Tony Cummings reports on the increasingly popular gospel singer KEYONDRA LOCKETT

Keyondra Lockett

Although a TV talent search like Sunday Best might occasionally take to the top a gospel star in truth the majority of those singing at events like the Stellar Awards have to spend years honing their vocal talents and developing their heart for ministry. Such is the case of Keyondra Lockett from Shreveport, Louisiana, whose new single "Try", produced by Tedy P (Jor'Dan Armstrong, Briana Babineaux), is what one reviewer has described as "an arresting mid-tempo song that is reflective, empowering and represents the voice of young people around the world striving to live their best lives."

Keyondra first gained an entrance into the gospel music world with the girl group Zie'l. Their albums 'Give Him Your Heart Today' (2002), 'Genesis' (2006), 'Genesis Live!' (2007) and 'Zie'l (Pronounced Zy-el)' (2014) sold in increasing numbers with a single from 'Zie'l' called "State Of Emergency" making the Billboard Gospel Charts. Said Keyondra at the time, "'State Of Emergency' came from experiences in my life. I'd been in dire straits and found myself needing the Lord and he came through for me! The Bible says that we overcome by the word of our testimony. I pray that my testimony through this song helps someone else make it through their state of emergency."

Alongside Zie'l's releases Keyondra also issued some solo projects such as the EP 'Bring To Me' in 2016 as well as co-writing songs for such acts as Kierra Sheard and Briana Babineaux. Now with the release last month of the "Try" single things are proceeding for the launch of Keyondra's debut solo full-length album.

A previous Keyondra single, "Beautiful", was linked to The Beautiful Experience Campaign set up "to help women and girls of all ages be empowered by realising their beauty within." Sid the singer, songwriter and campaigner, "I would love being able to freely add beauty to the world in my unique way, whether through song, through our fashion line or through celebrating and supporting the artist community through our live events. My goal is to show that, as a believer, you can be beautiful, modest, fashion-forward and inspirational, all while representing Jesus."