It’s another busy week across Gospel and Christian music, with major developments from the United States, the UK and Africa. From the final performer announcements for the 57th GMA Dove Awards to new music from Kirk Franklin, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss and Limoblaze, here are some of the stories making headlines this week.
Dove Awards final line-up announced
The Gospel Music Association has announced the final performer line-up for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, taking place on 6 October at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Newly announced performers include Brandon Lake with Lainey Wilson, Tye Tribbett, Hope Darst and Elevation Worship. Elevation Worship will perform from Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
Amy Grant and Natalie Grant are also scheduled to take part in a special tribute to Dolly Parton.
They join previously announced performers including Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tauren Wells, TobyMac, Naomi Raine, Hulvey and Jamie MacDonald.
The ceremony takes place on 6 October, with the television broadcast scheduled for 9 October on TBN and TBN+.
Kirk Franklin collaborates with GloRilla
Kirk Franklin has released “This Time,” featuring GloRilla, as he prepares for the release of his forthcoming album.
The collaboration arrived on 25 September and leads into Franklin’s new album, I Am What I Am, scheduled for 30 October.
The 14-track project will be released through Fo Yo Soul Recordings and TRIBL Music Group under exclusive licence to Uptown Records, following Franklin’s recently announced partnership with the relaunched label.
UK Gospel Chart update
Elle Limebear has returned to Number One on the Official UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart with “Give Me Joy.”
MIN.ADEOLUWA’s “Psalm 91” moves to Number Two, while Cammy Barnes and Rend Collective rise to Number Three with “Something More.”
Unglued, TJB and Esther Durin take Number Four with “Heaven,” while WESTWASHERE completes the Top Five with “More Than Enough.”
There are also two notable Top 10 entries: MIN.ADEOLUWA and Brenique Adams enter at Number Eight with “Alpha and Omega — Revelation 1:8,” while IMRHAN enters at Number Nine with “Teach Me.”
Africa Spotlight: Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss and Limoblaze
Three significant releases arrived from African Gospel artists this week.
Mercy Chinwo released her new praise single “My God” on 25 September through GNT Nation.
Moses Bliss also returned with “Good God,” released through Spotlite Nation.
Meanwhile, Afro-Gospel artist Limoblaze released the four-track EP Father’s Love through Reach Records. The project features collaborations with Johnny Drille, Marizu, Oba Reengy, Emandiong, Teninlanimi and Oneskript.
Rachael Lampa signs with Centricity Music
Christian artist Rachael Lampa has signed an exclusive worldwide recording and publishing agreement with Centricity Music.
Her first release under the partnership, “Permission,” arrived on 25 September.
The song was co-written by Lampa alongside Andrew Ripp and Ethan Hulse.
Matthew West releases 14th studio album
Matthew West has released his 14th studio album, Jesus Is King.
The 12-track project was released through Story House Music and Provident Label Group and includes songs such as “Back To Jesus,” “Good,” “The Good Fight,” “Younger Me” and the title track.
New Music Friday
More Christian music arrives this Friday.
Tauren Wells releases the 17-track live project Here Comes The Church — Live.
Kim Walker-Smith releases her 11-song project Known and Loved.
And from the UK, Vineyard Worship releases Reign Forevermore, a four-track EP recorded live at Riverside Vineyard in London.
What to watch next week
The GMA Dove Awards on 6 October will dominate Christian music news next week, with Unstoppable Media 247 following the winners, performances and major moments from Nashville.
UK singer-songwriter Bisola is also scheduled to release her first full-length Christian album, Holy Fire, on 6 October.
