JUNE 2021
NAKITA CASH INSPIRES WOMEN TO SOAR
BLACK MUSIC HONORS GINUWINE, ANGIE STONE, MARVIN SAP P & RAMSEY LEWIS
+
NEW MUSIC & MORE
I AM QUEEN 04 I06AM QUEEN I 09AM QUEEN I 15AM QUEEN I AM QUEEN 20 I AM QUEEN TABLE OF CONTENTS
—
E D I TO R S NOT E
NIA ALLEN RECENTLY REACHED #1 ON THE BILLBOARD GOSPEL NATIONAL AIRPLAY CHART WITH HER SINGLE, “WAIT.”
KIERRA SHEARD-KELLY AND RED ROCKS WORSHIP CO-RELEASE NEW PERFORMANCE“SOMETHING HAS TO BREAK (LIVE)”
MEGA-MINISTRY HILLSONG LAUNCHES HILLSONG ATLANTA WITH FIRST-EVER AFRICAN AMERICAN LEAD PASTOR SAM COLLIER
COV ER S TO RY NAKITA CASH (US)
N MAGAZINE 24 N MAGAZINE N 28 MAGAZINE N 30 MAGAZINE N MAGAZINE N MAGAZINE CONTACT US
I AM Q UE E N MAG A Z I N E
ICARLY P RE M I E R E S T H U R DAY, JUNE 1 7 TH W I T H T H E F I R S T THRE E EP I S O D E S. S U B S E Q U E N T EP ISO DES W I L L D ROP W E E K LY, EXCLUSI V ELY F O R PA R A M OU N T+ SUBS CR I B ERS.
E: HELLO@IAMQUEENMAGAZINE.COM W: WWW.IAMQUEENMAGAZINE.COM
—
E D I TO R I A L
ELLE CLARKE EDITOR
CO N T R I BU TO R S
S UB S C R I P T I O N S
S UB S CRIBE O N L I N E WWW.IAMQUEENMAGAZINE.COM
I A M KI NG M AG A Z I N E DEBU T W / GI N U W I N E
BLAC K M USI C HON O R S 2 0 2 1
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 4 -
EDITOR’S NOTE Disappointments can sometimes create barriers in the mind which can become impossible to demolish when presented with an alternative way of thinking. Faith gives us an invisible way out of the hardships of life. Don’t get me wrong, there will always be trials. Faith allows us to rely on someone who can lead us through what we cannot see. Faith is substance. It’s the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Without it-- it’s impossible to please God. While you navigate through this new month of release and possibilities remember that faith in Him gives you the hope you need for tomorrow. You have walked through a hard season but you have arrived at your harvest season. If faith seems like too much to understand, remember that life won’t be one way forever. If you are on the bottom today, tomorrow you will be on top!
ELLE CLARKE FOUNDER EDITOR IN CHIEF I AM QUEEN MAGAZINE
PHOTO CREDITS: JAYLYNN BONABY [ECM GLOBAL]
4 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
- 5 -
GOSPEL MUSIC
NIA ALLEN RECENTLY REACHED #1 ON THE BILLBOARD GOSPEL NATIONAL AIRPLAY CHART WITH HER SINGLE, “WAIT.” Rich Nation Entertainment (distributed by Sony Orchard) celebrates its premiere worship leader signee, Nia Allen, claiming #1 on Billboard’s National Gospel Airplay Chart with her debut single, “Wait;” additionally, “Wait” has reached top 50 on Billboard’s Urban AC Chart. “Wait” is lifted from Nia Allen’s six-track EP, Every Nation, is available now at all major digital retailers. Promoted at radio by The Lewis Kortez Group, “Wait,” is a faith-filled ballad that instantly draws the listener in, and encourages their heart to be still and wait patiently on the Lord. In only 21-weeks as an independent artist Nia Allen’s “Wait” (co-written with her father, Milton Ruffin) reached #1 status, giving her reason to be declared a top artist of 2021. “I wrote this song many years ago with my dad. It’s a song I’ve certainly had to live out. My prayer is that it would encourage all of those who find themselves in a place of “waiting” to remember that our God is faithful, and His timing is perfect,” shares Nia Allen.
Catch our interview with Nia Allen on THE QUEEN SPEAKS PODCAST airing July 15th / 8:00 am est
The Lewis Kortez Group, shares, “Working with Nia on this single “Wait” at radio in a highly competitive environment and reaching #1 success, has proven that she
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 6 -
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
is a major force in the Urban Inspirational genre.” With the success of her #1 song “Wait,” Nia is excited for the world to hear her follow-up single “I’m In Love” - a fun, energetic, uptempo song perfect for the summer; she’s also planning a 30 city “Urban Inspirational Tour” with 4x GRAMMY Award Winner Mr. Talkbox. Nia Allen is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. Since her years at Berklee, Nia has worked alongside some of the top artists and producers in the industry. Persons like CeCe Winans, Nicole C. Mullen, Tori Kelly, Rascal Flatts,David and Nicole Binion and more. In December 2020, Nia Allen was seen exclusively on Apple TV+ as a vocalist on Mariah Carey’s “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas.” Worship Leader Phil Thompson will feature Nia Allen on his upcoming album due summer 2021. Nia presently resides in Los Angeles, CA where she serves as a full-time worship leader and recording artist. Nia recently received her Doctor of Ministry degree from Azusa Pacific University with a concentration in worship and racial reconciliation.
t i a w
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 8 -
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
GOSPEL MUSIC
KIERRA SHEARD-KELLY AND RED ROCKS WORSHIP CO-RELEASE NEW PERFORMANCE“SOMETHING HAS TO BREAK (LIVE)”
Award-winning artist, actress and entrepreneur Kierra Sheard-Kelly has teamed up with contemporary Worship group Red Rocks Worship and Essential Worship, to co-release their new performance of “Something Has to Break (Live)” (Karew Entertainment/Provident Label Group/Essential Worship). Delivering an ascending worship experience of her #1 hit single, Kierra paired up to create this new powerful live performance together with the worship group, whose ministry is based out of the Denver, Colorado-based Red Rocks Church. Releasing the digital single and live video of their performance, “Something Has to
Break (Live)” is available via all major digital providers on Friday May 28th, with the video also available via Essential Worship’s YouTube channel. Recorded live before worshippers at Red Rocks Church, Kierra Sheard-Kelly and Red Rocks Worship make a declaration of strength and faith in God’s constant presence, who is always there to lift us up through our times of worries and doubts. Originally released on her chart-topping hit album KIERRA with a featured appearance from Tasha Cobbs Leonard, along with recording an acclaimed version in a live duet with her mother, Gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra’s single “Something Has to Break” went #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Song Sales chart. Red Rocks Worship has also previously recorded a version of the song which appears on their latest release, Things of Heaven (Where We Come From). Since both artists are a part of the Provident Entertainment family, it was a natural fit to record a version together. Kierra co-wrote the song with Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, and her brother, producer and songwriter, J. Drew Sheard, II.
comprised of worshippers, creatives, songwriters, friends and family all seeking to bring people closer to God. Based in Denver yet with campuses and reach around the globe, Red Rocks Church and Red Rocks Worship exist to make Heaven more crowded. Seven years ago Red Rocks Worship released their church worship independent debut EP, which surprised the group going to No. 1 on the iTunes’ Top Christian and Gospel Albums chart. Since the launch of the group as an extension of the Red Rocks Church in Denver, Co., they have released three full-length albums that have gone beyond their expectations and church walls. Their hit song, “Breakthrough,” has garnered more than 21 million audio streams and allowed the group to reach a broader audience. Red Rocks Worship recently released the first installment of the two-part EP, Things of Heaven (Where We Come From). Things of Heaven offers songs for the listener that focus on the here-and-now of the kingdom, reminding worshippers that if the presence of God is here, so is heaven.
In addition to this new performance, Kierra Sheard-Kelly has continued to garner accolades for her sixth studio album KIERRA, recently receiving high honors with eight Stellar Awards nominations for 2021. Recognized across all major categories including nominations for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Something Has to Break (Live)” ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, as well as four other nominations, the 2021 Stellar Awards will be taped on July 10, 2021. Kierra is also the creator of her fashion line Eleven60, acted in the hit 2020 Lifetime biopic movie “The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel,” where she portrayed her mother, Karen Clark Sheard, and made a hit debut as an author with the recent April release of her memoir “Big, Bold, and Beautiful: Owning the Woman God Made You to Be.” Red Rocks Worship is the expression of a dynamic community called Red Rocks Church,
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 10 -
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
- 11 -
STAY CON NEC TED STAY STAY CONCON NEC NEC TED TED W W W. I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E . COM
@IAMQUEENMAGAZINE
@IAMQUEENMAGAZINEUS @IAMQUEENMAGAZINEBS
!
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
The global pandemic and increased public consciousness of racial inequality disrupted the plans of young entrepreneurs and creators all over the world—causing them to innovate in unforeseen and valuable ways. At the Forbes Under 30 Kickoff: Decade of Disruption—which aired on May 26, 2021, and can be viewed in full below—billionaires, fund managers, entrepreneurs and entertainers shared how their approach to business, mental health and activism has evolved.
Watch here FORBES.COM
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 14 -
Mega-ministry Hillsong launches Hillsong Atlanta with first-ever African American lead pastor Sam Collier Hillsong Atlanta launches after several months of successful worship events that have drawn 2,200 in-person attendance and more than 30,000 people online, setting the church up for a major launch weekend on June 6 at the Atlanta Events Center with special guests and Hillsong Global Senior Pastors, Brian and Bobbie Houston. Artists like Lecrae, Mack Brock, Natalie Grant, Andy Mineo, Todd Galberth, Chante Cann and more have been part of the widely popular pre-launch worship nights, setting the tone for the diverse world-class worship music that will be a hallmark of Hillsong Atlanta. In fact, diversity and multiculturalism is at the heart of Hillsong Atlanta in every way. “I’m excited to see what a Church like ours could become in a city like Atlanta”, says Lead Pastor Sam Collier. “The soil has revolutionary and liberating energy within it. We believe that CCM and Gospel, Pop and Hip Hop can effectively co-exist on a Sunday Morning, just like brothers and sisters who don’t look alike can effectively worship together. Jesus has the ability to unite us even in different expressions of the same message.” Lead Pastor of Hillsong Atlanta Sam Collier is partnering with Facebook
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 15 -
I AM FIRST
and the online website Lightworkers to augment and transcend the traditional church model. After a year of virtual services as a stopgap method for some churches, Collier’s embrace of a simultaneous fully digital and fully physical approach, with major outside partnerships, is a first. Facebook and Collier are co-discovering how to launch a robust online church, which will pave the way for churches in the future to reach a broader audience while still meeting the in-person attendees’ needs. “It’s unbelievable to think that an organization as large as Facebook has agreed to help shape what the future of the digital Church could be, with a new yet prayerfully innovative family like us,” said Collier. “Facebook has lent its development team to Hillsong Atlanta and together we are working on tools that will one day be able to help all churches.”
Pastor Sam Collier
The launch on Sunday, June 6 for Hillsong Atlanta is both in-person and virtual during all three services at 9:15am, 11:15am and 6:00pm EST. Masks are required for in-person attendance and the venue will be set up for social distancing.
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 16 -
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
- 17 -
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 18 -
Listen
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 19 -
M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE M QUEEN MAGAZINE I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 2 0 -
APR. 2021
COVER QUEEN
MEET COVER QUEEN
nakita cash How were you able to achieve the success we see today?
I took a leap of faith and pursued my dreams when everyone told me I was crazy. I knew from a child, that I was called to greatness. I knew I was blessed and gifted. I found my purpose through defeat. I had countless failures, poverty, an almost failed marriage, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I built The Cash Empire which comprises multiple businesses through discipline and dedication. I Am Queen Nakita Cash. I am royalty. I was chosen for such a time as this to save my people from poverty, homelessness, brokenness, loneliness, mental illnesses, and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. As a registered nurse, health coach, life coach, financial coach, image consultant, fashion stylist, and photographer; I transform people’s lives by doing complete makeovers for the mind, body, and spirit. I push people to live their dreams and their divine purpose and become all that God created them to be.
Connect with Nakita on ALL social platforms here: @thecashempire I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
- 21 -
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way? I had to overcome many challenges. Homelessness, poverty, brokenness, suicidal thoughts, depression, among other things.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition? I specialize in helping people to overcome their fears and become their best selves. I am always ready to help others makeover their mind, body, and soul. With me, it’s always #ShowTime, and I help you to maintain that posture. What were you the first to do in your family and how were you able to accomplish something no one else in your family could? I was able to be the first to do many things in my family. I was the first of my siblings not only to become a homeowner but also to own apartments. My mother and maternal grandmother never owned a home. I also was the first person in the family to be on the front cover of The Tribune Bahamian newspaper and to be on the front cover of a magazine. Thank you, I Am Queen Magazine.
What are 3 things people would be surprised to know about you? I am very down-to-earth and friendly. I suffered from severe depression. I love people especially homeless people and those with mental illnesses. I believe that I have been called to help those who have been marginalized due to their mental health.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their lives? The best piece of advice I can give is to learn the voice of God. Listen clearly to his instructions. Every day, in every way, he is giving us clues to help us find our purpose. The challenges that we face, the people we meet are all connected to our purpose.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more? They can text me at 1-242-544-9581. My email address is dreamimagelifestyles@gmail.com. My Facebook business page is The Cash Empire and my personal Facebook page is Nakita Cash. My Instagram account is Nakita Cash Cash Empire I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 2 2 -
N I Z A G A M N E E U Q I Z A I AM G A M N E E U Q I Z I AM A G A M N E E U Q I Z A I AM G A M N E E U Q I M Z A A I G A M N E E U Q I M Z A A I G A M N E E U Q N I I AM Z A G A M N E E U Q N I Z I AM A G A M N E E U Q N I AM I Z A G A M N E E U Q M IA Dr. Ghandi Thompson
NEW SERIES
iCarly premieres Thurday, June 17th with the first three episodes. Subsequent episodes will drop weekly, exclusively for Paramount+ subscribers. The new iCarly will pick up nearly 10 years after Nickelodeon’s original show ended, and finds Carly Shay, the original influencer, and her friends navigating work, love, and family in their twenties. Stars Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, and Nathan Kress return and are joined by newcomers Laci Mosley and Jaidyn Triplett.
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 24 -
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
Listen
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 26 -
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 28 -
FATHER’S DAY EDITION
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
I AM QUEEN MAGAZINE x I AM KING MAGAZINE
GINUWINE BLACK MUSIC HONORS URBAN MUSIC ICON RECIPIENT 2021
+
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 30 -
Ginuwine is the father of nine amazing kids, Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor. Ginuwine is the 2021 recipient of Black Music Honors Urban Music Icon Award. Elgin B. Lumpkin, better known by his stage name Ginuwine, a native of Maryland, is a Grammy-nominated, legendary American singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and philanthropist. Ginuwine’s career began in the early ‘90s as a Swing Mob member, an R&B/hiphop collective consisting of artists and record labels based in Rochester, New York. The record label and music compound were founded and led by Donald Degrate, better known as “DeVante Swing, “ a popular 90’s R&B group Jodeci. With a multifaceted talent foundation, Ginuwine signed to Epic Records as a solo artist in the mid-1990s; this was the entry to becoming a multi-million-records-sold artist that has captivated audiences worldwide. Growing up with admiration of the legendary, iconic Michael Jackson and amazing dance talent, he is an entertainer true at heart. His ability to take the art of music, the craft of dance, and the showmanship of a true entertainer. Carrying a large international audience, Ginuwine is selling out shows worldwide, in countries such as Africa, Australia, and Canada, to name a few. His passion does not stop there; collaborations, movies, stage plays, and brand ambassadors add to his colorful kaleidoscope of skills. With new music and more in the works, Ginuwine is the “Same Ol G.” His passion for his craft remains unwavering, and he is gearing to bring more. As a crooner and legendary artist in the industry for 20+ years, the momentum remains high, sold-out concerts, festivals, tours worldwide—2018 90’s Block Party Tour and the RnB Friday’s Live Tour Australia both with legendary lineups; Teddy Riley, Usher, Trey Songz, Salt-N-Pepa, and more. Acknowledg-
ing his multifaceted talent, Ginuwine pivoted into the acting arena, adding to his repertoire. He was cast as R&B singer “Romeo” in the film Juwanna Mann, appeared in several Moesha episodes as Khalib, and appeared on Half & Half as R.J. Jackson. Off-screen, Ginuwine co-starred in the Gospel Music Chan-nel’s debut of John Ruffin’s stage play The Ideal Husband, starring Darrin Dewitt Henson, Jackée Harry, Clifton Powell, Shirley Murdock, Shanti Lowry, and Erica Hubbard. He also appeared as himself in the NBC series Parks and Recreation. In 2018 Ginuwine entered the UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother 21. There is no limit to his talent! When asked what receiving the Urban Legend Award meant to him Ginwine humorously stated that it was long overdue but that he was eternally grateful for the recognition. Fun Fact: Ginuwine co-wrote “Miss You” by Aaliyah for her self-titled third studio album. The song remained unreleased until the compilation album I Care 4 U, serving as its leading single. The music video for Miss You commemorated her death with some of her famous friends like; DMX (now deceased), Missy Elliot, Tweet, Toni Braxton, Tank, Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, AJ & Free, Nick Cannon, Playa, Jamie Foxx, Jaheiam, and Ananda Lewis
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 32 -
BLACK MUSIC HONORS 2021 In recognition and celebration of Black Music Month, Chicago-based television production company Central City Productions will present the 2021 Black Music Honors in commemoration of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated holiday honoring the end of slavery in the United States, which is officially celebrated on June 19th. The evening of celebrations and special moments will be pre-taped at the City Winery in Nashville, Tennessee, and televised in national broadcast syndication starting June 5 to July 4, 2021, and on Saturday, June 19 at 1:00 p.m. EST on Bounce TV. Emmy® Award-winning talk show host, comedienne, and author Loni Love will host the star-studded two-hour special which will honor artists and musicians who have influenced and made significant contributions to American music. “Now, more than ever, I think it is important to recognize the contributions that Black music has made to the country and the world,” said Loni Love, the host of this year’s Black Music Honors. “I am beyond thrilled to host this exciting, inspiring, and entertaining show. See y’all at the show wearing my shiny dresses!” The honorees for this year’s Black Music
Honors includes multiple Grammy® Awardnominated R&B legend Angie Stone tapped to receive the Soul Music Icon Award, Grammy® Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor Ginuwine will receive the Urban Music Icon Award, multiple Stellar Awardwinning and Grammy® Award-nominated gospel vocalist Marvin Sapp will receive the Gospel Music Icon Award, and Grammy® Award-winning jazz virtuoso, Ramsey Lewis will receive the Legends Award. The National Museum of African American Music will be honored with the Legacy Award. Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson stated, “This is an incredibly exciting time for us. In addition to the amazing honorees and exciting performances this year, we are also announcing that the Black Music Honors will now be held in the month of June. This is an important time for our community as it is officially Black Music Month and our national holiday, Juneteenth. What better way to honor our legacy at this time.” The commemorative night will also feature exciting musical performances. The 6th Annual Black Music Honors is being sponsored by AT&T, State Farm, and GM.
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
KIDS BOOK CLUB TRACING MY LETTERS BY DR. MONESHIA DASHIELL AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
“I am too bu nations thro
- Dr. Monesh
usy mothering ough education”
hia Dashiell