Bishop Al Hobbs, Pastor Henzy and Lady Nicole Green along with Adrian Warren attended the Gospel Music Workshop of America and the Gospel Announcers Guild
Speak Up, Speak Out for Unity and Younger Voices
“Take your funny acting a** Out of Here”
by Sheilah Belle
Exclusive to TBR— Tampa, FL –The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) the largest independent Gospel Convention in the world, also known as a place where everybody is somebody is actually even more than that. The GMWA is also a place where you can go to feel appreciated, loved on and respected by peers.
However this year, the GMWA stepped up their game with a no non-sense attitude, to things, issues and lifestyles that contradicted the Word of God.
While the convention commemorated the 80th birthday of its Founder, the Rev. James Cleveland, it was obvious as in years before that there were fewer in attendance to celebrate. However for many who were there and had grown up in GMWA conventions they said they will always support the organization and the founder. “This is one place I know I can go to see familiar faces, receive hugs and support from people who love Gospel music and the various ministries that glorify the Lord,” said Gospel recording artist Tiffany.
On Sunday morning during the GMWA 2011 convention’s, 44th Annual Communion & Consecration Service at the Tampa Convention Center East Exhibit Hall in downtown, Tampa, Florida, the words from Bishop Albert Jamison greeted myself and several others as we walked into the Sunday morning service. “Take your funny acting as* out of here,” he said. “What is this to walk down the convention hallways and see two guys walking and holding hands? What is that all about?” He continued, “Even the drunk have enough respect to not drink in the church. We are not trying to hurt anybody but do you have to do these things in public.”
His comments were well received from the roughly 2,000 in attendance sitting in the Hall that was set for 6,000…a big contrast in the 20,000 or more who use to pack these Sunday Consecration morning services.
Bishop Jamison continued, “We have our children here. What do I say to the mother when she asks, ‘Should I bring my son back here?’ I would say if you take him to your church you can bring him here, but deep down I knew what she was saying.”
With Bishop Jamison, thus, setting a no non-sense tone for the week, it was Elder Willie James Campbell, Senior Pastor of St. James COGIC, Chicago, IL, who took the congregation full circle, when he preached on the blood of Jesus and that it “Still Works.”
His words were powerful as he poured his Rhema (word) over the congregation.
For the rest of the week, congregants would be treated to more powerful sermons, classes, lectures, workshops and singers from sunrise to sunset, with some concerts lasting well after midnight.
Various guest speakers for the week included Bishop Paul S. Morton, Rev. Jasper Williams, Jr., Dr. James Forbes and Dr. David L. Kelly, while various singers included Kirk Franklin, James Fortune & FIYA, JJ Hairston, Jessica Reedy, Zarcardi Cortez and many more.
Gospel Announcers Guild
Like years before, the Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG), had their own agenda and highlights as it catered to Gospel Announcers from across the country. This year’s theme was “Provisions for your Vision.”
Under the leadership of Bishop Al ‘The Bishop’ Hobbs, he said, membership was up 40% in comparison to last year.
Also unlike last year, Bishop Hobbs, kept a tighter watch over the schedule, time and pressed to make sure that the GAG schedule stayed on time with Bishop Sam Williams holding down the flow of much of the groups activities.
This year the group got a jump start on its schedule by starting on Sunday afternoon with the first GAG Session. The remainder of the week included various panels of discussions, lead by some of the industry’s top music executives including Adrian Warren, Dr. Teresa Hairston, Kerry Douglas, Vicki Mac Lattilade, Bishop Sam Williams and The Belle.
Special performances throughout the weekend were given by Sunday Best Momma Sue, LeAndria Johnson, Zebellion Ellis, Phillip Carter, Pastor Tyrone Jefferson (was off the chain), Dorothy Norwood, Monica Lisa Stevenson, Kierra Sheard, Zarcardi Cortez, who was simply amazing, Beverly Crawford, LaCrae, Earnest Pugh, Dottie Peoples, Luther Barnes, Lemmie Battle, Brenda Jefferson, Isaac Career and so many others.
Others also coming through were Lucinda Moore, Doc Christian, Bro Steve, Minister Earl Bynum, Khalif, Jojo Potter, Hasan James (Roots Magazine), Kris Patrick, Jerry and Val Griffis, James Hall, Kenny Taylor and so many others.
Delivering a powerful word of encouragement during the week was Pastor Henzy Green. He used analogies from The Wizard of Oz’s to McDonalds to make his point, and it worked, with many standing to their feet applauding.
Bishop Sam Williams, The Belle and Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Kierra Sheard and Sunday Best Momma Sue
Pastor Tyrone Jefferson, Phillip Carter and Zebellion Ellis and Pastor Henzy Green
Monica Lisa Stevenson, Lemmie Battle and Dottie Peoples
Photos by LaBelle & Associates
One of the highlights for the week took place on Monday night when history was made, as the GMWA-GAG hosted its first ever Hip Hop Gospel concert. Special guests included LaCrae, who has sold more than 70,000 CD’s and has more than 300,000 Facebook friends, Jai, Blaze, Trip Lee, Jai, Thi’sl and Ron Daneil.
Their music was straight up Hip-Hop, laced with heavy bass beats, powerful biblical teachings and grooves that suddenly pulled in a diverse crowd that made many simply stand back in amazement.
Interestingly enough, many of the Gospel announcers in attendance are not even playing these Hip Hop artists music on their stations, but after witnessing the power of their music and sound, reviews are now in place for strong reconsideration. However Central South Owner, Vicki Mac Lattilade said, “That’s part of the purpose for the concert, to showcase their music and let the announcers see for themselves that its this kind of music that’s missing from their Traditional and Urban Gospel radio stations that young people want to hear.”
For the Gospel Announcers, the weekend ended on an even higher note with a joint photo of all of the Gospel announcers and the 2nd Annual Crystal Mic Awards Ceremony, hosted by Bishop Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Grammy Nominated Vashawn Mitchell who also gave an overwhelmingly blessed performance of Nobody Greater, Jawn Murray and serving as the announcer for the evening was Doc Christian.
The year’s 2011 Crystal Mic Award Winners Are:
Print Media of the Year – The Belle Report – Sheilah Belle
(Photo by Humilitee.com)
E-Blaster of the Year – Urban Round Up
Internet Radio Station of the Year – Yes Lord Radio
TV Show of the Year – Sunday Best
Radio Network of the Year – Radio One
Syndicated Radio Show of the Year – Serving Up Soul – Dorinda Clark Cole
Radio Station of the Year – WREJ 1540 AM – Richmond, VA
Announcer of the Year – Janet Ramirez
Congratulations to ALL!
Next year, the Gospel Music Workshop of America Board Meeting will take place in March 2012 in San Diego, CA.
The Gospel Music Workshop of America Annual Convention 2012 will take place July 7 – 13, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN.
Sunday Best Crew Hang Out with The Belle
Sunday Best Crew…Zebellion Ellis, The Belle, Jessica Reedy and LaAndria Johnson
