On Easter Sunday, April 12th, VP Records, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, will all come together to present a virtual event dubbed ‘Together We Stand.’

This is a virtual fundraising concert that will feature some of Jamaica’s leading gospel entertainers, namely: Kevin Downswell, Rhoda Isabella, Candy Isaacs, Rondell Positive, Jermaine Edwards, Sista Patt, Lubert Levy and Kukudoo. For additional information, and to donate, visit: jatogetherwestand dot com.

Gospel recording artist M.R released his new single, “Gospel Must Be Preached,” a few weeks ago. Upon hearing the track, music industry insiders have described it as ‘refreshing,’ ‘amazing,’ ‘timely’ and ‘really good.’

“Gospel Must Be Preached” is now available to the public; it went live on iTunes and all other digital music stores on March 24th.

On Friday, April 10th, Jamaican gospel artist Kevin Downswell will go live on both Facebook and Instagram at 6 PM (Jamaica time). He will be joined by musical colleague Rondell Positive.

In addition to engaging in an in-depth conversation centered on God, viewers will also be treated to some live music.

As the world continues to grapple with lives lost and lessons of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), international Psalmist Chevelle Franklyn is set to uplift spirits with the release of her latest track “Go In Your Strength,” alongside a bonus track, “iPrevail,” on Friday, April 3rd.

This is what Chevelle Franklyn had to say about the project: “iPrevail was recorded in South Africa over one year ago and written four years ago, God was ahead of us. We were all set to release our Anthem of the Ages, “Go in Your Strength,” yet God is pushing with this as well. Coronavirus will not take us because the blood of Jesus prevails.”

To date, there have been over half a million cases and over twenty-three thousand deaths worldwide because of the corona virus; but most importantly, there have been a continuous rise in those recovering, with the last count at over 123,000. Franklyn believes when ministry supersedes industry, anointing can override strategy. “iPrevail” is an enduring declaration of hope and healing over our lives. The Holy Spirit is at work.

The dual release will be accompanied by the music video of the lead single “Go In Your Strength,” shot at the legendary BOP Studio in Mahikeng, South Africa. The album, which features both tracks, is set for release in mid-2020.

Amid increased COVID-19 (the novel Coronavirus) precautions set forth by government and health authorities, global spiritual leader and Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House Bishop T.D. Jakes has set forth a plan offering customized content, designed to counter growing anxieties and offer hope for those around the globe restricted from their social normalcy.

In speaking with Bishop Jakes, he has shed light on why he felt communicating to a global audience in this manner is needed and how he’ll be using his relationships with some of the nation’s leading authorities across all industries to speak to specific issues as they arise.

In the coming days, Jakes will provide audiences with crucial and timely content to help families during this season of uncertainty. Customized messages are expected to speak to relevant issues such as:

• Managing PTSD and escaping addictive behaviors during times of stress.
• How to talk to children and vulnerable communities about fear and anxiety.

While The Potter’s House may have closed its doors for gathering and fellowship due to social distancing mandates, its commitment to keeping the voice of the Church reverberating throughout the globe still holds strong. The Church has commenced broadcasting and distributing exclusive content regularly. The resources are specifically designed to address escalating concerns as isolation mandates from health and government authorities are increasing.

A few weeks ago we shared the biography of up and coming recording artist M.R. Though he’s a new artist he is definitely not new to music. M.R is a self-taught professional musician and songwriter who’s been contributing to church choirs for years. 

That being said, Gospel Must Be Preached is his first official release as an independent vocalist and performer. The track is a catchy reggae-gospel song that is sure to inspire and captivate listeners. As the name implies, Gospel Must Be Preached is all about the importance of spreading the word of God in ‘every lane and every valley.’ 

It was produced by M.R and his team at Solomon Bill Studio in Canada, where he is based, and mixed by Audiotraxx Production (c/o Maria Jackson Entertainment) in Jamaica. The song’s artwork was also designed by Maria Jackson. According to M.R, Gospel Must Be Preached was “inspired by the times we are living in where the relevancy of the four cornered church building seems to be ineffective at fulfilling the mandate of Christ in impacting the outer world.”