Artist Chosen Winner of Baltimore’s Artscape SOUND-OFF! Contest
 
(Washington, D.C.) - August 9, 2010 - Urban contemporary gospel artist TolumiDE (pronounced toe-LU-mee-day) dropped her first full-length recording, My Love, in late spring.  Since that time, she’s been taking the gospel industry by storm with the unique flair she brings to the genre.  The Nigerian and Canadian singer has been receiving rave reviews for the CD and it’s title cut, “My Love”.  Distributed nationally and already charting on BDS with rotation on 150 stations nationwide, the urban-tinged song highlights the relationship between the singer and her Lord.  In addition, the accompanying video, directed by Tayo Abereoje from Black Royal Pictures, from  has been in rotation on the Gospel Music Channel, MBOA TV, Channel O (South Africa), MTV Base, Nigezie and ONE Gospel TV; it’s also gotten thousands of plays on YouTube and countless other websites. 
PrayzeHymnOnline.com says, ”
She’s able to take the musical DNA of Taio Cruz and the ease of Oleta Adams, while injecting more of her heritage using bilingual lyrics, into a friendlier foundation of melodic pop and R&B balladry perfect for outreach crossover gospel.”  TheBlackGospelBlog.com says, “My Love is at once different and in tune with today’s urban contemporary gospel sound. As the title track (and current single) demonstrates, the album combines the vibrancy of African polyrhythm, explosive techno and TolumiDE’s fetching African accent with lyrics that uplift, empower and inspire while remaining grounded in the realities of modern life.”
 
EJ of
GospelPundit.com says, “Her single, ‘My Love,’ is so catchy, so hot, so fun and funky…I kinda can’t stop listening!”
  Heed Magazine says, “TolumiDE’s first full-length, My Love, continues her tradition of combining the cultural sounds of her past with the modern sounds of the present in a way that’s equally at home on the pop charts as it is in the gospel world.  With a smooth and warm voice, she heeds Psalm 33:3 - ‘Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy.’”
 
In addition to gospel media singing her praises, Baltimore fans made her the choice (out of dozens of entries) for Artscape’s recent 3
rd Annual Sound-Off! Competition.
  Sound-Off!, part of The 29
th Annual Artscape, a celebration of arts in Baltimore, showcases the talents of unsigned artists in Charm City.
  The Sound-Off! judges, consisting of Norvelle Jackson of WEAA 88.9 FM, Bret McCabe of City Paper, and Stephen Yasko of WTMD 89.7 FM, evaluated and selected three finalists for the competition with Artscape music lovers and fans voting for the finalist.  The fan favorite received the coveted performance slot on Artscape’s Charm City Stage and as the winner, TolumiDE received a check and a backstage party for 20 fans.
 
Formerly a member of the multiple award-nominated group Women Ah Run Tings, TolumiDE garnered her own award as the recipient of the 2009 African Heritage Award for Outstanding African Artist.
  My Love, her second release, followed her EP critically-acclaimed debut, Specialty.
  During her career, she’s had the opportunity to perform at venues like Blues Alley, the Vancouver Jazz Festival, the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, FestAfrica, the Canadian Reggae Music Awards, and others.
 
TolumiDE is currently on her Summer/Fall Tour and is available to minister at Sunday and Mid-week services and Youth Special Events during her tour.  For more information on TolumiDE, go to www.tolumidemusic.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Houston’s Newest Gospel Sensation – BJ Smith and Nu Destiny

Houston, Tx. — BJ Smith and Nu Destiny, a dynamic family gospel group, has launched a new project entitled “WE SHALL PREVAIL” which will bless the souls of those who seek God’s favor. They are a close knit group of family and friends, who are led by a pioneer in gospel music for many, many years-Mr. BJ Smith. BJ Smith has been playing gospel music for more than 50 years. He started playing the piano when he was 4 years old and the true gift in his story is that he is self taught and he has never been able to read music, but his hands have been blessed and continue to bless others over and over again. Keeping things in the family, each of his son’s (3) plays several instruments and all are songwriters. His daughter is a melodious songstress and songwriter as well. Each of them have contributed a song to the new album and last, but not least, his wife makes her presence known as one of the strong soprano voices in the group as well.
BJ Smith and Nu Destiny have already experienced some early success. They have performed with gospel recording artist LaShaun Pace, as well as, taking first place at the 12TH Annual Texas Gospel Excellence Awards in the New Gospel Group category and 2nd place at the Texas Gospel Announcers Guild in San Antonio in the same category. Taking their ministry to the masses is their main focus on this journey or “new destiny” if you will. They are determined to share their talents with the rest of the world and remind true believers that if you just “BELIEVE” in the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, there is nothing you can’t conquer in your life.

The group has launched a website to keep those interested in joining them when they travel across the city of Houston, the state of Texas and eventually the nation, up to date on their performances and engagements. They have also made it easy for gospel fans to purchase a copy of their album directly from their site via CD baby, Amazon.com and itunes.com. There is also a section for guests to comment on how their music has blessed them in their own personal lives. Don’t let another day go by without you taking some time to check out the next family gospel group to bless the gospel world. You just might be blessed! www.nudestinyrecords.com

About BJ Smith and Nu Destiny
Though we are many members, we are one. We’re a family that has traveled down many paths of this journey called life. There have been many bumps and bruises along the way, but we learned how to trust and have faith in God. On December 5, 2004, we began to embark upon the road that God was leading us down. We were invited to sing at a Christmas musical in Cleveland, Tx. at New Bethel BC. As the spirit began to move, God revealed to us the road to our Nu Destiny. When we began, we were the T.S.C. singers. The name represented each member of the family, but it was not yet what God had in store for us. As we began to think a little deeper about our anointing, and what God has done for each one of us, we all recognized the new dimension that God was taking us to. Now we have all found our true purpose, for we now have a Nu Destiny!

Cnct: Richard A. Smith - First Class Management 832-330-8818 firstclassmgmnt@yahoo.com

1: The Best In Me, Marvin Sapp
2: They That Wait, Fred Hammond Featuring John P. Kee
3: God Favored Me, Hezekiah Walker & LFC Featuring Marvin Sapp & DJ Rogers
4: Rain On Us, Earnest Pugh
5: Resting On His Promise, Youthful Praise Featuring J.J. Hairston
6: I Want To Say Thank You, Lisa Page Brooks Featuring Royal Priesthood
7: Grace, BeBe & CeCe Winans
8: Encore, James Fortune & FIYA
9: All I Need, Brian Courtney Wilson
10: Good News, Vanessa Bell Armstrong
11: He Wants It All, Forever Jones
12: Prayed Up, Karen Clark-Sheard
13: There Is A King In You, Donald Lawrence & Co.
14: The Lifter, Ted Winn
15: Joy Of The Lord, Tamela Mann

Check out this great video of Pastor Jasper Williams Jr singing Down Through The Years.

By definition the word gospel means, “The proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus and the Apostles, which is the central content of Christian revelation. Something, such as an idea or principle, accepted as unquestionably true.” So when you hear of Gospel Music it refers to those who choose this form of expression to encourage others and spread the word of the bible. Gospel Music has it’s greats from Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Martha Munizzi, Hezekiah Walker, and many more. These outstanding artists have chosen music as a way of reaching out to the masses and spreading the word of the Bible and Christianity. These artists amongst others use their musical talents to encourage people to have a relationship with God and a better understanding. Following in the footsteps of these Gospel greats Thomas Patterson began his music career.

Growing up in Los Angeles, CA loving music, Thomas Patterson knew he wanted to have a career in this industry. In his teenage years he would rap and sing R&B and enjoyed performing and writing love songs. As he got older and started thinking about his future, having a family one day, and the role of God in his life he wanted to write Gospel music. This was not an easy step for Thomas. Deciding to take a break he participated in athletics (basketball and track) and music (choir and music classes) as extracurricular activities while completing college. With goals of growing a stronger and closer relationship to God, Thomas felt a calling to sing Gospel music. When asked what inspires you to move forward in this direction he replies, “My inspiration comes from my desire to be a better and truly a Christian person, being stronger, wiser and the enjoyment and motivation I have in fellowship with the spirit. The bible says we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the power of our testimony. So I make music as an expression of what God says on the inside of me.”

With musical influences such as Kirk Franklin and John P. Key this singer wants to be a part of making people feel encouraged; “I want them to know that God loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. I want them to feel a sense of liberty that they can grow and walk with the Lord. I want them to feel the fact that they can have a reality in God; and maybe not just feel it but begin it.”

When you first hear Thomas Patterson his voice is reminiscent of that old school gospel music with a twist. You are moved by the words and the music puts you in good spirits, which is exactly his purpose. Listening to how passionate he sounds in his music one can tell Thomas is sincere in his words and intentions beyond his vocal talents. This rising star is sure to take the Gospel Music scene by storm. Not only through his voice but his actions and convictions in believing and living by the words he sings.