StepFWD Gospel News
Gospel News is curated by O’Neil Dennis, founder of AStepFWD.com, the UK Christian Charts, StepFWD Awards, and more. To get in touch, email info@astepfwd.com
DJ HAYCH’S ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2025
Last year’s artists to watch included MOBO-, Premier Gospel- and AStepFwd-nominated and award-winning artists. Of that 2024 selection of artists, three released albums, two released EPs, and most released singles throughout last year. It’s safe to say those artists had an excellent 2024. This year, expect no different.
Here are DJ Haych’s 10 Christian and gospel artists to watch in 2025!
ALIA LARA
Alia has been giving us some r&b gospel flavour for a few years now, and to a really high standard at that. She capped off a great 2024 with the Kingdom Minded EP. 2025 feels like it could be an even bigger and better year for this award-winning artist.
DC3
The phrase ‘Christian Rap is Evolving’ has gone viral with content for DC3’s songs ‘Finesse Freestyle’ and ‘Upstairs’; however, it feels like we haven’t even scratched the surface with what music DC3 will bring this year. Featured on Annatoria’s Present Jesu EP, DC3 continues to show his versatility, style and creativity, which makes 2025 a well anticipated year for him.
EUGY
Off the back of his amazing album God Reigns, Eugy has had a mind-blowing 2024. His transition into gospel music has looked somewhat seamless, with an incredible performance at the Premier Gospel Awards near the end of the year. I can definitely see more wins, more collaborations, and more soul-stirring bangers from the guy on the Winners Side.
HOUSE WORSHIP
An up-and-coming worship collective out of Birmingham, UK, who have continued to build and grow during the last couple of years. Their EP Higher and the double single ‘A House Christmas’ gives just a taste of what is to come in 2025.
IMRHAN
Previously part of the Lotto Boyzz, Imrhan’s testament to high quality songs and social media content cannot be understated. He has shown a consistent work rate and versatility which I feel will translate into an even more superb 2025 for him musically.
LAURA EHIO
Fresh from performing at the AStepFwd Awards, Laura’s gift and talent are immense as well as undeniable. The superb song ‘See Me’, featuring Becca Folkes, is still high on a lot of playlists – and rightly so. I cannot wait to hear and see more of Laura’s singing and songwriting ability in 2025.
NAFFYMAR
When we talk UK Afro Gospel, NaffymaR’s name always has to be in the mix. Now a staple in the scene, and giving us vibe after vibe with her singles and features, this year, NaffymaR will not leave 2025 without having us dancing and vibing to, hopefully, some of her new music.
OBED
The artist and producer who had two ‘leaving the listener wanting more’ EPs in Room Worship Vol 1 and his debut EP Cloud 9 in 2024, Obed has really started making even more of a name for himself within the scene. His r&b vocals with THE Gospel message is a very special combination which bodes well for whatever he decides to do in 2025 on his musical journey.
SONDAE
Collaborations with Limoblaze and Jackie Hill Perry are just a small sign of Sondae’s hard work and dedication to his craft. His songwriting pen, matched with a unique voice and sound, are heard nowhere else in the industry. Over three years, he has given us four albums – an amazing feat. This makes me look forward to how Sondae will continue to raise the bar of excellence in his music for 2025.
Y.SHADEY
Taking 2023 and 2024 by storm, Y.Shadey has been true to himself as an artist. With collabs with the likes of Eugy, and recognition from some of the best in the game, he is clearly doing a lot right. Y.Shadey has given us some bangers over the last 15 months, and I know 2025 has got something big in store for the Croydon rapper.
After a great 2024, the only way is up for a lot more artists in the UK gospel scene in 2025.
Follow DJ Haych on Instagram @dj_haych
CHOIR MUSIC UNITES AT UGCY 2025
13th Annual University Gospel Choir of the Year Competition
Ten student choirs from all over the UK will converge at Oasis House, Croydon CR0 3EXon Saturday 22nd March 2025 to perform in the University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) competition. Inspired by the film Sister Act, expect an evening filled with laughter, entertainment and excitement for everyone who loves good music.
Founded by Lorraine Wright MBE in 2011, UCGY provides an opportunity for university gospel choirs to perform in front of judges and a live audience.
The 10 choirs shortlisted to compete in the live finals this year are:
BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir – BIMM Birmingham, who are back again to defend the title after winning the UCGY competition last year
The Revival Gospel Choir – University of Leicester
Portsmouth Gospel Choir – University of Portsmouth
Kent Gospel Choir – University of Kent
Keele University Gospel Choir (KUGC) – Keele University
Warwick Gospel Choir – University of Warwick
King’s College Gospel Choir – King’s College London
University of Birmingham Gospel Choir (UOB Gospel Choir) – Universityof Birmingham
Canterbury Christ Church Gospel Choir –Canterbury Christ Church University
BIMM London Gospel Choir – BIMM London
All the choirs are busy preparing to inspire with a winning performance.
UGCY Founder, Lorraine Wright, MBE is looking forward to attending the final. She said: “As always, the UGCY will be full of dancing, laughter and roaring cheers – along with a few surprises and tears – as the strongest performance emerges to be crowned the 2025 University Gospel Choir of the Year.”
Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk to get tickets.
Article written by Samantha Radford
AWARD-WINNING SINGER TO STAR IN ONE-WOMAN SHOW
Yvonne Michèle wears a number of hats. Well known in the Luton area as CEO of not-for profit organisation Global Empowerment Movement Ltd, Yvonne is also an acclaimed singer and author. She can now add playwright to the list.
On January 31 Yvonne will star in ‘Caught You In A Lie’ – her own one-woman show at The Hat Factory Arts Centre 65-67 Bute Street Luton LU1 2EY.
This production will feature gospel and lovers’ rock, and aims to uplift and encourage audiences to confront the lies they’ve believed about themselves, break free from self-doubt, and live their best lives.
Through captivating musical performances and heartfelt monologues, Yvonne Michèle takes audiences on a journey that explores the lies society tells us, the excuses we create, and the deep wounds that hold us back.
“This isn’t just my story – it’s a mirror for everyone,” says Yvonne. “It’s about breaking free from the lies we believe, healing from generational trauma, and stepping into the light of our true potential. My goal is to leave people laughing, crying, and, most importantly, transformed.”
Visit www.yvonnemichele.com/caught-you-in-a-lie/ to get tickets
