Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced the arrangements to celebrate the life and legacy of gospel artiste David “Kukudoo” McDermott.

A Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Public viewing will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by the thanksgiving service.

Ahead of the funeral service, a Tribute Concert in Kukudoo‘s honour will be staged at the same venue on Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Minister Grange hailed Kukudoo as a significant cultural figure whose work celebrated African-derived spiritual traditions within Jamaican society. She also praised him as a dynamic performer whose music and message resonated with audiences across generations and all walks of life.

Kukudoo was also honoured during the recent Labour Day Concert, an event at which he had become a beloved and regular performer.

Gospel artist Victor Thompson will headline a London stop on his “Rooted World Tour” on August 1, 2026, at Hackney Church, Lower Clapton Road, in London.

The event will feature guest performers Emmanuel Smith, Folabi Nuel, and Neon Adejo, promising an evening of worship and live music for attendees. Tickets and additional details are accessible via victorthompsonmusic.com.

The Gospel Industry Coalition (GIC) will present “Next Up Right Now: Stone’s Throw Collective,” a Stellar Awards-sanctioned event, on Thursday, August 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 7272 W. Trade Street in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The session will feature a panel of respected gospel artists and industry figures, including Jonathan McReynolds, MAJOR., Enrique Holmes, Deon Kipping, Jabari Johnson, Jermaine Dolly, Emile G. Washington, David “DLO” Outing, and Dee Wilson.

The showcase gives a select group of up-and-coming artists the opportunity to share their music and receive direct feedback from established creatives in the industry. Participants are encouraged to bring their tracks, their team, and their best presentation, as the event is designed to help artists strengthen their craft and elevate their careers.

Registration is required, and space is limited. The session is free to attend. For more information or to register, visit www.gospelindustrycoalition.org.

Legacy Honors, presented by the Church of God in Christ, Inc. International Youth Choir and International Music Department, is a special celebration recognizing the remarkable contributions and enduring legacies of Dr. Myron L. Williams and Kirk Franklin.

Hosted by Evangelist Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Vice President of the International Music Department, and Dr. Myron L. Williams, President of the International Music Department, the event will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:30 p.m. in Main Hall E/F of the Baltimore Convention Center. The evening is presented under the leadership of Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Chief Apostle and Presiding Bishop; Superintendent Nathaniel Green, AIM Chairman; and AIM Co-Coordinators Marcus Johnson, Cecil Thompson, Coralynn “Cece” Douglas, and Mark Ellis.

Guests can look forward to an inspiring evening of music, ministry, and heartfelt tributes honoring two influential figures whose impact continues to shape gospel music. Tickets are available now through Brushfire.

Award-winning Jamaican gospel artist Kevin Downswell will present a special Pre-Album Launch Worship Experience on Sunday, July 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Portmore New Testament Church of God in St. Catherine. The event forms part of the church’s 50th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration.

The evening will give attendees an exclusive preview of music from Downswell‘s forthcoming album, ahead of its official release. Click here for tickets and additional information.

C2 Productions has announced the upcoming Motorcity All White Gospel Fest, scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the historic Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 Atwater Street in Detroit. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The festival will feature an outstanding lineup of gospel artists, headlined by Donald Lawrence & The Company and Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. Also scheduled to perform are Jonathan McReynolds, Detroit’s own Dr. Toni Booker & Booker Productions, Le’Andria Johnson, Denise Tichenor, Mali Music, and Semaje. A special performance by The Best of the Shekinah Glory Lead Singers—featuring Valencia Lacey, Desmond Pringle, and Kim Stratton—will also be part of the evening.

Presented in partnership with the JM Group, Glasses Dark, EAE Selah, and The Business Vault, and powered by SDGAM Holdings Group, Inc., the event encourages all patrons to honor its signature “All White” theme by wearing white attire. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

The Gospel Industry Coalition, in partnership with EvoWorld Entertainment, will present a free “Night of Worship” concert as part of GIC 2026, a Stellar Awards-sanctioned event.

The concert takes place on Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM, at Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, located at 727 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC. Admission is free and open to the public.

The lineup features Men of Prayze, Bre Holly & Faithful, Darrel Petties & Take 2, Blest by Four, and DJ Allen & Righteous. The evening will also include a special presentation by Lisa Knowles-Smith, CEO of EvoWorld.

Organizers describe the concert as an opportunity for “powerful voices and gifted psalmists” to unite in celebration of faith.