Comedian/Writer /Producer Akintunde will be featured on CBN’s The 700 Club Hosted by Pat Robertson,  on Thursday, March 31, 2011 on the ABC Family Channel at 10am and 11pm (EST).  Check local listings for airings on other networks. 

The 700 Club is a live television program that airs weekdays before a studio audience from The Christian Broadcasting Network’s (CBN) broadcast facilities in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  CBN is one of the world’s largest television ministries and produces programming seen in 200 nations and heard in 70 languages including Russian, Arabic, Spanish, French and Chinese.  CBN’s flagship program, The 700 Club, which Mr. Robertson hosts, can be seen in 97 percent of television markets across the United States and is one of the longest running religious television shows that reaches an average of one million American viewers daily.

About Akintunde:

Hilarious , bold , fresh , and groundbreaking are just a few of the adjectives used to describe Comedian/Writer Akintunde. But first and foremost, he is a servant, husband, and father of 5 who loves GOD, loves his wife ,Eunissa, loves his children, and loves to make people laugh. But after 16 years as a comedian, Akintunde feels as though he is just getting started.  Because now, the veteran stand up is no longer just on a career path, he is on assignment from GOD. Akintunde laid down his own personal career aspirations, and accepted GOD’s assignment to Entertain the Body Of Christ, and draw the world to Christ through stand up comedy, writing, acting, producing, and directing.  

Since accepting GOD’s assignment, Akintunde has done just that, and consequently, has been nothing but blessed. In 2003, he was named joke/monologue writer for the syndicated television series “Its Showtime at the Apollo”. In 2004, he wrote the monologues for Comedian Monique for the annual “BET Awards” ceremony.   Akintunde was blessed to re-team with fellow comedian Chris Tucker as his monologue writer for the “2005 NAACP Image Awards”. Some highlights of 2006 included televised appearances on The Word Network, TBN’s “Praise the Lord,” and The Gospel Music Channel.   2007 began with the debut of his all new web series, “It’s Time 2 Laugh”.   In 2008, one of Akintunde’s companies, NO JOKE RADIO debuted his syndicated radio show, “The Akintunde Show” in Washington, DC. 2009 started with a ‘BANG’ as well with performances at both the Stellar Awards and the Trumpet Awards.  

Akintunde has been on tour with Pastors Creflo and Taffi Dollar on the “Change Experience” Tour for two years, and has been added to the 2011 performance rosters.  He recently signed an exclusive agreement with Arrow Records, becoming their first Comedic Artist.  Currently, Akintunde is writer and creative consultant on BET Networks’, “The Monique Show”.Look for great things from this anointed comedian. Many within the Body of Christ are looking to Akintunde to ,as one pastor put it, “Revolutionize the Christian entertainment industry.” Says Akintunde, ” I used to shun all compliments and predictions of my assignment. But, I can now receive it as prophetic words from God knowing full well that it has nothing to do with me, it’s God’s anointed power given to me. So, he gets all the credit…Not Akintunde.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AKINTUNDE:  LOG ONTO WWW.AKINTUNDE.NET OR CONTACT THE ASSIGNMENT AGENCY AT 803-479-6842.

Recently “Our America” which airs on Oprah’s new OWN Network posed the question can you “Pray the Gay Away?” Lisa Ling takes a look at one of the most heated debates in Christianity today: Is it possible to be gay and Christian at the same time?  You can now watch the full episode as a Florida man explains how he was able to subdue his homosexual desires.

Click play to watch the video on the OWN Network website.

Marvin Sapp announced via Facebook and Twitter that he’s looking for new music. Songwriters (or even if you think you’re a songwriter) can submit lyrics to joyamgmt@gmail.com

Sapp asks that you submit them in demo form by email ONLY. Please add your contact info as well.

You could write the next big song for one of the best selling artists in Gospel.  Good luck!

Prolific artist, songwriter, producer Smokie Norful releases, HOW I GOT OVER, Songs That Carried Us, featuring the 12th District A.M.E. Church Choir, honoring the African American church’s most beloved songs.

HOW I GOT OVER, Songs That Carried Us highlights the standards and hymns that have been the very backbone of the African American church. Recorded live in Tulsa, OK at the 12th District A.M.E. Church Conference.

The album showcases the commanding 12th District A.M.E. choir, songs like “Trouble In My Way,” “Amazing Grace,” “Lord Will Make A Way,” and “I Know It Was The Blood” are meaningful and significant songs to the Black church.

HOW I GOT OVER, Songs That Carried Us includes appearances by guest artists Joe Ligon, Melvin Williams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Myron Butler and Sheri Jones Moffett.

The radio single, “Sunday Morning Medley,” which Norful performed earlier this year on BET’s Celebration of Gospel, includes five of our the most treasured and recognizable church songs: “Soldier In The Army Of The Lord,” “God Is A Good God,” “Storm Out On the Ocean,” “I Want To Live So God Can Use Me” and “Praise The Lord Everybody.”

HOW I GOT OVER, Songs That Carried Us is an archival and musical look at the African American experience and the role the church played in their long and storied past. Many of the songs still remain in our Sunday Morning consciousness, were born out of the slave experience.

Norful, who penned the now classic anthem “I Need You Know,” is a present day songwriter who still is able to capture the needs and voice of his people. “I Need You Know,” became an instant hit because of the emotional chord it touched with people around the world. Its impact is felt 10 years later as the popular ballad is among the most popular songs to sing. Most recently, it was heard on AMERICAN IDOL.

Fresh on the shelves and online is Mary Mary’s new project.  Anybody picked it up yet?  The highly anticipated new album was released March 29, 2011 and opinions are already pouring in.  We will have a full review up soon!  

Take a look at the music video for the song “Walking.”  The video was shot in the streets of Los Angeles, and is featured in the new album titled “Something Big.”  Mary Mary also stopped by 106 & Park today so check that video out to.. These ladies have been everywhere since their CD release Tuesday.

The decision for Beyoncé and Music World Entertainment to part was mutual. We did great things together, and I know that she will continue to conquer new territories in music and entertainment. Currently, I am very focused on the tremendous investment that our record label has made in the gospel/inspirational genre of music and on our supremely talented roster of artists, including Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, Juanita Bynum, Micah Stampley, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Pastor Rudy and others.

Music World will continue its partnership with Sony with Destiny’s Child and UK female group From Above, as well as management.  We will also continue to develop the Music World family of labels: Music World Country/Compadre, Music World Kids and Music World Music. In Music World’s repositioning it will not continue its label/management role with Columbia/Sony artist Tiffany Evans. 

Business is business and family is family. I love my daughter and am very proud of who she is and all that she has achieved. I look forward to her continued great success.

I picked up the CD this weekend just in time to count for Kirk Franklin’s first week sales.  The anticipation for “Hello Fear” was over.  I made it a point to go out and get this one and I wasn’t disappointed.  It’s hard to be disappointed when my Best Buy purchase came with a bonus disk that included 6 of Kirk Franklin’s biggest hits including Hosana, Imagine Me, He Reigns, Why We Sing, Now Behold the Lamb, and Something About the Name Jesus.

The artwork of the CD stood out mainly because it was so well publicized before the CD ever hit shelves Tuesday, March 22, 2011.  I smiled as Best Buy featured the album on a table in the front of the store next to Chris Brown’s new release.  Excited that Gospel music was being showcased along with all the major players in the secular industry.  I picked it up anticipating the spiritual experience I expected to encounter.

Kirk Did not disappoint quickly setting the tone for what the CD was going to be about.  Conquering your fears and understanding the tricks of the enemy were two themes I took from the album.  The project prompts you to tackle fear and past hurt head on.  The song included the two smash hit singles “I Am” and “I Smile.”  If those two songs weren’t reason enough to purchase the project their was ample opportunity to get your praise on with the tracks titled “The Moment #1,” and “The Moment #2.”  A remake of “Something About the Name Jesus,” made me tweet my friend John P. Kee and tell him to stop it with them high notes!  John was featured on the song along with Rance Allen and budding superstar Issac Carree.

Kirk Franklin would collaborate with two other legends on track 10.  Kirk united with powerhouse Gospel stars Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford to take you to church with the song “The Altar.”  Kirk even sung a little on this album y’all.  His voice isn’t all that bad as he sings softly but with conviction.  

I have to mention his background vocalist that gave most songs on the album it’s unique choreographed feel.  These background vocalist weren’t ordinary background vocalist as many of them are highly sought after.  Standouts included Issac Carree, Myron Butler, Nicki Ross, Charmaine Swimpson, Faith Anderson, Cheryl Fortune (who is James Fortune’s wife), Eric Moore, and Anaysha Figueroa among others.

The album was Co-produced by Shaun Martin who showed his tale out tightening up every track with depth that drew you into the music, without loosing the vocal clarity.  

All and all I definitely recommend this one.  I don’t know if I can call it his best album because he’s had so many hits since his debut with the family in 1993.  But this one ranks right up with them as Kirk blend string instruments with pop beats brilliantly.   

In Kirk’s letter that was featured on the CD’s artwork he said, “Fear may continue to knock on the door, but we no longer have to answer.”

Can everyone say HELLO FEAR!

Pastor Jerome Bell, an insider to the Hawkins camp for nearly 30 years, a former radio broadcaster, and CEO of The Bell Group & Ministries which represents Lady Tramaine Hawkins is founder and pastor of The Maryland Family Christian Center.  We say, “At MFCC it’s always come as you are day,” says Bell.  “I’m REALLY excited about this season.”  “While there is always something happening at MFCC, this is a tremendous milestone.”  

This past weekend MFCC celebrated with an appearance by Lady Tramaine Hawkins as special guest for the Women’s Ministry and the same afternoon a musical featuring our own, Brother Jimmy Russell & Because Of Christ, a ministry we cover at MFCC, Mike Smith and Realm Of Glory Darnell Moore & Company, The Barton Sisters and others.
  
Thursday the ministry celebrates with Levites Night!  Special Guest will be Min. Bryant Pugh of Philadelphia, PA.  Keyboardist extraordinaire (Richard Smallwood, Tramaine Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, D’Atra Hicks)!  This weekend we’re having a Culturefest which will feature our own Dance Ministry, Created for Christ, Praise Dancers from The Maple Springs Baptist Church, an Indian Dance Company, as well as The African Heritage Dance & Drum Ensemble.  “We’ll even have a Mime Ministry at this event on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 5:00 PM” Bell enthusiastically tells Path MEGAzine.  

The week night series of services which start on Wednesday, April 6 concluding on Friday, April 8, 7:30 PM nightly will feature Pastor Anthony Minter & The First Rock Baptist Church plus Ryan Vincent Ford & Ministry, Pastor Walter “Jamie” Hawkins of Love Center Ministries in Oakland, CA.  This will mark Pastor Hawkins’ first preaching engagement out of the state of California.  “We’re really exited to be a part of his history as he shares with us,” Pastor Jerome Bell States.  “Our Celebration Choir will also minister on the night that Pastor Hawkins ministers along with Vanessa Williams, and Joel Bryant!”   This is the same choir that served as the foundation for the tribute we did to his father, the late Bishop Walter Hawkins last fall with special guest Lady Tramaine Hawkins (his mom), and Sis Lynette Hawkins Stephens (his auntie).  “It was an awesome time.” 

Pastor Jerome Bell writes, “On Friday we’ll conclude with the pastor’s pastor, my pastor, Rev. Patrick J. Walker and The New Macedonia Baptist Church, the church where I received my salvation under the leader of the late Rev. Dr. Robert L. Walls, Sr.”   “I’m thrilled, and honored that Pastor Walker is able to be with us.”  Walker is also President of The Missionary Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Washington, DC and Vicinity.  Bro Jimmy Russell & BOC will also be with us on Friday as well.
 
Saturday, April 9th will be our Family Day at the bowling alley!  Sunday, April 10th at our 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship Service we’ll have the word in song with Stellar Award Winning, Music Producer, Song Writer, Singer, Musician, Minister Philip Carter & Company!  It’s just going to be an awesome time and we look for all in the area to join us in the celebration!  

All events and services are free and an offering will be received.  The Maryland Family Christian Center is located 7813 Parston Drive in Forestville, MD (20747).  Mailing address is the same for those that can’t make it and want to send an offering of support.  You can look up The Maryland Family Christian Center on Facebook.  Be their friend!  Click Here to add them as a friend.

Music World Music/Music World Gospel releases the Most Powerful Voices Volume 1 compilation CD, in stores May 3, 2011.  The compilation features ten songs by Kim Burrell, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Brian Courtney Wilson, Juanita Bynum, Micah Stampley, Myron Butler and Levi, Ted Winn as well as the winners of the American Heart Association’s Most Powerful Voices Gospel Music Competition-Brandon Camphor and One Way of Upper Marlboro, Maryland (artist) and Daniel Mitchell and Hillel of Gainesville, Florida (choir).

In 2010, the American Heart Association, Music World Gospel and GMC (Gospel Music Channel) partnered to educate people about stroke through an online gospel singing competition titled “The Most Powerful Voices Gospel Music Competition.” The top 20 finalists were chosen by judges, including Mathew Knowles, founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment. The overall winners were chosen by the public on February 14, 2011, through online voting. The winners received a performance slot at the American Heart Association’s Power Awards concert at the Apollo Theater; a professional vocal coaching session with Brian Courtney Wilson; one song recorded by Music World Gospel for the Most Powerful Voices compilation CD and a song featured at an online retailer; $5,000 worth of music equipment from Roland Corporation; $1,000 cash prize from Music World Gospel; recognition on GMC’s national television network and more.

“I enjoyed participating in the selection process for the Most Powerful Voices Gospel Music Competition,” said Mathew Knowles, American Heart Association spokesperson. “It is always a delightful experience to witness new and developing talent.  But more importantly, the mission and purpose of this competition is to raise awareness about the risk of stroke, particularly in the African American community.  And it’s an issue that is personal to me, I suffer from high pressure and must take medication daily. Our partnership with the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association is a collective cause that our Music World artists will be actively engaged in and we fully support this initiative during National Stroke Awareness Month and throughout the year. “ 

The Gospel Competition winners-Brandon Camphor and One Way and Daniel Mitchell and Hillel-will have an opportunity to perform along with three award-winning recording artists: Chrisette Michele and Music World Gospel’s Trin-i-tee 5:7 and Brian Courtney Wilson at the 5th Annual Power Awards’ “You Are The Power” Concert at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York on Friday, May 6, at 8:00 p.m. EST. Mathew Knowles will be joining to present checks to the winners. For ticket information, please visit, www.ticketmaster.com. The 5th Annual Power Awards Weekend will also include the Power Networking Presentation’s “Traits for Success” on Saturday, May 7 at the Intercontinental New York Times Square Hotel, with keynote speaker Mathew Knowles.   

A portion of the proceeds from the CD will benefit the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s (AHA/ASA) Power To End Stroke Movement. Power To End Stroke was created in 2006 by the AHA/ASA to help reach the ASA mission to reduce stroke and risk of stroke. The campaign raises critical awareness within the African American population. Heart disease and stroke are major health risks for all people, but the African American community is at particularly high risk. Blacks have almost twice the risk of first-ever strokes compared to whites. And blacks have higher death rates for stroke compared to whites. Stroke is a leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term, severe disability for all Americans. African Americans are at increased risk for stroke compared to others due to increased rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and family history of heart disease or stroke. The prevalence of high blood pressure in African Americans in the United States is the highest in the world.

Power To End Stroke is nationally sponsored by the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership.

WOW Gospel 2011, the latest installment of the popular WOW Gospel series, celebrates its seventh consecutive week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also sits at #57 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Church on the Moon from Deitrick Haddon holds to the #2 position. Triumphantfrom VaShawn Mitchell maintains the #3 position while Rehabfrom Lecrae moves to the #4 position. Lecrae‘s latest Rehab: The Overdose rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, My Songbook from VaShawn Mitchell debuts at #12 whileReport of the Lord from Pastor DeWayne Harvey & Greater Blessings Praise Team debuts at #16. 

In the world of radio, Vashawn Mitchell‘s “Nobody Greater” returns to top of the radio charts. “I Give Myself Away” from William McDowell moves to the #2 spot while “I Believe” from “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin jumps to the #3 position. “I Believe” fromJames Fortune & FIYA featuring Shawn McLemore and Zacardi Cortez takes the #4 spot while “Walking” from Mary Mary rounds out the week’s top five songs.