Religion
‘Live in Memphis’ debut for Memphis gospel ensemble
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- Written by Tri-State Defender Newsroom
Earnest Pugh isn't content to just make hits on his own anymore. Through his EPM Music Group recording label, he's spreading the hit-making love with a forthcoming CD by new signee, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, a dynamic gospel ensemble from Pugh's native Memphis.
The group's new CD, "Live in Memphis," hits stores everywhere on Oct. 30 and the radio single, "Thank You, Lord" is beginning to make noise on gospel airwaves.
"He is my homie from Memphis and he was greatly influenced by our mutual friend, the great choirmaster, O'Landa Draper," Pugh said of Tharpe.
"I vowed to pick up O'Landa's mantle and do what I can to expose the world to all the talent in the Memphis area. Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis recently teamed up with me at the 'Gospel Superfest' TV taping where we shared the stage to sing my song, 'I Need Your Glory.'
"They did what they do and 'brought it' in a major way and I wanted to give them this opportunity to 'bring it' on a national level," said Pugh. "I'm very optimistic about their ministry because they manage to attract young adults but they are also seasoned enough to capture the attention of the mature church crowd as well."
Tharpe received the inspiration to launch his own group when he was the director of the Voices of Harambee, a gospel choir at Craigmont High School. He took the word Kenosis from Philippians 2:5-8 (a Biblical scripture) in which Jesus Christ emptied himself of his divine attributes in order to identify with mankind.
The group has recorded a couple of indie CDs and won a Rhythm of Gospel Award as New Artist of the Year in 2010. They also won Dorinda Clark Cole's Singers & Musicians Conference Artist Showcase Competition in 2011 and appeared on BET's legendary, "Bobby Jones Gospel" TV program.
(For more information visit www.epmmusicgroup.com.)
