(Houston, Texas) Blacksmoke Music Worldwide, the house that Kerry Douglas built literally brought the house down during the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards held at the Orleans Arena In Las Vegas, Nevada on July 15th. The night began with a riveting performance from Kierra Sheard Kelly’s Number One BDS and Mediabase radio hit Miracles seamlessly interwoven with Blacksmoke Music Worldwide recording artist and multiple Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike, Jr.’s Number One BDS and Mediabase radio hit Impossible Gospel’s favorite son Zacardi Cortez brought the crowd to heaven’s gates with the impassioned performance of his viral hit, Lord, Do It For Me, and hip hop icon Jazzy Pha joined Jevon Dewand for an all energy rendition of their new hit Change (No Cap).. Blacksmoke collected its fair share of awards. Out of 17 nominations, the label's artists took home a total of 12 wins, including a posthumous award for Quartet legend Keith Wonderboy Johnson.

“Can you believe the Stellar Awards are covered in Black Smoke?” Blacksmoke Music CEO and Visionary Kerry Douglas put the evening into perspective, “This was the night we saw GOD do the impossible. My heart is so full. I thought back to the early years, when people said we were inexperienced and we wouldn’t make it; it was those times we mustered up the bounce back and God gave us what we needed and take a look at us now! I dedicate our wins to my late sister Melvina Douglas and Keith Wonderboy Johnson who both were instrumental in the formation of the label. I'm grateful that Keith’s family, especially his daughters were on hand to witness his win. Keith knew no strangers, he was loved around the globe and he left a mark on Gospel music. We are glad he came our way, he lives through the music as we have a new duet with Paul Porter that features Keith. Its called Miracle. Congrats to Zacardi Cortez for his wins for his album Imprint. Zacardi is blessed with a great gift to touch people as witnessed by Lord Do It For Me. I am excited for what’s coming for him.

“Then, there is Pastor Mike Jr. Three time consecutive Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year; his chair was empty most of the night, This is an energetic and creative young man whom we have been given front row access to watch as he changes the face of Gospel music blending hip hop, rap and other genres, changing lives and inspiring people from all walks of life. He challenged people to believe God to do the impossible, and now the windows of heaven are open and the blessings are in overflow.

None of this would happen if there wasn’t a team in place to make it happen, so I want to express gratitude to the “smoking section”. You all work hard to make sure our music is seen and heard. Thank you to radio for your continuous support of our music down through the years, it is because of your efforts that e are able to reach the masses with the message that after all these years, Jesus is the answer; and thanks to our loyal fans. I close with a line from Demetrius West and James Grear, we do what we do to honor the great God we serve, so we say Lord, Thank You for ALL that you’ve done thus far. The best is on its way, and not to worry, We are coming back next year, so be sure to look out for us. 

Stay tuned to local listings for date and airtime of the Stellar awards in your area. 

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