Gospel Best Competition Winners Circle

The 2011 Black Expo Gospel Best Competition

Winners Circle

10th Annual Florida Black Expo

2011 Gospel Best Competition

Held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Jacksonville, FL

The Black Expo Staff would like to thank everyone for coming and competing in this year's Gospel Best Competition!

These individuals competed for cash prizes at the recent Florida Black Expo on October 8, 2011 winning over $11,000 in cash.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: $5,000.00 Dollars

ADONIS GLASS

Adonis is a 5th grader at Martin Luther King Elementary School whose passion is singing.  He sings to honor his mother who was also a singer before she passed.

FIRST PLACE WINNERS

INDIVIDUAL

ISAIAH HOUSTON

Isaiah is a Jacksonville resident of the last 10 years who comes to us from Screven, GA.  He graduated with a music degree from Edward Waters College, which is one of his proudest moments.  Isaiah says that he came out of the womb singing and continues to do it because he loves it.

YOUTH

TYANNA (TEE-AUNUH) JONES

Tyanna Jones is an outgoing student at JEB Stuart Middle School and proud sister to 10 siblings.  Her passion is to uplift the name of Jesus with song.

GROUP

ESOTERIC

Esoteric is a group brought together from all over Florida by their shared love of music.  They love to perform and share their God given talents with others.  Their belief is that you can minister through music and they strive to do just that.

CHOIR

DANIEL MITCHELL & HILLEL

With such accolades as winning the 2011 National Most Powerful Voices Competition and performing on stage at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem New York with Grammy and Stellar nominated artist such as Trin-I-Tee 5:7; Brian Courtney Wilson and Chrisette Michelle, National Recording Choir Daniel Mitchell and Hillel are taking the Gospel music industry by storm!  Minister Daniel, the 18-year old director and founder of Hillel, is the CEO of the group's label, Full Gospel Records, and is currently working on a sophomore album; He will perform music from his upcoming album at the 2012 Stellar Award's Artist Showcase in Nashville, TN on January 12th.

The Group's powerful singel entitled "Great Thins" from their debut album, "The Experience", was chosen by Matthew Knowles (Father of Beyonce, and CEO of Music World Entertainment) to be featured on the nationally distributed album, "The Most Powerful Voices Vol. 1" (an album which features other phenomenal artists such as Juanita Bynum, Micha Stampley, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong).  Serving as a true testament that this group is making an impact in the industry, they are honored to have been nominated for Best Album, Best Contemporary Artist, Best Youth Performance, and Best New Artist in the 2011 South Florida Gospel Music Awards.

SECOND PLACE WINNERS

GROUP

FOR THE SOUL

Known for their angelic harmonizing voices, For the Soul is a duo that consists of twin sisters Patrice and Latrice Holley of Jacksonville, Florida.  They have been singing gospel since they were 2 years of age, with their first duet being "Yes Jesus loves me".  Together, they've performed all over Duval County, and parts of Louisana, Georgia, and South Carolina.  They also do mission work at different rehabilitation facilities with their parents Deacon Paul Holley Sr. and Missionary Kathleen Holley.  They are members of Faust Temple Church of God In Christ where they serve as praise leaders, choir directors, Sunday school teachers, and working with the youth.  Their passion is to spread God's love through their voices, and bring faith and joy to those they minister to souls.

YOUTH

DARIEN BOLDEN

Darien K. Bolden Jr. was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Pastor Darien K. Bolden Sr. and Reneé E. Bolden.  He is the third child of three.  He is a 12 year old seventh grade student at Lavilla School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida.

He is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach, Florida.  Darien began singing in the Youth Choir there at the age of four years old.  He also sings on the Praise Team and with the Mass Choir.

Darien loves to sing and he knows that he has an anointed gift from God.  He continues to exercise his gift by singing in the Jacksonville Mass Choir under the leadership and direction of Mr.s Deborah McDuffie-Dolby.

INDIVIDUAL

KEVIN GRIFFIN

Kevin is a native of Jacksonville who graduated from Ribault Senior High.  He now works with Northern Florida Transportation as a dispatcher and has been singing all his life.  Kevin's Grandmother introduced him to music and taught him to sing and play keyboards.  He loves to sing and touch people through his music.  His love of the art has taken him as far as winning on Showtime at the Apollo.

CHOIR

RSVP (RITZ VOICES)

The RSVP (Ritz Sound and Voice Performers) is a youth musical arts program of the Ritz Theatre and Museum which began in 2000.  The chorus brings together youth 12 - 18 years old from the urban inner city and suburban communities to discover the power of singing and learning together.  Through their concerts and frequent community performances, they serve as ambassadors for the Ritz and the City of Jacksonville using voice, music, and instruments as a tool for youth development, social healing and community building.  The RSVP also performs annual holiday and spring concerts at the Ritz Theatre and Museum and travels occasionally.

The RSVP provides a multicultural music education and performance programs for youth fostering talent and a sense of community.

The goal of the RSVP is to offer young people of the community a comprehensive music and performance training opportunity.  The RSVP will gain exposure and training in an array of musical genres that will include many arrangement styles site reading, pre-professional performance and choreography.  The RSVP will perform, by request, for community organizations and for special Ritz Theatre and Museum concerts.

Inaugural Upstate Black Expo

2011 Gospel Best Competition

Held on Saturday, June 18, 2011 in Greenville, SC

Information To Come Soon

14th Annual Columbia Black Expo

2011 Gospel Best Competition

Held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 in Columbia, SC

The Black Expo Staff would like to thank everyone for coming and competing in this year's Gospel Best Competition!

These individuals competed for cash prizes at the recent Columbia Black Expo on May 21, 2011 winning over $11,000 in cash.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: $5,000.00 Dollars

Gerald Walker

Mr. Gerald F. Walker Jr. was born on August 19th, 1989 in Aiken South Carolina. His Mother Veronica West and Father Gerald Walker were young when they gave birth to such a blessed child of God! Gerald Walker Started singing at the age of two years old then grew up singing on his local church praise teem! At the age of eighteen Gerald started a ministry in music by writing and recording gospel music that everybody would be touch by! Gerald is Minister of Music for Voice of Trinity Ministry, where the Pastor and Founder is Apostle. Eugenia H. Smith.  Gerald Walker is 21 years young and now is the time for the favor of God to rest upon Him!!!

INDIVIDUAL 1ST PLACE: $1000.00

Brittany Turnipseed

Brittany Turnipseed is a preschool teacher at Columbia Federal CDC from Columbia S.C. She is an Alum of W.J. Keenan High and a graduate of Columbia College.

Brittany loves the power of music and how just one song can have the power to inspire or even change someone’s life for the better. She started singing in the 4-H program and eventually made her way to singing in school programs, choirs, and the glee club. She loves praise and worship and using her gift to help inspire and uplift people.

 INDIVIDUAL 2ND PLACE: $500.00

Samira Gibson

Samira Gibson is a native of Columbia, SC and is currently attending Five Towns College in Dix Hills, NY. She is a junior majoring in Music Business and Business Management. Her song ministry continually reminds her of how good God is. No matter the accolades she receives for her talent she never forgets who is responsible for that and remains humbled by God’s gifts to her.

 GROUP 1ST PLACE: $1000.00

L.A.S

L.A.S, a trio consisting of LaRon Hearst, Angela Hearst, and Sarene Tate have been singing together for four years on the Praise and Worship Team at Inner Courts Global Outreach, but officially became L.A.S in 2009 under the direction of Sarene’s father, Bishop Heanon Tate. Sarene is a junior atDutch Fork High School and plans to continue a career in music ministry alongside LaRon and Angel, who are graduates of Dutch Fork High Schooland the University of South Carolina.  In addition to the united sound of L.A.S,  LaRon and Angel bring another dynamic to the element of unity, recently celebrating their one year marriage anniversary. The prayer of L.A.S is that their music ministry expresses their strong love for God, strengthens the Body of Christ, and connects nonbelievers to Christ.  Though coming from diverse backgrounds, LaRon, Angel, and Sarene come together to form harmonious blends, thus creating L.A.S.

GROUP 2ND PLACE: $500.00

The Smith Sisters

The Smith Sisters is a gospel and inspirational group that is comprised of three natural and spiritual sisters- DaBetta, Denise, and Deloris. These sisters have been singing together since they were very young children. Working in the singing ministry within Beulah Refuge Tabernacle, (one of their father’s churches) and the community is not only a passion of these ladies but a divine calling as well.

CHOIR 1ST PLACE: $1000.00

Precious Lord Jubilee Singers

The Precious Lord Jubilee Singers established themselves on April 5, 2011. Under the musical direction of Roslyn Peterson the 12-voice choir served their Lord with a jubilee sound that brings their audiences closer to God.

The Precious Lord Jubilee Singers are made up from three different churches here in Columbia South Carolina: New Ebenezer Baptist Church, Brookland Baptist Church, North East and the Rehoboth United Assemblies.

CHOIR 2ND PLACE: $500.00

Alfonzo Udell & Chosen

Alfonzo Udell is a native of Brooklyn, NY and formed Chosen a Columbia-based Gospel Choir in January of 2011. The members of Chosen are from various churches and comprised of individuals with diversified musical backgrounds that have a passion to sing Gospel Music. Chosen, performs to lift up and inspire people of all cultures, walks of life and was started to bring together vocalists and musicians to glorify God through song. For Chosen, we want people to know that we sing not for fortune and fame, but that the anointing of Christ and his name may be proclaimed!

YOUTH 1ST PLACE: $1000.00

Semaj Whitener

Semaj is a 12 year old 6th grade student at Kelly Miller Elementary School in Fairfield County. He is a member of St. Luke Baptist Church and the Harrell HG Davis Christian Out-Reach Ministry in Winnsboro, SC. He is the son of Marilyn Gaither. He has been singing since he was about 5 and loves music and singing praises unto God. He is thankful, eager and willing with every opportunity that God blesses him with.

YOUTH 2ND PLACE: $500.00

Kennedi Hunter

Miss Kennedi Hunter was born July 8,1998. At birth she was making a consistent sound that was recognized as singing by the doctors and nurses. At 12 years old, she continues to mesmerize audiences with her exceptional God given talent. Kennedi ministries through song and feeling of expression. She posses a sincere spirit filled countenance when she begins to sing.

12th Annual Charleston Black Expo

2011 Gospel Best Competition

Held on Saturday, March 19, 2011

The Black Expo Staff would like to thank everyone for coming and competing in this year's Gospel Best Competition!

These individuals competed for cash prizes at the recent Charleston Black Expo on March 19, 2011 winning over $11,000 in cash...

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: $5000.00 Dollars

Jasmine McCray

Jasmine McCray is the daughter of Alecia Gibbs and Jasper McCray. She resides in McClellanville, SC and attends The Lighthouse of Jesus Christ Non-Denominational and Independent Church in Georgetown, SC. She is also an 8^th grader at Thomas Cario Middle School in Mt. Pleasant.

Jasmine has a passion for singing and feels that her talent is a God given gift that she was blessed with so she could be a blessing to others.

ADULT INDIVIDUAL WINNERS

1ST PLACE: $1000.00

Jermaine Taylor

Tenacious, gifted and diligent: Contemporary Christian Artist Jermaine Taylor is much more than his humble beginnings musically. Growing up in Tampa Bay, Florida, Jermaine’s journey began with mastering the trombone and singing. As he grew so did his musical intellect; he later became a member of the Pinellas County Youth Orchestra and the Drum Major of his high school band. After heading down the R&B music path, Jermaine returned to gospel as a worship leader, adding a similar musical flavor to his Urban Contemporary Christian music. With a very innovative musical flare Jermaine Taylor reaches souls using everyday sounds with an eternal purpose due to his spiritual focus, dedication and ability to push past discouraging words.

2ND PLACE: $500.00

D’Jaris Whipper

I Want to Be Ready served as the theme for the beginning of her musical career at the tender age of four singing this familiar spiritual.

D’Jaris Whipper-Lewis, Soprano, performs for many civic and private functions and festivals throughout the United States, including Piccolo Spoleto and MOJA.  She has performed as soloist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus and many other groups.  She is Minister of Music at Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, Georgetown where her husband serves as Pastor.

She is a graduate of Talladega College, Alabama and the Medical University of South Carolina. D’Jaris appeared in the Town and Gown Theatre production of Porgy and Bess, Birmingham, recorded “Summertime” for the 100^th Anniversary Documentary of George Gershwin, German Television and headlined in Charleston Stage’s production of Ain’t Misbehavin’.  Her performances are heard on South Carolina Educational Radio.

3RD PLACE: $100.00

Dr. Tonia Taylor

She is the wife of Dr. Jerome A. Taylor of Jacksonville, Florida.  They have been married for 19 years.  They have three beautiful daughters, Destiny, Dynasty, and Divinity.  She co-Pastors and is a leader at Heart to Heart International Ministries, Inc. with her husband and 30 other leaders.  She is the visionary and principal of He Arts Christian Academy, School of the Performing Arts of Moncks Corner, SC where she trains the young for reigning and schools them for current and future leadership responsibilities. She is also the first African American woman to sit and serve on Moncks Corner’s city council; a town that is 125 years in existence this year.

Dr. Taylor loves the Lord with all of her heart, soul and strength and loves her neighbor as she loves herself.  Favorite scripture: I John 5:14.

ADULT GROUP WINNERS

1ST PLACE: $1000.00

Lawrence Flowers & Intercession

Founded in 2001 by Jacksonville native Lawrence Flowers the mission of the group is “to enter into the sessions of others lives to affect change.” The group was like a breath of fresh air, they have captured a large audience of followers with their song entitled “Your Love” in 2007.

 2ND PLACE: $500.00

One Accord Music Ministry

Founded in 2004; Jerry Anderson, Angela Bonaparte and Ralph Lovett Jr. became One Accord Music Ministry. Led by the Holy Spirit the three decided to unite their talents to give back to the Lord as a show of appreciation. Later Lydia Winston and Jermaine Kicklighter joined the group.

Since One Accord Music Ministry’s debut they have released 3 CD’s and deem it an honor, privledge and blessing to know how to hear from God and to be able to convey his message to people.

ADULT CHOIR WINNERS

1ST PLACE: $1000.00

Ledger & Voices of Remnant

During the past three years God has shaped and molded this ministry. Every person in this group had to experience the “WAIT!!” The songs God has entrusted to us are birthed out of tests, trials, and the waiting process. At the beginning of 2008 God lifted the wait period and instructed us to go and call forth the voices of remnant. Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to answer the call for the “VOICES OF REMNANT!!!!”

2ND PLACE: $500.00

Abram Staten & All 4 Christ

All 4 Christ was created and founded by Abram R. Staten on September 11, 2003, in tribute to the 9/11 tragedy that shattered the hearts and tested the tolerance of America.  It was our belief that if we all stand for Christ, we could overcome any obstacle that would stand in our path.  Thus, this group of soldiers for God was formed.

It has been Abram’s dream and goal for life to start a music ministry that not only ministers through song, but through the many other aspects of the arts.  Our vision is to spread the gospel of God and to enhance the traditional format for worshipping God.  We endeavor to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ as we minister through song, conduct workshops, teach choirs, and work with ministries to inspire excellence in the body of Christ, knowing that only what we do for Christ will last.

1ST PLACE: $1000.00

He Arts Christian Academy

He Arts Christian Academy, School of Performing Arts is currently comprised of students from Moncks Corner, SC and surrounding areas.  We prize our differential advantage on academics and arts.  Our passion is to share God’s message of love and power through music, dance, arts, and drama.  We want every family to know about us because Bible, academics, and arts provide students the balance they need for life and eternity.” He Arts Christian Academy simply brings back a love for learning and community service.

2ND PLACE: $500.00

Ma’Kyia Sprueill

Ma'Kyia Sprueill lives in N. Charleston, SC. and attends Rollings School of the Arts in Summerville, SC for vocal music. Going to Rollings has allowed her to be herself and persue her lifelong dream of being a professional singer. Ma’Kyia strives to carry herself with respect, so that she can be a positive role model to her peers. She says. “Being on stage is like being on top of the world, and I feel unstoppable.” Winning this competition would be the beginning of a life long journey of becoming a legendary superstar.

 Again the Black Expo Staff would like to thank everyone for coming and competiting in this year's Gospel Best Competition!