Richie Stephens Celebrates Successful Run with New Single “Praise the Lord”

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Veteran reggae artist and producer Richie Stephens has experienced a period of notable success over recent years. With frequent bookings both domestically and internationally, his accomplishments extend to writing and producing hit songs for himself and other artists, as well as releasing successful albums and singles. As a man of faith, Stephens has chosen to commemorate his achievements by creating and releasing a gospel-inspired song titled “Praise the Lord.”

The song, along with its accompanying video, was released on March 28, 2025, under Richie Stephens‘ own record label, Pot of Gold Productions. “Praise The Lord” is an energetic dancehall track, which, when paired with its lyrics, presents a contemporary Caribbean gospel experience.

The official music video is equally vibrant and dynamic, showcasing scenes of Richie and his team traversing the streets, interacting with the public, and sharing their exuberant energy through song. The video also features highlights from his performance on the 2025 Love and Harmony Cruise.

“Praise The Lord” is not merely another release from an esteemed artist; it serves as a testament to Richie Stephens‘ enduring influence and prominence within the competitive music industry. The song is available across all streaming platforms, and the video can be viewed on Stephens‘ YouTube channel.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “PRAISE THE LORD”

McDonald’s Gospel Fest 2025

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Emmy Award-winning producer and director A. Curtis Farrow, aka Irving Street Rep, is presenting four McDonald’s Gospel Festivals this year. The first is being held in Rahway, New Jersey, on April 5th, and it will be followed by 3 back-to-back stagings, one on May 9th and two on May 10th.

The May 9th show will be held at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx, while the May 10th concerts will be at the Palladium Times Square.

All shows will feature performances by Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Dorinda Clark-Cole, with the exception of the New Jersey concert, which will only see Yolanda Adams, VaShawn Mitchell, and Rich Tolbert Jr. taking the stage.

Former Gaza Empire Member Avalanche Now A Minister Of The Gospel

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

After spending approximately 9 years as a member of Vybz Kartel‘s Gaza Empire, where he remembers being told not to mention God in his songs, running from gunshots during a shootout, and having other negative and distasteful experiences, recording artist Avalanche stayed faithful to the crew even while Kartel was in jail.

By the time Kartel was arrested in 2011, Avalanche—whose real name is Paul Clarke—had migrated to the United States. It was while living there and still an active participant in the Gaza Empire that he got a message from God instructing him to change his life. Having always been a believer, despite how he was living, that instruction led to him almost immediately getting baptized and doing a complete 180 with his life.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Prophet Paul, the moniker he now uses, is ready to unleash his first single as a gospel-dancehall artist. The song, titled “Open Door,” will be available on streaming platforms in a matter of days, but Paul and his team are sending exclusive copies to members of the media (and DJs) now.

It should be noted that although Avalanche now goes by Prophet Paul and he’s no longer involved in secular music, he is still lyrically gifted and even more fiery than he was before.

The Resurrection

Posted on March 31, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On Saturday, April 19th, 2025, one day before Easter, the Caribbean Musicians and Artists Conference will present The Resurrection, a gospel concert that will be held at the Naparima Bowl Amphitheater (#19 Paradise Pasture) in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago.

From 6pm to 11pm (local time), there will be performances by Jaron Nurse, Sir Marshall, Koen Duncan, Rev. Angela Williams, Nataki Lendor, Nathanael, Elisha Duncan, Marc Isaacs, Jadee & Nisa, Mention, Samantha Johnson, Quinton Neckles, Riyad Emmanuel, and Gerard Placide. Click here for tickets.

I Hear Music Concert

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The highly anticipated annual I Hear Music Concert goes down on Saturday, May 3rd, at Corinthian Baptist Church—1920 Tennessee Avenue—in Cincinnati, Ohio. The live music show is one of the main features of the I Hear Music in the Air Conference, which is now in its 23rd year.

The concert will feature performances by Lisa Knowles Smith, Lisa Page Brooks, Zacardi Cortez, and John P. Kee. It will start at 5:30pm, and general admission tickets are USD$30, while VIP is USD$50. Click here for additional information.

Kevin Heath’s Story

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Kevin Heath is a distinguished figure in the realm of gospel-reggae music and motivational speaking, hailing from Jamaica. He is widely acclaimed as one of the most dynamic and captivating gospel-reggae performers in the country.

The narrative of Kevin Heath‘s conversion to Christianity is well-documented. He frequently shares the remarkable account of being revived after a cessation of life for three nights and two days.

Several years ago, the St. Elizabeth native recounted to Family and Religion an encounter that profoundly altered the course of his life. Heath described an incident at a post office in Montego Bay where he was approached by a woman who prophesied that the Lord would guide him through an accident, which he should use as a testimony. Days later, Heath experienced a near-fatal incident that led him to embrace Christianity and share his testimony as foretold.

Since that pivotal moment, Heath has released numerous musical works, with his 2019 track “I’m Above” and the more recent “Golden Light” being particularly well-received by audiences.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Kevin Heath is also a consecrated evangelist and accomplished motivational speaker. He is a devoted father, and on March 27th of this year, he and his wife celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.

Anyone wanting to work with Kevin Heath should contact his management team via email: Cravemacltd@gmail.com, or phone: +1876-567-7278.

Rise and Rhythm – An Inspirational & Lifestyle Cruise

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Rise and Rhythm Cruise is setting sail February 1-5, 2026, departing from Tampa, Florida, with a scheduled stop in Cozumel, Mexico. This special event brings together a stellar lineup of performers and influential speakers for an unforgettable experience.

Performers include powerhouse artists Kirk Franklin, David & Tamela Mann, Tye Tribbett, Lalah Hathaway, Kierra Sheard, Leela James, Kindred The Family Soul, and Jonathan McReynolds.

In addition to the live music, Rise and Rhythm Cruise also features a slate of dynamic speakers, led by the award-winning actress, author, and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown with her husband and podcast co-host Chance Brown. Also confirmed are health, wellness, relationship, business, and lifestyle leaders Tamar Braxton, Egypt Sherrod & Mike Jackson, Dr. Jay Barnett, and Willie Moore Jr.

There will be other activities such as workouts led by fitness entrepreneur Gerell Webb, yoga, parties, DJ sets, movie screenings, games, and more. All this is in addition to fine dining, a full-service spa, a casino, excursions, and shopping. Click here to book a cabin.