News
Kim Burrell Reacts To Media Backlash Following Her Sermon Against The Sin of Homosexuality
Grammy® Award-nominated gospel star and Houston-area pastor, Kim Burrell, kicked her new year off with a big media backlash after a sermon, in which she preached about homosexuality as a sin, went viral.
She’s earned more media attention within the last two weeks than she’s had in her two-decade long career with articles painting her as homophobic popping up in diverse outlets such as People.com and The New York Times.
As a result, Burrell’s scheduled performance of the Top 20 radio hit, “I See A Victory” (from the soundtrack of the acclaimed film, Hidden Figures), on the Ellen” daytime television program, was canceled after the show’s openly gay host Ellen DeGeneres caught wind of Burrell’s commentary. “She said some very not nice things about homosexuals,” DeGeneres said to the song’s producer, Pharrell Williams, in discussing the hullabaloo, on her show. “So, I didn’t feel like that was good of me to have her on the show to give her a platform after she’s saying things about me.”
Candid photo of Pharrell Williams and Kim Burrell. Courtesy @KimBurrellLove on Twitter
The Ellen program was just the first of several professional losses for Burrell last week. In her hometown, KTSU 90.9 FM canned her Sunday afternoon radio show and The CW affiliate pulled the plug on her weekly TV program, Bridging the Gap. Then, Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), a performing rights organization, announced that they would not honor Burrell for her career achievements, as they previously planned to do, at the 18th annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta, on Jan. 14.
“Given the controversy surrounding this year’s co-honoree Kim Burrell [Marvin Sapp will also be honored], we have asked her to not take part in the ceremony in order to allow the focus to remain on the songwriters and their music,” BMI said in a written statement. “BMI was founded over 76 years ago with an open door policy to welcome songwriters across all genres, and that same spirit of tolerance, diversity, and inclusiveness continues today.”
“The fall-out is more severe than I could have predicted,” says Justin Francis of SOAR Radio, an online gospel radio network. Many people, including former Burrell fans, have created disparaging memes and predicted an end to Burrell’s career via social media posts. However, several gospel radio programmers are standing up in the singer’s defense. “I think this is just the beginning of her career,” says Ruben Freeman, general manager of WNRR 1380 AM in Augusta, South Carolina. “I think the gospel music industry is going to rally behind her. It’s my hope that they rally behind her and that the Christian audience will support her and that she will bounce back from all of this.”
“I will continue to play her music,” says Franyora Clophus, who hosts Sunday Morning Glory, on KJMH 107 Jamz in Lake Charles, Louisiana. “I have actually gone on iTunes and purchased Kim’s last few projects and I also purchased her single from the Hidden Figures soundtrack to show her some support. I think this has taught us all a very valuable lesson as it relates to social media and the way we present our views. I believe in the Holy Bible and all that it states. I stand by the truth and along with my stance; I know that we all have experienced sin and hopefully redemption through Christ’s shed blood. It is in sharing with all people the Love of Jesus, along with the deliverance and salvation message that we can truly call ourselves representatives of the Gospel. We have a duty to proclaim it all; not just what people want to hear. I pray for Kim as she matriculates through this interesting season and emerges more victorious than ever before! As her song states, I see a victory!”
Freeman and his co-host Sctonda Kelly discussed the hot topic with callers on The Big Rube and Sctonda Morning Show last week because the station had been flooded with calls and emails about what many felt was an unjust media persecution of Burrell. “She was speaking to her church congregation,” Freeman says. “She’s their pastor and she’s responsible for their souls. Folks may not like it but if it’s a word from God, you have to chew it up and swallow it or leave. I think people may have taken it out of context. I have meetings with my radio station staff all the time and when I’m speaking to them, it’s meant for them, whether they are recording for social media or not. I’ll say something in my home that I may say differently in public because I’m at home. Kim was at home in her church when she said what she said.”
A handful of gospel singing celebrities such as Judith Christie McAllister, Vanessa Armstrong, and Tasha Page Lockhart have publicly voiced their support for Burrell through social media posts. Even when Pharrell Williams appeared on Ellen to promote the music from, Hidden Figures, and to distance himself from Burrell’s views, he still commented, “She’s a fantastic singer and I love her.” Clophus adds, “I think Kim has a lot of secret support. It’s not popular, at the moment, to publicly support her but she has much more support than the media knows.”“We make comments every day,” says Gerald “Doc” Lewis, an announcer at KFSR 90.7 FM in Fresno, California. “We blurt out and nobody tells us we’re wrong. The world is going to keep turning. It won’t stop because one person says I don’t like something but, at the end of the day, the scripture is right and we’ve all made mistakes. Regardless, of what was said, Kim’s an artist and if my audience likes her music then I’ve got to keep it in rotation. Her songs are blessing my audience.”
Randall Grass, the general manager of Shanachie Records, the company that’s released Burrell’s last three albums, is confident that Burrell will survive this storm. “Kim is a great artist with a unique gift and I am sure that she will continue to have an audience,” he said in an email.
So far, the audience seems to be sticking with Burrell for the most part. Three of her albums, including the latest, A Different Place (Shanachie), resurfaced on the iTunes Top 200 Christian/ Gospel Albums digital sales chart over the weekend. At the same time, Burrell’s current radio single, “I See A Victory,” is holding steady at No. 16 on this week’s Billboard Gospel Airplay chart with no sign of waning. In addition, airplay has picked up for the song on a variety of Adult R&B, Rap and Jazz stations over the last few days.
The issue that perplexes many radio programmers is BMI’s decision to uninvite Burrell from the Trailblazers of Gospel Honors program. “Pete Rose did what he did [illegal gambling on baseball games he participated in] many years ago but his play on the field should have gotten him into the Hall of Fame,” says Doc Lewis. “What Kim did should not affect her getting that award. Those secular artists say a lot of crazy stuff and they don’t take their Grammys back. So why take something back from Kim when she’s already earned it and she’s changing lives?”
Freeman, who first met Burrell at a BMI ceremony, agrees. “When it comes to gospel and her music, Kim’s phenomenal and she’s truly a trailblazer,” he says. “That’s why I was surprised that the BMI Trailblazers withdrew her award because when you listen to many of the artists that are singing today in this generation, even many of the men; they are trying to sound like Kim Burrell. I thought that was kind of harsh for BMI not to give Kim the award. She’s a singer but she’s a preacher too. It’s OK for her to sing the gospel but not to preach it?”
Source: BlackEnterprise.com
Waysteam — In a world where ministry is no longer limited by geography or walls, technology has opened up new ways to preach, teach, and reach hearts across the globe. Waystream, a Nigerian-founded spiritual content live-streaming platform, is designed specifically for churches, ministries, and Christian broadcasters.
Waystream provides a simple yet powerful platform to stream sermons online, host live prayer sessions, deliver Bible studies, and share faith-based audio messages to a local and global audience — all without the high costs or tech-heavy demands of video streaming.
With Waystream, any ministry can start audio broadcasting immediately with a laptop or mobile phone. Currently serving over 40,000 users broadcasting to millions of listeners across the globe, Waystream provides features that meet the needs of the modern church, offering the ability to:
Launch a custom audio channel for your church or fellowship
Receive donations directly through your stream page
Store sermons for midweek listening or small group sharing
Schedule future services and weekly teachings
Allow real-time listener interaction for prayer requests or encouragement
Most importantly, Waystream supports local payment audio platforms, so churches can subscribe using Nigerian Naira with no international card stress. The platform also offers embedded links for easy sharing on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and email.
Waystream has flexible plans suitable for all ministry sizes:
Talk Free: Great for new or small fellowships
Talk Lite: Unlimited daily streaming for budget-conscious ministries
Talk Pro: Scheduling, donations, and archiving included
Talk 24/7: Best for ministries running daily radio or devotional broadcasts
More than a platform, Waystream is a religious broadcasting platform that puts the Gospel within earshot of those who need it. Whether you’re in Lagos or Lome, Aba or Atlanta, you can now reach souls with clarity, simplicity, and faith.
Visit www.waystream.io to start your 14-day free trial. Because ministry doesn’t need a building — just a willing voice and the right tools to send it forth.
Pastor Emmanuel Iren of Celebration Church International is set to release his debut movie “What About Us?”, out in cinemas on July 12, and we’re loving it!
Full episode of the show on #ThePraiseworldPodcast available everywhere you listen to your podcasts.
https://youtu.be/x5gRe6PI3vg
Annatoria who has been buzzing about being on the Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin “Kingdom Tour” for the last couple of weeks has suddenly pulled out for personal reasons.
Why exactly did she pull out of the tour?
Listen to full episode of the show on #ThePraiseworldPodcast available everywhere you listen to your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa4LGOKFOGc
A Modern Reimagining of Timeless Biblical Narratives: “DISTORIA: Bible Stories” by Tola Omoniyi
Tola Omoniyi, media entrepreneur and founder of Praiseworld Radio, proudly announces the release of his debut book, “DISTORIA: Bible Stories.” This innovative collection reimagines 30 classic Biblical stories, breathing new life into them with contemporary context to captivate today’s readers.
Many are familiar with Bible stories, but how many truly grasp their meaning? Often, these stories seem distant and unrelatable due to their ancient language and context. Tola Omoniyi’s acclaimed podcast, “Telling Bible Stories with TOLA,” launched five years ago and spanning over five seasons, has successfully bridged this gap by presenting these timeless tales in a modern, engaging manner.
Inspired by the podcast’s success, Tola decided to extend his reach to book lovers. “Seeing the impact of the podcast and how it inspired my listeners, I wanted to spread these stories to a wider audience, those who would rather read a book than listen to a podcast,” he explains.
“DISTORIA: Bible Stories” is far from a simple retelling. Tola’s vibrant prose and compelling storytelling bring a fresh perspective to these ancient narratives, making them feel immediate and relevant. He skillfully bridges the past and present, exploring the depths of Biblical values in a way that speaks directly to the soul and resonates with today’s world. Each story is followed by practical lessons and the original scriptural reference.
“Whether you’re a seasoned believer or a curious seeker, ‘DISTORIA’ promises to captivate, inspire, entertain, and challenge you in unexpected ways,” says Tola Omoniyi. “Dive in and relive ancient experiences that speak to our contemporary world like never before.”
Purchase “DISTORIA: Bible Stories” here: https://linktr.ee/tolaomoniyi
- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2RD3QGC
- Kobo https://www.kobo.com/pl/en/ebook/distoria-bible-stories
For Nigerian readers
• Roving Heights https://rhbooks.com.ng/product/distoria-bible-stories/ and Roving Heights bookstores (Lagos and Abuja)
About the Author:
Tola Omoniyi is a dynamic media entrepreneur, celebrated for his roles as a Radio/TV and Podcast host, Public Speaker, Event Compere, and Communications Expert. He has significantly influenced the Nigerian church community, earning spots among the 100 Most Influential Nigerians in Church by YNaija! in 2021 and being named one of the Top 100 most influential Nigerian gospel personalities by GospelXperience in 2023.
In 2012, Tola founded Praiseworld Radio, Africa’s leading online gospel radio station, and hosts the award-winning ‘The Praise O’Clock Show.’ His innovative approach has reshaped gospel broadcasting. Tola also hosts several podcasts, including The Praiseworld Podcast, The Afrogospel Podcast, and Telling Bible Stories with TOLA, the latter inspiring this book.
Follow Tola Omoniyi on social media: @tola_omoniyi
Contact Information:
For more information about the book or to request an interview with Tola Omoniyi, please contact:
• Email: praiseworldshow@gmail.com
• Instagram: @tola_omoniyi
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience “DISTORIA: Bible Stories” and embark on a journey that connects ancient wisdom with modern living. Purchase your copy today and share this transformative collection with friends and family.
More than just a concert, seminar or exhibition, Livingspring is a celebration of gospel music. An actual festival. There will be singing and dancing, colour, drama, exhibitions, art and history. You may also get to catch up with some of your favourite artistes. Still, the festival manages to deliver a lot more than that.
Dreams are born at Livingspring. Stars are made at Livingspring. You walk away from the Livingspring experience feeling totally energized. It’s the kind of atmosphere better experienced than retold. It’s why people have made the trip from all over the world for over 40 years.
There’s simply nothing like it!
Register below to be part of Livingspring 2024. Come loud, come colourful! Click here to register: https://livingspringcmf.com/register/
Do you enjoy playing background music while you pray and worship God? Would you like to charge up your atmosphere with songs that provoke you to spend more time in God’s presence?
We’ve carefully curated a Spotify playlist that will help you do just that.
It’s named Pray And Worship with over 4 hours of songs from anointed minstrels. This will be updated every week, so make sure to save this so as not to miss out.
Here is the direct link to the playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4duLZszOESUPHvzhmX7T06?si=9d461b43dd744be3
Feel free to share with your loved ones as an encouragement to pray and worship. We hope this blesses you and further fuels the fire on your prayer and worship altar, and helps you in spending longer time in God’s presence.
Incorporating worship songs into your prayer routine can enhance your spiritual experience and deepen your relationship with God. Whether as a gentle background melody or a soul-stirring anthem, let the power of music accompany you on your journey of faith and transformation.
Remember, we’re committed to keeping the pray and worship playlist fresh and vibrant, updating it weekly with new tracks to keep your spiritual journey dynamic and invigorating. So be sure to save this playlist and stay tuned for the latest additions.
To access the pray and worship playlist, click https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4duLZszOESUPHvzhmX7T06?si=9d461b43dd744be3 .
The pray and worship playlist contains songs by some of your favorite anointed minstrels, including Nathaniel Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Ebuka Songs, Moses Bliss, Sinach, Victoria Orenze, Mercy Chinwo, Greatman Takit, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi, Abbey Ojomu, Yadah, SteveHills, Peterson Okopi, Victor Thompson, Clement Whyt and many more.
This comes as an addition to our “Morning Starter” show on radio where we play similar songs to get your day started.
Follow us @praiseworld_ on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for more updates. God bless you.
With Love from all of us at Praiseworld Radio
❤
The 2024 Grammy Awards saw Lecrae, Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tye Tribbettt, and Blind Boys of Alabama shine bright. See below the full list of winners for the gospel/Christian music categories.
Best Gospel Performance/Song
- Stanley Brown ft. Hezekiah Walker, Kierra Sheard & Karen Clark Sheard – God Is Good
- Erica Campbell – Feel Alright (Blessed)
- Zacardi Cortez – Lord Do It For Me (Live)
- Melvin Crispell III – God Is
- Kirk Franklin – All Things
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
- Blessing Offor – Believe
- Cody Carnes – Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live]
- Lauren Daigle – Thank God I Do
- for KING & COUNTRY ft. Jordin Sparks – Love Me Like I Am
- Lecrae & Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Your Power
- Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine – God Problems
Best Gospel Album
- Erica Campbell – I Love You
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Hymns (Live)
- Maverick City Music – The Maverick Way
- Jonathan McReynolds – My Truth
- Tye Tribbett – All Things New: Live In Orlando
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
- Blessing Offor – My Tribe
- Da’ T.R.U.T.H. – Emanuel
- Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle
- Lecrae – Church Clothes 4
- Phil Wickham – I Believe
Best Roots Gospel Album
- The Blackwood Brothers Quartet – Tribute to the King
- Blind Boys of Alabama – Echoes of the South
- Becky Isaacs Bowman – Songs That Pulled Me Through the Tough Times
- Brian Free & Assurance – Meet Me at the Cross
- Gaither Vocal Band – Shine: The Darker The Night The Brighter The Light
News
Tope Alabi, Ebuka Songs, Mike Abdul, Gordons to headline the second edition of Alimosho Arise, in Lagos
Alimosho Arise is a concert that seeks to mobilize people within its environment and beyond to the call for a better Nigeria. It is a night of praise, prayer, miracle and salvation. It’s a night of ‘songfare’ and warfare.
With a star-studded line up of performances from top Nigerian artistes including Tope Alabi, Ebukd Songs, Lilian Nneji, Bidemi Olaoba, Mike Abdul, Beejay Sax, Psalmos, and other gifted music ministers, it promises to be a night of high energy praise, worship, and diverse expressions of God with something for everyone. Also, top comedians like Gordons, Forever rfc, Asiri comedy, and Saco are set to crack your ribs with hilarious jokes.
The event will hold live in Alimosho LGA in Lagos State, on Friday, 19th January 2024 from 8pm. Venue is Calvary Bible Church, Church Street, End of Anjorin Street, Calvary Bus stop, Ikotun-Idimu road, Lagos.
The event will also be streaming to thousands of viewers all around the world on YouTube and Facebook on @cbcnigeria, with Dj Horphuray and Dj Mordu grinding the wheels of steels.
Get ready, for something is about to happen!
Be a part of this movement by spreading this message.
In His Steps Movement will be holding the 13th edition of its annual Youth Camp in Lagos, Nigeria from December 26 – 29. The IHS Camp is a flagship event that has traversed various Nigerian cities and has been transforming lives since its inception in 2011.
Known for delivering outstanding gospel projects, the In His Steps Movement has become synonymous with impactful initiatives such as the In His Steps magazine, The Judah Project, and the widely acclaimed Thr3e Podcast, that was previously syndicated across Nigerian and US radio stations, including Praiseworld Radio.
This year’s IHS camp promises to be an unforgettable experience, building on the success of previous editions that featured guest ministers like Pastor Ayo Okeowo, Florocka, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, Tosin Sanni, Okey Sokay, Tola Omoniyi, among others.
The 2023 edition will continue this tradition of excellence, featuring an esteemed lineup of guest ministers, including Chimamaka Ige, Pastor Yele Adebiyi, Gaise Baba, Funmilola Banjoko, and more. The camp will offer three days of spiritual enrichment, fellowship and fun, providing a unique opportunity for young Christians to connect with fellow believers and be encouraged on their faith journey.
In His Steps camp has earned a reputation as the go-to event for young Christians, offering a transformative experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Participants can expect dynamic worship sessions, impactful teachings, lots of fun and a supportive community that fosters personal and spiritual growth.
You should watch this video for an insight into what to expect at the camp and visit their website: www.ihsmovement.org, for more information
Follow for updates on Instagram @ihs_mag
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