Meet the Indie Artists Making Major Impact

INDIE MAJOR SPOTLIGHT

Meet the Artists Bringing Their Sound, Stories & Ministry
to the Root Magazine Indie Major Showcase

By Hasan James

For 17 years, Root Magazine has made it a priority to celebrate the voices shaping gospel music—not only the household names dominating charts and award-show stages, but also the independent artists, emerging voices and ministry-minded creatives building what comes next.

That mission takes center stage at the Root Magazine Indie Major Showcase, where an eclectic lineup of artists from across the country will converge during Stellar Awards weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. From traditional quartet and choir music to contemporary worship, soul-infused gospel and sounds that stretch beyond the genre’s conventional boundaries, this year’s participants represent the remarkable range of gospel music in 2026.

Some arrive with Billboard chart placements, Stellar nominations, national television appearances and decades of ministry already behind them. Others are still introducing themselves to a wider audience, building their platforms one song, one church and one stage at a time. But each comes to Charlotte carrying something uniquely their own: a testimony, a sound and a story worth hearing.

This is where INDIE meets MAJOR.

Before they take the stage, Root Magazine puts the spotlight on the artists helping make the 2026 Indie Major Showcase a celebration of gospel music’s present—and its future.

KEYLA RICHARDSON

From Sunday Best to a American Idol 

Keyla Richardson knows what it means to stand on a major platform and use the moment to inspire.

A recording artist, worship leader and speaker, Richardson first gained national gospel recognition through BET’s Sunday Best. She later expanded her reach through American Idol Season 24, where her competition run took her to the Top 3 and placed her before millions of viewers.

Whether appearing in a church sanctuary, concert venue or conference arena, Richardson approaches each opportunity with the same mission—to create moments that move people.

Her growing digital platform includes more than 100,000 social media followers, while her recorded music is available across all major streaming platforms.

Her mission can be summed up in six words: “To inspire. To worship. To impact.”

And Richardson is building a career designed to do all three.

BRANDON WATTS & SELAH SOUND

Bringing the Choir Back—With a New-School Twist

Pastor Brandon Watts understands the importance of reaching the next generation without forgetting the sound that came before it.

As lead pastor of Epiphany Church Brooklyn, Watts leads a rapidly growing New York City congregation with a notably young membership. His relatable preaching and creative ministry style have connected with a new generation of believers—and that same philosophy carries into his music with Brandon Watts & Selah Sound.

Their debut project, Rewind: Live in Brooklyn, bridges contemporary gospel with the unmistakable choir-driven sound of the 1990s.

The project produced two Billboard-charting singles: “Well Done” and “Unmatched” featuring Lena Byrd Miles. That marriage of nostalgia, choir culture and modern production has quickly become part of Selah Sound’s musical identity.

Watts’ influence also extends beyond church and gospel music. Alongside his wife, Ty, he landed on Essence Magazine’s best-dressed list following an appearance on the Stellar Awards red carpet. He has also appeared twice on ABC’s World News Tonight, offering encouragement during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

With Selah Sound beside him, Watts is helping bridge generations through church, culture and choir music.

EARNEST PUGH

A Voice Built on Ministry, Service & Longevity

With two decades of gospel music behind him, Earnest Pugh arrives at the Indie Major Showcase with a résumé that speaks for itself. With songs like Rain On Us and I Need Your Glory in his repertoire, he is the epitome of an independent artist with major impact.

An Emmy and Stellar Award winner, Dove nominee and five-time No. 1 Billboard artist, Pugh has released 12 gospel albums and become one of the genre’s recognizable voices. His radio success has also earned him a BMI Award for gospel airplay.

Among his career highlights was a performance at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center, where he sang in the presence of President Barack Obama and the First Family.

But Pugh’s story extends well beyond the stage.

Following a 20-year career in the United States Army, he founded The Stone of Help Foundation, supporting veterans and communities through initiatives including an annual food and toy drive.

A graduate of Howard University School of Divinity with a Master of Divinity degree, Pugh has built a career where artistry, education, ministry and service all intersect.

DAWNE COLE

Turning Testimony Into Ministry

For Dawne Cole, gospel music is more than something to sing—it is an opportunity to tell the story of God’s faithfulness.

Raised on Chicago’s South Side, the award-winning singer, songwriter and vocal minister began singing at just three years old. Her gift was nurtured through the church as well as formal vocal training, laying the foundation for a ministry rooted in testimony and real-life experience.

Now based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Cole has emerged as an independent artist with a message designed to encourage listeners through difficult seasons. Her debut EP, This Is My Release, brought significant recognition, earning CD Project of the Year at the 2023 Gospel Choice Music Awards and Traditional Album of the Year at the 2023 Voices of Gospel Music Awards.

Cole has since taken her ministry to platforms including the SOAR Awards, Urban Soul Cafe Emerging Artist Spotlight and Gospel Choice Music Awards Showcase. Her latest release, “I Called On Jesus,” arrived in April 2026 and continues the testimony-centered direction that has become central to her artistry.

For Cole, every stage is another opportunity to minister, uplift and remind listeners that God remains faithful.

ASHLE RENEE

Music With a Message of Hope

Whether she is standing in a classroom, sanctuary or onstage, Ashle Renee understands the power music has to reach people.

The gospel recording artist, songwriter, worship leader and educator has developed a soulful sound built around faith, authenticity and hope. Through heartfelt songwriting and expressive vocals, Renee creates music intended to remind listeners of grace, healing and the unwavering love of God.

Her catalog includes the EPs Transcend and Same God, along with songs including “Grace & Mercy,” “Wishes” and “Breathe Again.” The latter speaks to listeners navigating challenging seasons, while “Wishes” explores faith, purpose and learning to trust God’s plan.

Her work has earned recognition from the Avidity Awards, Black Christian Influencers and the Kindred Awards.

But Renee’s ministry doesn’t stop when the music ends. As an elementary music educator, worship leader and church leader, she uses her gifts to pour into others and views music as a vehicle for teaching, healing and inspiration.

SOUL THERAPY

Brotherhood, Harmony & a Fresh Gospel Sound

Faith. Family. Brotherhood. Music.

Those four elements sit at the center of Kansas City’s Soul Therapy.

Known for smooth harmonies and heartfelt storytelling, the group blends gospel, soul and contemporary influences while remaining firmly connected to the musical heritage that helped shape the genre.

As their platform has grown, Soul Therapy has shared stages with respected gospel voices including John P. Kee, Zacardi Cortez, Tim Rogers and Chrystal Rucker, introducing audiences to their vocal arrangements and ministry-first approach.

Their latest single, “Use Me,” produced by David “DLo” Outing, represents the evolution of the group’s sound without abandoning the foundation of faith at its core.

Soul Therapy is carving out its own lane—one where classic gospel sensibilities meet a fresh sound created for today’s listener.

MALIK OLIVER

Fighting the Good Fight Through Music

For Malik Oliver, ministry happens in more places than one.

The Dallas–Fort Worth-based national gospel recording artist balances the roles of worship leader, educator and entrepreneur while building a growing recording career.

Oliver is the founder of Malik Oliver Music Group, is represented by D’Garia Music Agency and serves as Worship Director at Impact Church DFW in Richardson, Texas. During the week, he also invests in young musicians as a music teacher with Golden Rule Charter School District.

His recording journey gained momentum with the debut single “I Need You” and project SHIFT. “No One Greater” reached No. 12 on the Billboard Internet Gospel Chart, while his holiday recording “This Christmas” spent four consecutive weeks in the Top 30 of the Mediabase Holiday Chart.

Oliver has also presented tribute performances honoring Todd Dulaney, Donnie McClurkin and William Murphy.

Beyond recorded music, Oliver created The Fight: Prayer Journal, a resource centered on prayer, reflection and spiritual growth. His latest single, “Everything I Need” featuring Crystal Aikin, sets the stage for his forthcoming album, The Fight: Live in Dallas, scheduled for Fall 2026.

THE WILLIAMS SINGERS

Family Legacy Meets the Future of Quartet

For The Williams Singers, gospel music is family history.

The Indianapolis-based group carries forward a legacy that began with Rev. Charles D. Williams, who organized the family’s earliest musical incarnation. Known first as the Christian Cavaliers and later as the Williams Family Singers, the family became familiar throughout Indianapolis.

In 2002, brothers Darnell, Dezmien and Dezrale Williams recorded a live album honoring their father and his songwriting. That tribute became the beginning of a new chapter: The Williams Singers.

Recording through their own Deznell Music Group label, the brothers developed a sound combining traditional quartet singing with contemporary gospel and R&B influences.

Between 2002 and 2025, they released 10 albums, including a Christmas project, while earning five Stellar Award nominations and a Dove Award nomination.

The Williams Singers aren’t simply preserving a family legacy—they’re continuing to push quartet music forward.

FORTHESOUL

Twin Voices With One Purpose

Long before Patrice and Latrice Holley became known as ForTheSoul, the twin sisters were already singing together.

Before the age of two, the Jacksonville, Florida natives could be heard singing “Yes Jesus Loves Me.” Their mother, Kathleen, eventually gave them the name ForTheSoul, inspired by her belief that singing should reach the innermost part of a person.

That purpose has taken the sisters from local churches to major platforms.

Their rendition of the National Anthem went viral and led to an appearance at The Players Championship on the PGA Tour. They’ve also performed for the Florida Sheriffs Association Conference, FBI National Academy Associates, the Ritz Theatre and multiple Minor League Baseball games.

Gospel audiences have seen the duo on Bobby Jones Gospel and alongside artists including John P. Kee, Jonathan McReynolds and Will Downing.

Their single “He’s a Friend of Mine” continues building anticipation for their forthcoming EP, while their artistry has already earned them Contemporary Group of the Year honors at the Florida Gospel Music Awards.

Despite a growing platform, Patrice and Latrice remain active as musical directors and praise leaders at Faust Temple Church of God in Christ—keeping ministry at the center of ForTheSoul.

LONNIE HUNTER

A Gospel Renaissance Man

Music. Radio. Ministry. Education. Motivation.

Dr. Lonnie V. Hunter has made an impact in all five.

Raised in the Chicago area, Hunter once simultaneously served as a Dean of Students and hosted the city’s No. 1 gospel morning show on WGCI-AM/Inspiration 1390. He later spent eight years hosting the nationally syndicated Lonnie Hunter Show across multiple Radio One stations.

Before his media career, Hunter spent eight years in the U.S. Air Force and sang lead for the USAF jazz band. His professional gospel journey later included directing The Voices of St. Mark, known for “Even Me (The Drip Drop Song).”

As a solo artist, Hunter has released songs including “I’m Back,” “Days of Elijah” and “Forever I Will.” He received the 2010 Stellar Award for Announcer of the Year and later created his motivational “Get It Done” campaign.

In 2014, Hunter became a host and performer for the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, beginning a long-running relationship with the event. His syndicated radio show returned in 2019 on Reach Gospel Radio.

Few careers illustrate the intersection of gospel music, media, ministry and motivation quite like Lonnie Hunter’s.

THE UNIONAIRES

Quartet’s Next Generation Has Arrived

The Unionaires may be relatively new, but their mission is rooted in one of gospel music’s richest traditions.

The group first sang together in October 2021 before officially forming in July 2022 with a clear purpose: proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music and ministry.

In just a few years, they’ve built a catalog that includes three live recordings along with singles, EPs and full-length projects, taking their ministry throughout the Southeastern United States.

Recognition has followed from the Jubilee Music Festival, Quartet Music Awards and Golden Triangle Music Awards. Their sophomore album, Hear We Are: Sophomore Season, further established them as a rising voice within traditional quartet.

With new music planned for late summer or early fall 2026 and a national radio campaign expected to follow, The Unionaires are positioning themselves to help carry quartet gospel into another generation.

KRISTIAN ROSE

Gospel Without Musical Boundaries

Harlem native Kristian Rose isn’t interested in placing gospel music inside a box.

The singer, songwriter, producer and keyboardist brings together neo-soul, pop, R&B and jazz while keeping his lyrical foundation firmly rooted in faith.

Rose began writing music at 15 after developing his gifts inside a small Harlem church. Since then, he has written more than 200 songs while directing choirs, training soloists and producing emerging gospel and R&B artists.

His journey has included sharing stages with Carl Thomas and Mary Mary, while his music has drawn praise from figures including the late Roberta Flack and Sony A&R executive Ron Grant.

Rose was also featured in the Kiss FM Gospel Under the Big Top pre-show for the UniverSoul Circus before a sold-out audience of more than 2,500 people and won WLIB’s “Play Them or Pray for Them” contest.

His approach may be unconventional, but the message remains timeless.

JOHN McCLURE JR.

His Next Is Now

For John H. McClure Jr., worship isn’t simply something he does. It is the foundation of his artistry.

Known for a ballad-driven vocal style, McClure gained national attention as a Top 5 finalist on BET’s Sunday Best, introducing his voice and ministry to gospel audiences around the country.

Along the way, he has ministered alongside some of gospel’s most respected artists, including Donald Lawrence, Tye Tribbett, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark Sheard and Jonathan Nelson.

Offstage, McClure serves as Worship Director at Agape Family Worship Center in Rahway, New Jersey, where worship remains at the center of his calling.

His newest single, “My Next Is Now,” serves as a declaration of hope, expectation, breakthrough and divine timing as he works toward his anticipated debut project.

For McClure, the title says it all: the future isn’t somewhere down the road. His next is now.

KERI FRASER

Faith Without Limits

Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Keri Fraser carries a message of faith, deliverance and transformation everywhere her ministry takes her.

A preacher and prophetic psalmist, Fraser has expanded her platform beyond music into business, authorship, media and leadership. She is a business owner, author and co-founder of the GEM TV Network, with a mission centered on empowering people to live without limits.

That same message drives her recording career.

The multi-award-winning singer and songwriter is a Billboard-charting gospel artist with Uncle G Records. Her singles “You Are Holy” and “Same God” both reached the Billboard Top 100 Gospel charts.

The songs provide a glimpse into her EP, Yesterday Today Forever, a collection of faith-centered anthems grounded in praise, power and the belief that the same miracle-working God remains active today.

For Fraser, ministry has many expressions—but faith remains the foundation of them all.

DJ ALLEN & RIGHTEOUS

Young Voices Carrying Quartet Forward

The future of quartet gospel just might be a family affair.

Hailing from Tupelo, Mississippi, DJ Allen & Righteous is a young, family-based gospel group formed in June 2024 from a shared love of worship and music.

The group features DJ as lead vocalist alongside his cousin Reece, younger brother Carson and cousin Kayden. Together, they bring youthful energy to a sound grounded in traditional quartet gospel.

DJ began singing around four or five years old and developed an early appreciation for the genre. After moving to Little Rock, Arkansas, with his father in 2014, he spent several years singing with the family group Bishop Kenneth Robinson & Chosen.

He returned to Tupelo in 2023 and, following a brief period as a solo artist, pursued his vision of creating a group with his brother and cousins.

Influenced by quartet giants including Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s, The Williams Brothers, Canton Spirituals and Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, DJ Allen & Righteous are taking the sounds that shaped them and introducing that tradition through the voices of a new generation.

Grounded in their local church, supported by their musicians and united by family, the group is just getting started.

THE STAGE IS SET

Fifteen artists. Different cities. Different sounds. Different stories. One stage.

That diversity is what the Root Magazine Indie Major Showcase was created to celebrate.

Gospel music has never been one sound, one generation or one path to success. Its strength has always come from its ability to evolve while remaining connected to the faith, testimony and community at its foundation.

The 2026 Indie Major lineup reflects that evolution.

There are seasoned veterans standing alongside emerging artists. Quartet groups alongside contemporary worshippers. Choirs alongside soloists. Artists with national television exposure alongside independent voices still fighting for their breakthrough.

But when the lights come up in Charlotte, everyone has the same opportunity: to make the moment count.

Because sometimes the difference between being called “Independent” and being considered “Major” is simply having the right stage.

Welcome to the Root Magazine Indie Major Showcase.
Where Indie meets Major.