Greetings Kingdom Citizen! As the Editorin-Chief and Publisher, I am elated to present to you the very first ECMA Program & Guide in the 2011 award season. This issue of MVII Magazine is also first issue in our second year in publication. Yes, that’s right we are now embarking on year two of producing the magazine. This past year has been a challenging one in that I also worked with the ECMA Team to launch this innovative educational, training, and recognition program designed to equip an independent and diverse group of Christian/Gospel artists for EXCEL LENCE!! I pray this publication is an adequate extension of ECMA’s Vision & Mission. ENJOY!
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Staff: Lavonya Jones Contributing Writer/ Researcher William Harvey Graphics Iriane Brown Layout Designer/ Photographer LaDre` Brown Music Contributor Special Thanks to: Henry Harris Ron Briggs
CONTENTS Excellence in Christian Music Awards
Special Edition NOW Latest Haps
9
About ECMA History
11
Visionary
12
ECMA Candidates Profiles
16
ECMA Coaches Profiles
32
The MLK Memorial’s address is 1964 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20024. The street number is a reference to the Civil Right’s Act of 1964, a milestone which Dr. King played an integral role in achieving. VISIT TODAY
NOW ECMA Weekend Happenings: Friday, 10/28/ 2011 ECMA
Saturday, 10/29/2011 ECMA
Sunday, 10/30/2011 ECMA
-Recipient, Instructor, & Staff Arrivals
-ECMA Red Carpet Reception
-Sunday Morning Worship at Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church
-ECMA Networking Gala
-ECMA Show & Ceremony
-Fellowship & Departure
OTHER
OTHER
-Capitol Steps-musical and political comedy $40.25 Ticketmaster.com 202-397-7328 capitolsteps.com
-Free Health Screenings & Educational Event Redskins Locker Room, FedEx Field, Landover, MD
OTHER -Marine Corps Marathon 2011 starts in Arlington, VA $88 Registration
Congratulations
From Your Church Family New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church * Mays Landing, NJ May you continue to "Reach the Lost & Encourage the Saved" by spreading the gospel in Jesus' Name! www.newmountcalvarybaptist.com Rev. William Moore, Sr., Pastor
THE HISTORY met with disappointment. Though the traditional process represents the industry standard for artist recognition, the Excellence in Christian Music Awards represents need change. Change that encourages not only growth and expansion of the The Excellence in Christian artists, their careers, and their Music Awards (ECMA) was ministries, but ECMA also created not only to promote encourages the forward excellence in Christian Music but progression and diversity in the to also fill a gap. Christian/Gospel music industry. The Vision to equip Christian/ The Christian Music Industry Gospel music artists with the tools Participants being honored and necessary to be successful in the recognized this ECMA Weekend music industry came to Mr. Henry have been afforded the opportunity Harris nearing the end of his eight to participate in an awards process year tenure as President with the based on an objective and Stellar Awards Gospel Music unbiased point system designed to Academy (SAGMA). identify those candidates who In the rise of working with have exhibited EXCELLENCE for independent Christian/Gospel final recognition in the ECMA artists, he noticed year after year, national awards program. season after season as they This ECMA project is shaping the diligently invested their energies, future of the next generation of time, and monies to gain footing; artists in the Christian/Gospel participating in numerous award music industry and represents a shows, programs, and new era in the education, conferences with their hopes—of motivation, and training of becoming successful, winning Christian/Gospel music artists and coveted prizes, and achieving the industry as a whole. Join us in industry recognition—were being celebration of their efforts!
THE VISIONARY HENRY W. HARRIS SR. Mr. Harris is the mastermind of Excellence in Christian Music Awards (ECMA), an awards, education, and recognition program he formed to advance the mission of the Strategic Music Partnerships, which he founded the year prior to creating ECMA. A serial entrepreneur, in 2003 Henry also founded the Christian Internet Radio Service Spiritco1. Spiritco1 was created to give Christian artists an outlet to broadcast to the world using internet technology. Over the past 20 years, Mr. Harris has been involved in the technology, community, and business sectors, working toward advancement and change when necessary. Henry is President of Spirit Telecommunications Company; Spirit is a voice and data communications company. Mr. Harris currently serves on the Prince Georges County, Maryland Solid Waste Advisory Commission and the Prince Georges County Minority Business Opportunity Commission. Henry W. Harris Sr. is active with community organizations, life time member of the South County Economic Development Association
and political liaison for the Sunrise Homeowners Association. He has brought his wealth of experience to bridging the gap in small business and community to cooperative levels. Henry’s expertise and training has won him numerous awards, certificates and citations, including “Man of the year with the Greater Mt. Calvary Holy church in Washington, D.C.”, “Maryland Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award 2007.” Henry has supported the Gospel Music Stellar Awards both as a sponsor of events and as a member of the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy Advisory Board. As President of the Board, Henry developed ideals and strategic plans to help the organization grow and maintain its membership base. In addition to Mr. Harris’s busy and active scheduled he is very involved in several community and church related activities, helping to empower the community.
6400 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770 www.marriott.com/Greenbelt 1-301-441-3700
Rose Belk
Rose Belk is a recording worship artist, songwriter, and minister. Rose is anything but an ordinary gospel artist rather a minstrel of God’s presence. A native of Pineville, NC, she began singing early and gave her life to Christ at twelve. Rose formed and developed two praise teams at her local church which ministers to single moms in herIMPACT program . She is a contributing writer for Optimal Living Magazine of Washington, DC . She and her husband run their own management company. Rose has shared the stage with the likes of Helen Baylor, Shirley Caesar, Ron Kenoly and others. Rose is the recipient of numerous awards, including the February 2010 winner of "I GotNexx," Shirley Caesar ‘s talent competition. Rose has also appeared on Bobby Jones Gospel.
Nina Crump
A native Washingtonian, Nina Crump has been a member of Free Gospel Deliverance Temple and an active participant of the Praise Team Ministry. Since the release of her first CD, Nina … Still Giving Him Praise, her talent has been widely recognized, and she is rarely without an engagement to share her music and ministry. If you have not yet experienced Nina Crump’s music, you will not want to miss out on your blessing by picking up her second CD Break Free Nina, set to release soon. Produced by Ronnie Lindsey, the title track “Break Free,” was written by Nina and arranged by the brilliant musician Sean Brower. Nina’s unmatched talent and anointing allows her to give God the praise in her own inimitable way!
Greater Refuge Choir
The Greater Refuge Ministries Choir (GRMC) is a vibrant, soulful, and unique gospel ensemble. Their goal is to impact and draw to Christ those who come in contact with their music. Although small in quantity, GRMC possesses immeasurable quality, through the practical and precise messages detailed in their lyrics. Based in Clinton, Maryland, the choir is an extension of Greater Refuge Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Devaughan Moore and Overseer Donna Moore. GRMC is under the direction of Minister of Music Darnell Moore. On November 13, 2010, the GRMC successfully recorded their 1st project entitled, "Bless the Lord...Live". GRMC has shared the stage with three time Grammy award winner Daryl Coley, Brent Jones, and more.
Geanetta Heard
Geanetta Heard has been given a voice to encourage. Through the gift of song, she seeks to inspire and uplift. Utilizing a true love and passion for God, this vocalist changes the atmosphere with just a song. Whether it’s traditional gospel, contemporary gospel or a mixture of both, this songstress/songwriter transports audiences into a musical experience. Heard is now reaching for the stars as she embarks upon a solo career and readies for her debut project to be released in early 2012.
God’s Desire
GOD's Desire Music is the Contemporary Gospel Duet of Marvin E. Jenkins and Adrienne E. Jenkins, Pastor/ Evangelist respectively. GOD'sDesire Music is signed to the Tate Music Group for a Marketing and National Distribution Deal; and signed to Savvy Muzik Records for a International Distribution Deal. Savvy Muzik has released GOD's Desire single "No Ordinary Love" in July 2010. GOD's Desire Music video "No Ordinary Love" was rated at #3 in the Top 10 Ratings of Hotest Videos on the charts of MAKSTV.
HeavenBound
HeavenBound (HB) has six members and a Pastoral Advisor Vernon Jones. The members of the group include George & Pamela Blair, Renetta Perry-Waugh, Earline Clark, Velma Watkins, and Eunice Gray. HB formed in 1992 when the Blair’s wed. With their awesome harmonies they seek to not only minister through music but do outreach as well. Their main purpose is to edify Christians, share the love of Christ, and save the lost. The main lead vocalist George Blair has been the opening artist for the Jackson Southernaires, Gospel Keynotes, Lee Williams, The Truthettes, and Lakeside.HB’s new project entitled "The Best of HB" is set to release in 2011/2012.
Duncan & Rachelle
Duncan & Rachelle (D&R) appeared on the scene in 2001 when they released their first CD project, Introducing Gospel Duo Duncan & Rachelle. Since then D&R has taken their music ministry to higher heights with Through the Storm and God's Time, their 2nd and 3rd releases respectively. Atlantic City native Rev. Duncan P. Lane, Associate Minister of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, began singing at seven. Duncan lent his voice to many community gospel groups and choirs. Min. Rachelle Moore-Lane, Associate Minister and Minister of Music of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, began singing at five years old. She is the founder of The United Gospel Singers of Pleasantville. D&R is totally committed to Jesus Christ.
Todd Ledbetter
For over 20 years, saxophonist, Todd Ledbetter has been performing and ministering, featuring his unique style of gospel jazz. Todd started playing saxophone at age 10, encouraged by a gospel loving mother and a jazz loving father. Todd currently serves as a Psalmist with the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Washington DC, where he works with Artist-in-Residence Richard Smallwood. Todd recently re-released his debut CD, Meditations: Hymns in the Key of Jazz. He calls the project 'A musical tonic for the soul', and believes that, "In these complex, challenging times, people need music that will deepen their faith experience." A follow up release is scheduled for 2012.
Daquan Major
Known as "Major", Daquan J. Major is from Charleston, SC and stepped out into the ministry in 2004. Feeling a different vibe other than the traditional praise and worship music, Major began expressing his passion for Christ through rap lyricism. His use of the native vernacular unique to Charleston delivers an exciting but distinctly different perspective to rap music. Major's focus in his ministry is to inject into mainstream and underground rap communities the Word of God. He creates spiritually aggressive music that combats a spiritually aggressive adversary by actually taking the Holy Scriptures and placing them in rhyme. His goal is to get the music to the people who need it most--the "unchurched.�
Ministree
2007 Gospel Explosion Winners, 2008 1st & 2nd Round Stellar Award nominees, 2011 Black Essence Grammy Award Nominees, 2011 Excellence in Christian Music Awards Nominees, and Amir Records Recording Artists, MINISTREE, has shared the stage with some of the greatest names in the gospel music industry including: Fred Hammond, Andrae' Crouch, Kurt Carr, John P. Kee, Martha Munizzi, Kim Burrell, Z'iel, Dottie Peebles, Ann Nesby and many more. Ministree's members, Tyonna Singleton, Cheryl Jones-Ross, Joyce Wilson and Zanetta Wingfield, are all Pastors in their home church, St. John Bible Center, Lawrence, PA. After meeting Andre Montell of Amir Records, Ministree signed with the indie label and released their first CD project, "His Ministree." Ministree's sophomore project "DESTINY" is due to be released spring of 2012.
Faye Mosby
Theresa Pinkney
Urban gospel/jazz recording artist Faye Mosby is known for her melodic voice that ushers listeners right into the presence of God. Created to Worship You is Evangelist Mosby's sophomore release on the Phayze Praise Music Group record label. Recognized for her ministry to hurting women and children, Ms. Mosby donates the proceeds from album sales to support this ministry and her foreign mission in Nakuru, Kenya, Vessels of Virtue Children’s Academy. Booking, Management & Publicity Terrell L, M/I Promotions, 816-921-3633 www.fayemosbyministries.org
Theresa Pinkney possesses the voice of an angel with a pure love for God. Singing since she was a child, the D.C. native has captured the ear of gospel music fans and industry folks alike. The former Duke Ellington School of the Arts student and current member of Pastor Earl Miller & Purity’s ministry brings a sincerity and sweetness to gospel music. Theresa, has made a splash with her debut CD, Me Against The World. Flowing easily from poporiented tunes to urban-tinged tracks, Theresa’s new anointed project provides a strong dose of inspiration from one song to the next.
Trish Standley
For Trish Standley August 2011 marked the release of her second project titled, “Redemption.” In a time where the climate is on “preaching to the choir,” the ministry of Trish Standley has been specifically charged with seeking the heart of God to draw those who are truly lost. The assignment, she believes, is drawing people unto HIM through the same spirit that Christ demonstrated in the Word. Through the many outreach ministries she supports, Trish’s charge is to connect the hurt to the ONLY true healer by way of song. Her heart is displayed in her music and can be found by visiting: www.jansjoy.net
Damon Terrell
Damon Terrell is many things: producer, writer, singer, arranger, but most importantly – a Believer. Damon Terrell enthusiastically embraced the challenge to convert the Word from a collection of life-altering passages into music and song. With the 2011 debut of his CD, The Book of Psongs, Damon Terrell has creatively fused various musical genres and the Word of God to deliver an infectious and powerful musical experience. Unconventional, melodic, and necessary, The Book of Psongs is the bridge that connects cultural, denominational, and generational gaps by encouraging a closer relationship with God. His new project God will release soon.
T-REP
T-REP The Young Prayzr is a 15-yr old multi-talented and multi-award winning recording artist, model, actor, dancer, TV/ Radio & Event show host, youth speaker, songwriter, rapper/singer, DJ and entrepreneur. T-REP is well grounded— creating clean, positive, and always inspirational music; mixing a variety of Urban Inspirational Pop, Hip Hop, Techno or R&B. He has shared stages with Kirk Franklin, Dr. Bobby Jones, Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, and many more. He has appeared on Cartoon Network, JCTV, The Word Network, BET, The Bobby Jones Gospel Television Show, The Donnie McClurkin Radio Show, The CoCo Brother Radio Show, The Canton Jones Radio Show, and has been featured in magazines, newspapers as well as radio and television interviews.
Temeka Thompson
Temeka is an internationally known psalmist, born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and surviving the 9/11 Terrorist attacks at the Pentagon, . Temeka Thompson is an internationally known psalmist, born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Tallahassee, Florida After serving in the U.S. Air Force and surviving the 9/11 Terrorist attacks at the Pentagon, Temeka understands the importance of living to please God. You are taken straight to the Thrown of Grace by the Princess of Praise &Worship. Her beautiful spirit and voice leads all to a closer relationship with God. She's living up to the name of her debut album “Bow Down,” a mixture of praise, worship, and inspirational songs. For booking contact Kim at www.packpromotionalmanagement.com or www.temekathompson.com.
Velasquez Singers
The Velazquez Family Singers, comprised of a single dad and his three children, have been praising God in song for over five years. The children, now 15, 13, and 11, are ready for all that God has promised. Singing comes naturally to the Velazquez family as dad is a member of Opera Ebony—America’s oldest surviving black opera company and mom being an indie R&B recording artist. Ten, their new CD, is enjoyed by both kids and mothers alike. The Velazquez’s three-time Stellar Award nominations, two-times winning of McDonald’s Gospelfest, along with the girls’ appearance on BET’s 2010 Black Girls Rock Awards, singing back-up for Jill Scott sets them apart. For more information, please visit www.theVelazquezFamilySingers.com
Lisa Foster-Wilson
Lisa Foster Wilson is a classically trained vocalist with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance Opera and as a daughter of a preacher began singing at the age of five. One of Gospel Music Channels Top 100 Independent Gospel Artists, a Holla Back Gospel Music Award recipient, and Connecticut Radio Announcers Guild nominee for Best Female Artist 2010 & 2011. Lisa's debut single, I’m Taking It Back charted on all three national gospel charts. Also a seasoned actress, Ms. Wilson has had starring roles in Gospel plays, It’s Time to Make A Change and The Curse Stops Here, both released to video. Look for Lisa Foster Wilson debut project due to be released winter 2012.
Elain Thomas
Prophetess Elain Thomas has built a solid career in gospel music with an undeniable talent and a true passion for the gospel of Christ. With the support of Elain’s musically inclined family and God’s grace, doors began to open for her music ministry. In 1997, Elain joined the Nashville Super Choir with Ambassador Bobby Jones. The favor of God has enabled her to work with a diverse list of music’s elite: Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Charlie Daniels, John P. Kee, Yolanda Adams, Nicole C. Mullins, the late Albertina Walker, Donald Lawrence, and songwriter V. Michael McKay. Elain seeks to share God with her new release IN THIS PLACE.
Toulmide Yeboah
TolumiDE (pronounced toe-lu-meeday) is one of the newest artists to embrace the Urban Soul genre. Her music is a mixture of R&B, Afro-Pop and Contemporary Gospel. The Nigerian Canadian Singer-Songwriter's debut album, My Love, is currently available on itunes, amazon, cdbaby, and tolumidemusic.com. A soulful vocalist reminiscent of India Arie or Mary Mary. TolumiDE’s African flair and musical styling exudes a finesse and an energy rarely seen in inspirational music. Influenced in her childhood years by African legacies such as Yvonne Chaka, Onyeka Owenu and Christy Essien Igbokwe as well as R&B artists such as Anita Baker & Sade. Follow TolumiDE at twitter.com/tolumide and facebook.com/TolumiDEonline.
Pamela Johnson
Pamela Johnson is a native of Newport News, VA who now resides in Atlanta, GA. She is a member of World Changers Church Int’l, pastored by Dr. Creflo Dollar, where she formerly ministered in the Praise and Worship Ministry. She is a worshipper and a praiser who loves God and knows God loves her back. Now, after more than 20 years of singing with countless ministries, choirs, and community groups, Pamela has stepped out of the shadows into her divine role of Psalmist as the executive producer for her new project, Destiny Resurrected. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Pamela’s war cry is: “Imma Champion and I know it!” She is also cancer free with no expectation of ever being confronted by the disease again. www.PamelaJohnsonOnline.com www.facebook.com/sangchile
Jason Weathers
Special Gala Honorees...
Champions For Independent Christian Artists
Sr. Bishop A.A. Owens Jr.
We recognize and appreciate your leadership and the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church family. Sunday's morning services have been a sought out destination for many Independent Gospel and Christian artists because of your open door spirit.
ECMA Coach Yvonne Perkins
We recognize you for your contribution to Independent artists who needed help with their songwriting and production. We appreciate your coaching leadership and multiple learning sessions for ECMA candidates.
ECMA Coach Phillip Carter
We recognize you for your commitment to the education, motivation and advancement of Independent Gospel Artists. We appreciate your leadership of the Independent Gospel Alliance(IGA) and the outstanding (IGA) conferences.
Angela Donadio
Angela Donadio has been in full-time ministry since 1994 as Worship Pastor at River of Life Worship Center in Fredericksburg, VA, where her husband Dale is Lead Pastor. Embracing a new, God-directed season in her life, she travels as a worship leader/artist, speaker, and advocate for missions projects in Africa. Her CD projects, It’s a New Day and This Journey feature many originals. Angela has shared the word and her personal testimony of God’s faithfulness through 2 life-threatening health conditions. Partnering her love for music with her calling to the people of Africa, she founded Voice of the Voiceless. Visit angeladonadio.com.
Ursula D.
Ursula D. (Dionne, her middle name) Frederick-Brown--driven visionary, innovative leader, and creative entrepreneur—is an ideator fusing gifts discovery, marketing/branding, & business acumen to foster a fresh perspective in marketplace enterprise favorable Kingdom commerce and faithbased initiatives. Especially sensitive to all things arts, entertainment, & music, Ursula’s strength lies in her undeniable faith in God & the individuals who serve along-side her unified in the common goal of achieving God-sized endeavors generating a revolution in entertainment. Ursula heads up UGA International, MVII Magazine, & Eco-Entertainment with more to come. Visit uga-international.com to join the Alliance for FREE!
Henry Harris
Founder, President, & CEO of Strategic Music Partnerships, the Excellence in Christian Music Academy/Awards. He owns Spirit Enterprises and Spiritco1 Radio. Mr. Harris has penned his first book, The Business of Music, aimed at educating artists and stakeholders on how to maneuver the in and outs of radio, music charting, and social networking music placement. Mr. Harris’ long tenure in the gospel music industry qualifies him as an advisor to the underserved, uninformed, and/or ill-informed related to independent artists achieving success.
Liz & Carlos Merri-
Carlos and Liz’s Artist Development Coaching provides life and business coaching and music consulting to stars and rising stars. Client confidence, motivation, and success are the Merriweather’s primary concern. The One Month Matters! Mindset and goal setting system has put many on the path. Your talent and our education and experience make the difference. Contact us now, info@artistdevelopmentcoching.com Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ ArtistCoaching
Sharvette Mitchell
Dr. Robin Moore
Dr. Robin L. Moore has 10 years of gospel music artist management experience and over 20 years of marketing and proOn a weekly basis Sharvette can be motional experiences for churches, minisheard on "The Sharvette Mitchell Radio tries & educational institutions. Dr. Robin Show" which broadcasts on earned a Bachelors Degree in Business www.BlogTalkRadio.com/MitchellProductions, the leading internet talk ra- Admin. / Marketing; Masters in School Administration and a Doctorate in Educadio station. The goal of her show, which tional Leadership. She manages Gospel airs at 6:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, is to Duo Duncan and Rachelle, serves as a motivate, excite and influence! She has school principal, professional instructor, had the opportunity to interview guests and college adjunct professor. She’s an such as Bern Nadette Stanis- Thelma author of the book, God’s Perfect Plan, from Goodtimes, Co-Pastor Susie Owens, Dr. Cindy Trimm, Pastor Jamal Bry- No One Said It Would Be Easy. She’s the ant, Tamela Mann- Meet the Browns, and Youth Ministry Director at New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Mays Landing, NJ. many more! Sharvette resides in RichShe has received numerous awards. Her mond, Virginia. Find her online at goal is to help people achieve success www.Sharvette.com and www.Mitchellthrough her God given talProductions.com. ents! .perfectplanprofessionalservices.co m
Yvonne Perkins
Julia Royston
Mrs. Yvonne Perkins is an established and award winning Gospel songwriter. She has an arsenal of industry credentials including mentions by Billboard, The Independent Music Awards, and Chicago Music Guide. Listed in the 2008 NBC database for the Beijing Olympics. She has been featured on Songwriters Vantage, Broadjam.com, Indie heaven, Soundclick and many more. She has been a winner, finalist, runner up, and honorable mention many times in these contests: Song of the Year, UK Songwriting, HMMA and many more. All of her songs are original and are available to recording artists, TV/film, and stage plays. Contact yperkins10@comcast.net to obtain mechanical license.
Julia Royston is a teacher, songwriter, worship leader, blogger, author and publisher residing with her husband, Brian K. in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Julia has written original music for 5 Music CDs, 2 DVDs and authored 5 Books. For the Kingdom Ministries is a ministry to encourage, empower, and enlightened to build people toward building the kingdom through materials, music and motivation. Julia is the CEO of BK Royston Publishing, Inc. providing full-service publishing services for high quality inspirational materials for divine aspirations. Julia maintains two blogs, frontlineworshipper.wordpress.com and bkroystonpublishing.blogspot.com. For more information about Julia, her ministry or publishing company, visit www.juliaroyston.com.
Milton Allen
Ron Briggs
Carlos Cannon
Phillip Carter
Natasha Davis-Bowen
Cassandra McDonald
Christopher Page
Zackery Reynolds
Dackeyia Sterling
Diana K. Wyles
Special Thanks... Elaine Harris Jason Harris Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church Events Staff ReverbNation SonicBids Independent Gospel Alliance Berklee College of Music GospelCity.com Greenbelt Marriott Strategic Music Partnerships
Eco-Entertainment
www.eco-ent.com
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