Over the past year or so I have noticed that the line between gospel and secular music has gotten paper-thin. Tried as I have to avoid saying anything about this now controversial topic, I am afraid I can no longer ignore it.

You see, every Sunday we send out a Gosel Newsletter, which means that during the week numerous artists, producers, record labels and event promoters send us their songs, news, flyers, etc. with the hopes that they will be featured. Alas, the content that we’ve been getting of late – especially the music videos – have become increasingly worldly, so much so that it’s difficult to say whether or not it’s actually gospel. This is why I am asking; shouldn’t God be in the gospel? Shouldn’t we feel the presence of God in every gospel video, song, concert etc.?

Don’t get me wrong, I understand and even agree with (to a certain extent) the notion that says the gospel should be presented in a way that makes it palatable for non-believers. But if the song/video/event is about you, the artist/producer/promoter and not about Christ, how is that the gospel? For those not in the know, the word gospel literally means ‘the teaching or revelation of Christ.’ That said, if your content is not Christ centered it’s not gospel, so please don’t send it in to be featured in a Gospel Newsletter. Just saying.

^{_{By Maria Jackson CEO/Owner of Maria Jackson 27}}

Charleston gospel recording artist Kelontae Gavin will headline the R3 Revival Worship Experience in Ontario next month! Known for his breakout singles: No Ordinary Worship and Higher, it is anticipated that Gavin‘s music will create an atmosphere of worship, surrender and power, ideal for a deeper connection with God.

Kelontae will have the full support of Matthew McIntosh, Kiara Stewart, Christopher Samuels, Mary Bailey, and host Pastor Bobby Track Jr. The R3 Revival Worship Experience happens on Sunday, July 16th at Impact Lives Church (1274 Martin Grove Road in Toronto).

A few days ago BET Awards announced the nominees for 2023. Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin have been nominated in two categories: Best Group and Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award. In the latter category they were nominated twice: Bless Me and Kingdom.

BET Awards 2023 will air live on BET on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 8 PM ET/ 5 PM PT. Nominations were selected by the BET Voting Academy, comprised of an esteemed group of entertainment professionals and influencers in music, media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and creative arts.

Spicy Grove Y. C. and U.S. based Champion Life, will host dancehall-gospel artist Papa San at Oracabessa High School (in Jamaica) on Saturday, June 17th.

This is a concert that will see San – who is now a pastor at Our Fathers Kingdom International Ministries in Florida – performing songs from his extensive gospel catalogue. Starting time is 7pm, and the organizers are asking attendees for a $500 contribution to what is essentially a free show.

At the end of May, Todd Dulaney kicked off The Journey Continues Tour, which is centered around his upcoming album, due out this summer. It started in Montgomery, Alabama on the 26th, and has so far been in Cherry Hill, New Jersey (May 28th) and Atlanta, Georgia (June 9th).

On June 23rd he will be at Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi; Right Direction Church International in Columbia, South Carolina on the 25th; and Christian Tabernacle Church in Southfield, Michigan on the 30th.

Click here for tickets to all upcoming shows.

First Church Of The Open Bible, located at the corner of Water Lane and Dome Street in Montego Bay, Jamaica, will welcome gospel sensation Rhoda Isabella to their stage on Saturday, June 24th. The Sterling Gospel Music Awards winner is the headlining act for Levites In Praise.

Levites In Praise is a major gospel concert that will also feature Yvonne Cowen, Danae Simms, Shaundre Cowan, Christina Kerr-Cleghorn, and Adoracion, with MC Sanjay Morris. Ticket outlets are Sam Sharpe Teacher’s College and Full Coverage Music Store.

The Ark of Jesus Christ Deliverance Ministries is having a major gospel concert on Saturday, June 24th; and they’ve asked international recording artist Kevin Downswell to be the headlining act.

Downswell will be supported by TJ Bristol, Greg Delanie, Tracy Archibald, Patrina Mckenzie, Marlon Christy and Tabrika ‘Tabby’ Francis. The address is 850 S. Park Avenue, in Winter Garden, Florida, and there is a $50 entrance fee.