(ANALYSIS) American gospel musician Kirk Franklin and his Maverick City shook off negative perceptions from Kenyan skeptics to stage a show. As fans gathered at the Ulinzi Stadium in Nairobi to dance to Franklin, critics chose to stay away. Those who believe they are defenders of the Christian faith warned that Franklin was no longer representative of Jesus.
Read More(REVIEW) “The Gospel Woman” is a brilliant new play produced by National Black Theatre. It’s an American family drama that focuses on grief, faith and healing — and it features some incredible gospel music.
Read More(REVIEW) “Elvis,” the biopic that explores the life and career of the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” shows him as a larger-than-life figure and an extremely talented performer who was largely inspired by gospel music. This is what the movie gets right, and what it missed out on.
Read More(REVIEW) New biopic “Respect” shows the trajectory of the life and career of “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin. Through personal strife and career hurdles, Franklin’s Christian faith remained at the center of her life. The movie shows both how it influenced her style and saved her more than once.
Read More(REVIEW) Christian artists seldom top secular charts or appear on Times Square billboards. The contemporary Gospel band Maverick City Music has done both, resonating with a cultural moment outside the pews. Their newest album, “Tribl I,” captures the experience of singing in a crowded auditorium and brings it to anyone with headphones.
Read More(REVIEW) Justin Bieber dropped a surprise EP “Freedom” on Easter Sunday. With gospel influence, it aligns with artists like Kanye West who are making a switch from the secular to the spiritual. It also follows Bieber’s public journey into evangelical Christianity.
Read MoreKanye West’s 2019 album “Jesus is King” won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2021 Grammys. Here’s how the album fits into his career as a whole and what the win means for the genre.
Read MoreTension between protesters demanding justice for George Floyd’s death and New York police officers fizzled out for a time when a church van playing gospel music strategically inserted itself into the mix. The crisis response team is led by Jamaican immigrants with a passion for Jesus and a history of social justice and community outreach.
Read More(OPINION) Kanye West says being a good person isn’t enough— that God calls for radical obedience. Fans are asking whether his switch to gospel music is here to stay or just good marketing.
Read More(OPINION) Lil Nas X released his genre-busting song, Old Town Road. Things are happening between country and hip hop that all have to do with gospel music roots.
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