Gospel music has always been a vital force in shaping worship and connecting hearts to the divine. Today, a new wave of artists is emerging, infusing contemporary sounds with timeless spiritual messages, and paving the way for the future of worship music. These ten rising stars are redefining the genre, bringing fresh perspectives and powerful voices that resonate with both traditional believers and new audiences. From Austin French‘s vibrant reinterpretations to Madison Ryann Ward‘s soulful reflections, these artists are not just performers but messengers of hope and faith, each with a unique story and a passionate commitment to their craft
1. Austin French
Austin French, the Christian contemporary music artist and songwriter, brings a vibrant reinterpretation to a timeless favorite with his latest release, “God Is Good (All The Time).” Infusing the traditional call-and-response dynamic of congregational worship with his distinctive pop sound, French revitalizes the familiar phrase that shaped his upbringing as the son of a worship pastor and music teacher. Encouraging listeners to delve deeper into the profound message behind “All the time God is good,” French invites a fresh contemplation through his music. Rising to prominence since his debut on the reality show “Rising Star,” French has solidified his place in the Contemporary Christian pop scene with hits like “Freedom Hymn,” “Why God,” and “Wake Up Sleeper.” Recently featured on Winter Jam 2023 and the Danny Gokey Tour in Fall 2023, French continues to captivate audiences and is poised to join Big Daddy Weave on tour in Spring 2024, further affirming his influence in the genre.
2. Ewura Abena
Ewura Abena’s musical journey, spanning from Takoradi, Ghana, to global recognition, showcases her unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. Emerging from the vibrant Church of Pentecost, she embraced her calling to professional music by 2005 and has since made Birmingham, UK, her home base. Her latest album, REBIRTH (Mary’s Child), exemplifies her evolution with tracks like “This Far,” “It Is Finished,” and “Warrior,” each resonating themes of resilience and hope. Drawing inspiration from gospel greats such as Amy Newman and Shirley Caesar, Ewura Abena’s music seamlessly combines soulful melodies with profound lyrics, solidifying her impact in the gospel genre. Nominated for Best Gospel Song and Best Songwriter at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, she continues to captivate and inspire audiences globally through her powerful musical expressions. As she prepares to unveil the music video for “Warrior,” Ewura Abena remains dedicated to inspiring and uplifting audiences through her soul-stirring music.
3. Maddie Rey
Maddie Rey, at just 20 years old, embodies a multifaceted presence in the Christian entertainment sphere as a recording artist, youth speaker, performer, dancer, actress, YouTuber, and influencer. Her musical style, a dynamic blend of pop, hip hop, and rock, showcases powerhouse vocals infused with soulful nuances, uniquely complemented by her skillful rap verses. Beyond her artistic prowess, Maddie Rey’s ultimate mission is to lead her generation into a transformative encounter with God, aiming to facilitate a profound experience of His presence. Drawing from her upbringing as a pastor’s kid immersed in church life, Maddie delivers a powerful message encapsulated in Psalms 27:4, encouraging youth to dwell continually in God’s presence. Her ministry extends across various platforms, including youth groups, events, conferences, Christian music festivals, and social media, where she spreads her inspirational message of faith and devotion.
4. Natalie Grant
Natalie Grant stands as a distinguished figure in Christian and Gospel music, boasting a remarkable career highlighted by nine Grammy nominations and five GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. Her influence extends far beyond accolades, with over 500 million streams and multiple Billboard Chart-topping albums and singles under her belt. Beyond music, Grant is a revered author and philanthropist, notably co-founding Hope for Justice, a global non-profit combatting human trafficking with a significant presence across nine countries and five continents. In the past year alone, the organization has assisted 102,803 children. Recently, Natalie Grant expressed her excitement about releasing a Portuguese version of “You Will Be Found,” calling it a dream come true to record a song in another language.
5. Marie Love
With tracks like “Guide Me” and “War for Peace,” Marie Love showcases her versatility and emotive range, creating a musical experience that is both soothing and stirring. Her ability to evoke emotions through her smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics makes “Never Leave Me” a standout piece in her repertoire, promising to leave a lasting impression on listeners. Her rendition of “Never Leave Me” captivates with its soulful and velvety vocals, reminiscent of a seasoned jazz singer. Her delivery infuses the song with a depth and warmth that resonates deeply, making it a compelling listen for fans of SZA and lovers of soulful music alike.
6. Sondae
Sondae’s latest album, Pilgrim’s Road, marks a significant moment in Christian music, illustrating a seamless blend of devotion and modern artistry. As I immerse myself in the 21-track opus, I am struck by its impeccable craftsmanship and creative depth, each song resonating with a blend of spiritual fervor and contemporary soundscapes. Listening to Pilgrim’s Road feels like savoring a serene morning in a Shoreditch coffee shop, with sunlight filtering through the windows—its ambience both comforting and inspiring. Sondae’s unique ability to infuse his deep love for God with the popular elements of today’s music sets him apart, offering listeners a transformative experience that speaks volumes about his character and artistic vision. Dive into the album below, and share your thoughts in the comments; this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
7. Peg Luke
Known for her dynamic performances at venues like Carnegie Hall and Cadogan Hall, Peg Luke‘s musical journey started young and has been marked by her ability to fuse profound tradition with innovative artistry. Her latest single, “Kyrie Eleison,” is a captivating modern take on the ancient Christian prayer, “Lord, have mercy.” Seamlessly blending classical and spiritual elements, Peg breathes new life into this timeless plea for divine compassion, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences. “Kyrie Eleison” transcends being just a song; it is a heartfelt meditation on mercy and grace, showcasing Peg Luke’s unique ability to uplift and deeply move her listeners, making her a profound source of inspiration in today’s world.
8. Morgan J
Morgan J, a multifaceted recording artist, singer, songwriter, and creative director based in Dallas, TX, has spent the past six years channeling her music to honor Jesus after a transformative personal encounter during a period of despair. Her eclectic sound in “Blue“seamlessly merges elements of R&B, rock, lofi, gospel, and ambient music, carving out a distinctive niche in the Christian music scene. With millions of Spotify streams, Morgan J has cultivated a devoted fan base drawn to her introspective lyrics that delve into the nuances of faith, love, heartache, and self-discovery. Beyond her music, she is the visionary behind “Come Free Collective,” a non-profit ministry in Dallas that nurtures artists to express their creativity freely in God. Her commitment to service is evident as she volunteers at Life Fellowship Church in McKinney, TX, and dedicates weekends to aiding the homeless. Morgan J’s profound devotion to Jesus permeates every aspect of her life, inspiring those around her with her unwavering faith and boundless creativity.
9. Evan & Eris
Evan and Eris are a captivating brother-sister duo whose music seamlessly fuses R&B and hip-hop with deeply worshipful lyrics. Hailing from Colorado, the pair have carved out a unique niche in the music world, delivering performances that resonate with both heart and soul. Touring across the United States, they’ve opened for renowned artists like Mali Music, Andy Mineo, Gawvi, and Derek Minor, showcasing their compelling sound to diverse audiences. Their debut independent album, Seasons, has taken the music scene by storm, amassing over 30 million streams and securing spots on top playlists such as Blessings, The Flow, and Fresh Gospel. Evan and Eris’s blend of contemporary beats and spiritual depth continues to win the hearts of listeners nationwide. They recently released their latest single, “Shadows” about mercy, grace and a reminder of the unrelentless love of God.
10. Madison Ryann
Madison Ryann Ward‘s journey from a college student at the University of Oklahoma to a rising star in the music industry is nothing short of inspiring. With a voice that blends chill R&B, blues, and hints of gospel and soul, Ward creates a sound that is both soothing and deeply resonant. After college, she moved to Nashville to hone her songwriting skills and then ventured to New York and LA for recording, where she landed a label deal with the legendary Rick Rubin. Her debut EP, Beyond Me, along with a series of stirring singles, has captured the attention of listeners with themes that explore her faith, relationships, and personal growth. Madison Ryann Ward’s cover of Olivia Dean’s “Slowly” envelops listeners in a soulful reminder that love thrives when unrushed. Her tender vocals echo the sentiment: “Go slowly, slowly,” capturing the beauty of love revealed with patience.
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