ANTHNY Releases Debut Album “Worship Leader’s Diary”

Worship leader, songwriter, and producer ANTHNY released his highly anticipated debut album, Worship Leader’s Diary, marking a defining new chapter in his musical journey.

Released September 25, 2026, the 13-track project offers an intimate look beyond the platform and into the heart of the person leading worship. Blending contemporary gospel, worship, and R&B, ANTHNY explores themes of faith, identity, vulnerability, repentance, and his personal relationship with God.

The album features collaborations with Naomi Raine, BJ The Chicago Kid, Ahjah, and Kierra Sheard, while showcasing ANTHNY’s distinctive approach to songwriting and production.

More than a collection of songs, Worship Leader’s Diary is a personal reflection on what it means to lead others while continuing to navigate one’s own journey of faith.

Norfolk State University’s 2026 Homecoming Gospel Explosion

As part of its 2026 Homecoming festivities, Norfolk State University (NSU)’s annual Homecoming Gospel Explosion is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall. Doors are set to open at 5:00 PM, with the main event kicking off at 6:00 PM.

This year’s concert features four-time Grammy Award-winning artist Karen Clark Sheard, celebrated globally for her historic contributions to gospel music both as a solo artist and as a member of the legendary Clark Sisters. Joining her is multi-Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and choir director Tye Tribbett, known for his high-energy performances and genre-blending praise anthems.

The roster also includes acclaimed worship leader Will Johnson, the dynamic sibling gospel group Fraser 5, and a special performance by the renowned Norfolk State University Choir.

The Homecoming Gospel Explosion is open to students, alumni, and the general public. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online through the NSU Spartan Tickets Portal. Admission is $10 for current NSU students and $35 for the general public.

Hopeton Lindo Proclaims the Power of Faith With New EP, “A Miracle”

Jamaican singer and songwriter Hopeton Lindo returns with his deeply personal six-track EP, A Miracle, a faith-centered musical testimony released through Irie Pen Records.

Inspired by a situation that he was close to where someone was battling a serious illness, A Miracle is rooted in the power of prayer and unwavering belief in God. While medical treatment was pursued, Hopeton and those around him also prayed and believed for a breakthrough — and what followed became, in his words, a miracle.

That experience became the inspiration behind A Miracle, a project that He describes as an encouragement to anyone facing difficult circumstances. His message throughout the EP is clear: never give up, pray, believe and put faith over fear.

“My faith in the Almighty is always strong, as my mantra is faith over fear.”

Completed in approximately two months, the six-track EP takes listeners on a deliberate spiritual journey. The songs are sequenced to tell a story — beginning with a prayer for a miracle, moving through belief and divine protection, arriving at the miracle itself, addressing mental health, and ultimately ending in thanksgiving and praise.

The journey begins with “A Miracle,” a heartfelt expression of prayer and hope. It is followed by “Believe,” a reminder to hold on to faith even when circumstances may suggest otherwise.

On “Cover Me,” He is joined by his son, Lindo, as the song becomes a prayer for God’s covering and protection. The story then moves into “Walking Miracle,” reflecting the joy and gratitude that comes when prayers are answered and a miracle comes true.  

Hopeton also uses the project to acknowledge the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing through “Mental Health Awareness,” featuring Anthony Malvo. For him, the inclusion of the song reflects the reality that difficult seasons can affect the mind and spirit, making awareness and encouragement an important part of the journey.

The EP closes with “Testify,” bringing the story to its natural conclusion — from asking God for a miracle to giving thanks once the miracle comes true. 

While each song carries its own significance, He says he does not have a single favorite. Every song is an original composition and holds a special place in his heart. 

With A Miracle, Hopeton Lindo hopes listeners will not only hear music, but encounter a message of faith, hope, prayer, perseverance and gratitude — a reminder that difficult circumstances do not have to be the end of the story.

Virginia Union University Brings Star-Studded Gospel Lineup to Richmond for Homecoming Concert

Virginia Union University will celebrate Homecoming with a Gospel Concert on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM at United Nations Church, 214 Cowardin Avenue.

The evening features Jay Todd, Jonathan McReynolds, Jonathan Nelson, and Patrick Riddick & D’Vyne Worship, along with Hezekiah Walker. The VUU Gospel Choir will also perform, and Lexi will host the event.

The concert is a highlight of the university’s Homecoming festivities, bringing together students, alumni, and members of the Richmond community for an evening of worship and celebration. Gospel music has long been central to the culture of historically Black colleges and universities, and the VUU Gospel Choir carries that tradition forward by sharing the stage with some of the genre’s most recognized names.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $20 for VIP seating. They can be purchased on the following website: givebutter.com/homecominggospelshow. The concert is sponsored by Amazon.

Lt. Stitchie, Pioneering Dancehall and Gospel Artiste, Dies at 60

Jamaican deejay, songwriter and gospel-reggae artiste Lt. Stitchie has died at age 60. The veteran entertainer, whose real name was Cleveland Laing, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at a Kingston hospital, one day before his 61st birthday.

Lt. Stitchie first rose to prominence during the 1980s dancehall era with hits including “Wear Yuh Size,” “Natty Dread,” “Night and Day” and “Dress To Impress.” In 1988, he signed with Atlantic Records, releasing three albums with the major label and helping introduce Jamaican dancehall to a wider international audience.

Following a life-changing experience in 1997, Stitchie embraced Christianity and redirected his career toward gospel reggae. He went on to become a respected gospel artiste, minister, motivational speaker and author, while continuing to acknowledge the dancehall roots that shaped his career.

In 2021, he was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) for his contribution to reggae and dancehall music locally and internationally. His musical legacy also continued into recent years, with new recordings released as he remained active in music despite serious health challenges.

Lt. Stitchie suffered a major stroke in 2024 and spent the following years undergoing rehabilitation. His passing brings to a close a remarkable career that spanned dancehall, gospel, ministry and more than four decades of Jamaican music.

Gifted Hands Joins Dax’s The Anger Management Tour

Virginia Beach-based artist and songwriter Gifted Hands is set to join multi-genre artist Dax on select dates of his 2026 The Anger Management Tour.

Dax’s North American headline tour launched in September and is scheduled to continue through December 13, with stops in cities across the United States and Canada. Gifted Hands‘ participation comes as he continues to expand his reach. See below the confirmed dates when he will appear with Dax.

October 8 — Gainesville, GA
October 9 — Raleigh, NC
October 10 — Columbia, SC
October 11 — Knoxville, TN
October 13 — Huntsville, AL
October 20 — Birmingham, AL
October 21 — Baton Rouge, LA
October 23 — Dallas, TX
October 24 — Austin, TX
November 19 — Minneapolis, MN
November 20 — Milwaukee, WI
November 21 — Chicago, IL

Praise in the Park Returns to Atlanta This October

Praise 102.5 has announced the official lineup for “The Original Praise in the Park,” a gospel music festival set to take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia.

The event brings together an extensive roster of gospel and inspirational artists, including Mary Mary, John P. Kee, and David & Tamela Mann. They will be joined by Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy, Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers, Canton Jones, Adia, and Vashawn Mitchell & Friends.

Rounding out the bill are Dwight Stone and Friends, Joann Rosario, Jor’Dann Armstrong, Lee Vasi, Nia Allen, and Jai & Q. Parker.

The concert is presented by Praise 102.5 in partnership with Variety Entertainment and the City of South Fulton’s Wolf Creek Amphitheater.

Tickets are now available for purchase at MyPraiseATL.com.