BOLDJournal

Songstress LaTonya Meori Release New Single "Superman"

Inspirational artist, La’Tonya Meori has released her highly anticipated single "Superman" which is now available on all digital platforms. 

La’Tonya credits her inspiration for writing Superman by reflecting on the sacrifice, grace, and mercy of God, the words to the song naturally came.“Superman was inspired to reveal the ultimate power and love of God. He is our ultimate hero and savior! In times like this, we must remember that we have hope in Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life”, says La’Tonya.

La’Tonya Meori is an Artist from Raleigh, N.C. who has a heart for God and his people. She found her passion for singing as a child and continues to share her gifts. Her music will inspire and uplift anyone. Her motivation is to see people blessed through the ministry that the Lord Jesus has placed within her. La’Tonya understands that without faith it is impossible to please God, and she is a true testament to faith in Christ!

OWN Network's Greenleaf Announces Series Finale

On May 3rd, The Own Network Series "Greenleaf" announced that Season five would be it's last season. The final season will be returning in June with no exact date given.

The previous four seasons are available to stream on Netflix. In it's duration The series from Lionsgate won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama Series this year, as well as back to back wins (in 2019 and 2020) for star Lynn Whitfield (Lady Mae Greenleaf) in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama category.

In an official statement Greenleaf's Writer/Executive Producer Craig Wright said from the beginning him and Oprah knew they wanted to end the series after 5 seasons. Watch the official video to hear his remarks below:

What are your thoughts about the series coming to an end? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below and connect with us online @BOLDJournal on all social media networks to follow the conversation.

Kierra Sheard's KIERRA Debuts at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Album's Chart

Recently, GRAMMY® and Stellar Award-winning artist, actress and entrepreneur, Kierra Sheard’s latest album KIERRA debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album’s chart, #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel albums chart, and #2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Christian & Gospel Consumption chart. Released on April 17^th, KIERRA has knocked the longstanding #1 Jesus Is King out of the top position, and has garnered more than 3 million streams in its first week.

Kierra is overwhelmed by the response the album is receiving and says, “I’m so honored and grateful. God is faithful! My team and my supporters have really held me down, and lifted me up during this trying time. This has put a smile on my face and in my heart.”

On top of KIERRA, which features the singles “It Keeps Happening” and “Don’t Judge Me” featuring Missy Elliott, dominating the Gospel Albums chart, the songstress’ latest single “Something Has To Break (Live)” featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard garnered over 1.5 million views on YouTube in just a little over a week. In addition, Kierra performed for Billboard’s Live At Home series on Facebook raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities Detroit.

Outside of music, Kierra recently co-starred in the Lifetime biopic, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, which premiered on April 11th to 2.7 million viewers marking Lifetime's highest-rated movie since 2016, and the strongest original movie on all of television for 2020 across key demos, including both broadcast and cable. Kierra’s fashion line, Eleven60, which is available at Macys.com celebrated its fifth anniversary this year.

For more information visit her official website: https://www.iamkierrasheard.com/

There is also a great song featuring Todd Dulaney on the Album! Breath Of Life Daily recently interviewed Todd Dulaney. Watch the Interview on Breath Of Life Daily's Official YouTube page Subscribe and connect with us @BOLDJournal on all Social Media Networks for the latest Inspiration!.

Gospel Artist Kierra Sheard Releases New Self-Titled Album

GRAMMY^® and Stellar Award-winning artist, actress and entrepreneur, Kierra Sheard, released her highly anticipated album KIERRA. Marking her sixth studio album and first project with RCA Inspiration. KIERRA includes the songstress’ latest single “It Keeps Happening,” and the popular anthem “Don’t Judge Me,” featuring Missy Elliott. Also, the album is accompanied by the release of a new video for another single, the atmosphere moving, “Something Has To Break (Live)” featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard. The video will debut exclusively via YouTube Premiere today at 1pm EST.

With a mission to deliver uplifting music, KIERRA provides a fitting sanctuary amid these difficult times, “Faith and inspiration have been the driving force of my career. We’re going to get past this. We have to. The Lord has so many things for so many of us to do,” Kierra shares. 

The album includes 15-tracks with sounds ranging from Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Gospel, and features some live recorded songs which Kierra performed before a sold out crowd in her hometown of Detroit, MI. Demonstrating her lyricism, Kierra either wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks on the album including the beautiful ballad “Grateful,” the authentic and raw “Human,” and “Better.” Assisted by a dynamic team, KIERRAfeatures production from her frequent collaborators, Harmony “H-Money” Samuels and her brother J. Drew Sheard, as well as songwriters Mia Fieldes, Varren Wade, Edgar “JV” Etienne, Justin Brooks and rising Chicago artist Sir the Baptist. In addition to Missy Elliott and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the album features vocals from other star Gospel Artists Todd Dulaney, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Le’Andria Johnson and Kierra’s nephew Jacob Sheard.

On top of her new music, Kierra is celebrating the fifth anniversary of her fashion line, Eleven60, which is available at Macys.com. Showcasing her versatility and range as an artist, Kierra continues to act and co-stars in the Lifetime biopic, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, which premiered on April 11^th to 2.7 million viewers. In the film she depicts her mother, legendary gospel artist, Karen Clark Sheard. 

KIERRA is available now via all major digital providers. 

Juan & Lisa Winans Release 'It Belongs To Me' feat. Marvin Winans

Gospel Music's premiere millennial GRAMMY-nominated couple, Juan and Lisa Winans’, celebrate the release of their official debut single, “It Belongs To Me,” featuring 6X GRAMMY-Award winner Marvin Winans. Following the success of their 2018 Holiday EP, A Little Soul for Christmas, “It Belongs To Me” encourages all that the good news and promises of God are for them and will come to pass. It’s a beautifully rendered and timely message as the world faces a global health crisis and rising social and political unrest. “It Belongs To Me” will be available on all major digital retail outlets on Friday, May 8, 2020.

Juan Winans began his career with the Billboard #1 Gospel Album, “Winans Phase 2: We Got Next.” Juan and his sister Deborah Joy Winans (“Greenleaf”) toured in the original musical Born For This: The BeBe Winans Story, for which Juan won Best Male Lead at the 2019 NAACP Theater Awards. Lisa Winans (formerly Lisa Kimmey) is best known as one third of the Dove Award winning, Contemporary Christian Music trio, Out of Eden. The group was active from 1994 to 2006, producing seven albums. During Lisa’s tenure with Out of Eden, she appeared on the 90’s sitcom “Moesha,” and hosted original programming for the Gospel Music Channel. In 2006, Out of Eden retired and released a greatest hits compilation. The trio reunited in 2014 for a special Gotee Records compilation album with a cover of House of Heroes’ single “Constant.”

“Our single, (“It Belongs To Me”) is more than a song to us, it’s the way we are aspiring to live. Jesus said that He came to give us abundant life. That’s a big, bold statement and just one of many promises offered to us as children of God. This song is a declaration of our desire and dedication to living in those promises; to possessing every gift and blessing that God makes available to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. ‘It Belongs To Me’ is our anthem of grace and faith,” says Juan Winans.

Listen To It Belongs To Me In The Official Lyric Video Below: 

“It Belongs To Me” will be available wherever music is sold and streamed on Friday, May 8, 2020. For more information on Juan and Lisa Winans visit JuanAndLisaWinans.com; follow them on social media using the handle @JuanAndLisaWinans. Dare Records is distributed by ADA (a Warner Music Group company).

Follow the conversation @BOLDJournal

Top Tweets From The Legendary Clark Sisters Movie

The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies Of Gospel was a Phenomenal film! Phenomenal! It may have been good to make it more than than two hours. Can we just gift all these Actresses and Artists with their awards now?! 

@BOLDJournal was LIVE on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and the commentary was pouring in. A lot of people had something to say. From the favorite parts to the crazy parts. Here are a few things Twitter had to say about The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel:

An ode to Dr. Mattie Moss Clark . . .

Beautiful! https://t.co/Aj2o0kS9Mo

— Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) April 12, 2020

Aunjanue Ellis! Give her ALL the awards! #TheClarkSisters

— Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) April 12, 2020

Beautiful! https://t.co/zlp7BFaYkf

— Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) April 12, 2020

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 https://t.co/4KiEaMz79K

— Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) April 12, 2020

“You gone live what you sing about” #TheClarkSisters pic.twitter.com/bENlRSf1Ki

— Cearah Hamilton (@CearahHamilton) April 12, 2020

Yaass!!! LORD "Thank you for saving me from myself!🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿 #TheClarkSisters

— Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) April 12, 2020

Did you catch the movie? What were your thoughts about it? Leave a comment in the comments section below and connect with us @BOLDJournal on all social media platforms to follow the conversation!

The Best Of The Clark Sisters

Gospel Icon Bebe Winans Opens Up About Coronavirus Diagnosis

Jesus! Don't take Bebe! Legendary Gospel great BeBe Winans is the latest celebrity to open up about a difficult coronavirus diagnosis, and the gospel icon stopped by SiriusXM's The Joe Madison Show to reveal that while he has recovered, it wasn't an easy process.

"Sometimes, for some reason, we as a people when we look in and we look at television and various things that's going on around us, we somehow say, that can't happen to me for some reason," he explained. "I don't know why, but sometimes we believe that, and even myself being cautious, when the outbreak started, I did just a little travel. I was actually in New York and I was like, well, I'm going to Detroit because I had a friend pass and we were having a funeral and just that little travel, I caught it."

"You can't just go to the hospital, and if you're not in need of a respirator they won't even take you," he continued, before noting that both his brother and mother also caught the virus. "I'm a man of faith and just raised in and in my mind, I'm just concrete in the subject matter that God is greater than everything. Yet, and still, it's so important for us to use common sense. So, being on the other side of it now, I'm just grateful that the word, I just finished my run and through the whole run, I was just saying, God, I thank you. I thank you because it could have been a different outcome for me and my family. So, I've learned to be more grateful for life itself. Forget about homes and automobiles and all these things. You can't take none of that. That means nothing to you when your health is gone."

"I'm going to do what's best for me, and that is keep moving health-wise in my mind and my spirit," he added. "Keep the spirit moving. You can sit still and keep your spirit moving. I read a whole bunch. I didn't know I could read so well."

It is incredible to hear that Bebe Winans has recovered. We definitely will still be praying for him and his entire family. As gospel fans we know what a talented, multifaceted family it is.

Please stay safe out here in these streets, as a matter of fact STAY HOME! Make sure you wash your hands and take all the safety precautions, and more. GOD is a healer, but do not be foolish. Too many people are dying. GOD rest their souls.

Please, please be wise about this! Read! Get educated before hand. Remember like scripture says Wisdom is the principle thing.

Follow @BOLDJournal on all outlets for the latest inspirational news and updates!

source/image: Billboard.com  Hear Bebe's full interview on Billboard.com

JJ Hairston's New Single "Excess Love Remix" Impacting Radio

JJ Hairston pictured with Mercy Chinwo

JJ Hairston’s new single, “Excess Love Remix (feat. Mercy Chinwo)” lifted from the Stellar Award-nominated album, Miracle Worker has officially been released.

JJ Hairston who now serves with his wife, Trina Hairston as co-pastors of All Nations Worship Assembly Live District of Columbia (and also serves as Director of Music & Arts at City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover MD), is a GRAMMY nominated, Billboard Music Award winner, and a seven-time Stellar Award winner. Hairston’s latest offering “Excess Love Remix” features lead vocals by Nigeria native powerhouse vocalist Mercy Chinwo. The single was recorded live in Abuja, Nigeria at COZA Church for Hairston’s tenth Billboard chart-topping album, Miracle Worker.

“In a time where fear is trying to take the world captive, it is important to talk about the love of God. The Bible says that perfect love casts out fear. We are fighting against the spirit of fear with love in this season! That’s why we’re excited to release this new single “Excess Love Remix,” says Hairston.

Hairston’s tenth album, Miracle Worker, was accompanied by the release of a relationship themed book co-authored with his wife Trina Hairston titled, A Miracle Marriage, - giving believers a balanced dose of knowledge and inspiration. The book is a simple guide on how millennial couples can learn to make their marriage work in today’s society. Additionally, the album single of the same title, “Miracle Worker,” reached #6 on Billboard Gospel’s National Airplay Chart. The album Miracle Worker debuted at #2 on the Billboard Gospel sales chart.

Check out The Official EXCESS LOVE Remix Video Below:

JJ Hairston is nominated for seven Stellar Gospel Music Awards at the 35^th annual show taking place in Las Vegas on Sunday, August 16^th. Hairston’s latest album Miracle Worker, and book A Miracle Marriage, are available now at all major digital retailers. For more information visit JJHairston.com or follow him on social media using the handle @JJHairston and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Youthful.Praise/.

Follow @BOLDJournal on Social Media for the latest inspirational news and updates!