Famous for the signature “Clark sound” pioneered by her mother and aunts, Kierra Sheard is in the process of attaining more popularity with the release of her jazzy clothing line MAMAJIK™. Admirably she is juggling her career as a Gospel artist, her role in the recently released movie “The Preacher’s Kid” studying entertainment law at Wayne State University, and now the development of this clothing line.

It can definitely be stated that Kierra is a Triple Threat. The line is set to be released this spring. From the looks of it, this line will be made up of fun, crazy, abstract, and unique designs. The OC is very excited to see what types of other items and patterns she will produce. So far it’s fabulous.

(Recording artists Isaiah Thomas)

“Back off,” is the most simply put phrase that can be used to express the words of Habakkuk Records, explaining that leader of renowned Elements of Praise and recording artists Isaiah Thomas is off limits to the industry of Gospel. The label made statements expressing their concerns with Thomas during a press release earlier this month. Thomas is due to record a second album with the label according to contract, but has not been cooperating. Instead he has been allegedly connecting with Gospel label Global Gospel Music Group. This is illegal due to his exclusive music agreement with Habakkuk Records.

“It has come to the attention of Habakkuk Music, Inc. that Mr. Isaiah Thomas is currently holding himself out as an artist for Global Gospel Music Group. Habakkuk Music asserts that Mr. Thomas has an Exclusive Music Agreement in place with Habakkuk Music. Against the belief of Mr. Thomas, this agreement has not been severed. Habakkuk Music has always intended to work with Mr. Thomas on his second album and has every intention to do so.” –Representative of Habakkuk Records

And they do mean business; Habakkuk Records are prepared to take all necessary legal actions if Thomas does not start cooperating, first by ceasing whatever agreement he has with Global Gospel Music Group, and second recording his sophomore album with them. Hopefully they can settle their differences, legal issues is one thing Thomas does not want to be tied up with being that he has been so successful with his career as a Gospel producer, songwriter, and vocalist. Noted for works such as Byron Cage’s praise anthem “I Will Bless the Lord”, hit songs such as “High In All The Earth” featuring Pastor Bruce Parham and Ms. Cherisse Nelson McIntosh, “Jesus Can Work It Out,” and “It’s Time To Praise The Lord” just to name a few. Best wishes go out to him; we at the OC would hate to see a hindrance in his career due to something as unfortunate as this

(Elements of Praise)

Stellar Award winner Jonathan Nelson is set to record his eagerly awaited sophomore album this Friday at The Faith Center, his home church. The best thus far about the album is that it will be recorded live during a free worship concert. The concert will allow members of the church as well as the public to come out and fellowship and be blessed by the spiritually amazing vocals of Nelson and his talented ensemble Purpose. Doors open at 6pm, and the concert kicks off at 7pm.

(The talented ensemble Purpose)

His 2008 debut entitled Right Now Praise blessed him with 8 Stellar Award nominations; he took home three. The OC congratulates him on also receiving two Dove Award nominations for “New Artist of the Year” and “Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year.” Both nominations are due to his Gospel radio hit, “My Name Is Victory.” The success started with his career as a gospel song writer, when he won the 2006 Stellar Award “Song of the Year” for writing Donald Lawrence’s hit tune, “I’m Healed.” Most recently he wrote Youth for Christ’s inspirational single “The Struggle is over”; landing them at the #1 spot on Billboard magazine’s gospel chart for four weeks.

(Check him out on MySpace)

With such wonderful nominations, awards, and #1 singles at the start of his career as an artist, it is no doubt that this album will score big this time around as well. For additional information on the concert or Nelson in general log onto http://www.jonathannelson.org/ or call by dialing (443) 468-7167.

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(Televangelist Benny Hinn with his wife Suzanne Hinn)

Popular Televangelist Benny Hinn has faced many worries in the public eye over the years but never ones that evolved his personal life or family. Yet the OC is Sad to report this time his worries aren’t with the church, but in his own Southern California home.

(Pastor Hinn’s wife Evangelist Suzanne Hinn  at one of the couples many crusades laying hands and seeing people healed)

After more than 30 years of being married Hinn’s wife, Evangelist Suzanne Hinn filed for divorce claiming irreconcilable differences. The two separated in January. At the time Suzanne was staying at their wealthy coastal home in the community Of Dana Point. The divorce papers came as a surprise to Hinn who reached out to Suzanne with a means to fix the relationship.

(Evangelist Suzanne Hinn)

(Pastor Benny Hinn)

“Pastor Benny Hinn and his immediate family were shocked and saddened to learn of this news without any previous notice,” Benny Hinn Ministries said Thursday in a statement.

Though the Evangelist has been persecuted for his work in ministry, yet many people have been speaking out in support through prayer during this very difficult time in his life.

“We need to pray for Pastor Benny .We all are not sure of what really happened between Pastor Benny and his loved wife Suzanne. Let’s not rely on rumors. We need to pray for them. I have read several articles people saying Pastor Benny is unfaithful or is not a true man of God. We forget he is a human being even though he is a servant of God.” Dennis commented on cnmnewsnetwork.com

It is no shock that Hinn has such supporters; his television show airs on the Trinity Broadcast Network for millions of viewers to see every day. He can also be seen on other networks as well. When not being broadcasted, Hinn travels around the world on his ministry’s plane hosting “Miracle Crusades” in which people may be healed spiritually. He also has Benny Hinn Ministries which is based in Grapevine, Texas, as well as a church and television studio operated in Aliso Viejo located in California.

It’s a great wonder as to how all of this would be split up after a divorce. But we know that God has the power to amend any differences, reverse the ending of a 30 year marriage and cancel the divorce!!! In Jesus Name! We maintain our hope in Gods decree for marriage; the OC keeps Pastor Hinn in our prayers during this time of distress.

♫OC MUSIC SAMPLER:  ‘The Brown Sisters Live in Chicago’ ♫

The Brown Sisters have most definitely acquired the right to be very proud of what God has done through the release of their debut CD “The Brown Sisters Live in Chicago” this past year. It has earned them Chicago Music Awards (CMA) for Best Gospel Album of the Year and Best Gospel Entertainer of the Year, as well as top spots on the music charts.

(Vanessa, Phyllis, Lavette, Adrienne and Andrea ,The Brown Sisters)

These sisters have been making appearances on the gospel stage since the early 1990s, performing all over Europe for a decade, and appearing at the Montreux Jazz and New Orleans Jazz Festivals. They have been blessed to grace the stage with such artist as Aretha Franklin, Bobby McFerrin, Marvin Sapp and Shirley Caesar.

Vanessa, Phyllis, Lavette, Adrienne and Andrea are greatly deserving of their accomplishments; they have overcome many trials and tribulations, the hardest being the lost of their brother Zachary who was their MD (Lead Music Director) throughout most of their career. The group of five has made and is continuing to make their marks in the gospel entertainment world, and in doing so the OC wishes them much more success.

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