GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ISRAEL AND NEW BREED TO ELECTRIFY BARBADOS GOSPELFEST 2008

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, March 26, 2008 — Israel and New Breed, the 2007 Grammy Award winner for Best Traditional Gospel Album, will captivate and electrify the audience when they appear at the 16th Annual Barbados Gospelfest being held from May 17-25, 2008.

Adrian Agard, Executive Producer of Barbados Gospelfest made the announcement as he presented an overview of the headline and supporting artistes in the line-up for this year’s festival of music and artistic expression in celebration of gospel.

“Israel and New Breed has achieved a synthesis of music and message that is electrifying and activating audiences inside and outside of traditional church walls. Led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Israel Houghton, they have amassed a legion of followers that crosses generational and racial lines with music that has become an integral component of worship in many of today’s progressive ‘now’ generation churches, and is in demand for everything from film soundtracks to commercial jingles. We are truly blessed to have been able to engage them to minister in Barbados for Gospelfest 2008 as we continue in our quest to bring artistes who are able to promote God’s life-changing impact in the lives of everyone who comes into contact with the festival.”

Other headliners for Gospelfest 2008 are Shekinah Glory Ministry of Chicago whose ultimate purpose is reflected in the meaning of its name -- to usher listeners into the "very manifest presence of God." Shekinah Glory Ministry is not comprised of "recording artists,” but servants that worship every Sunday as the praise and worship aggregate of Valley Kingdom Ministries International, a non-denominational church in the Chicagoland area.

Christian Comedy will feature for the first time in the festival with the introduction of Christian comedian Akintunde, a thirteen-year veteran stand-up comedian. Akintunde’s humorous musings on the challenges of marriage and parenting in the 21st century, as well as his clever observations about everyday life, have made him one of the most popular Christian comics working today. Last summer, Akintunde completed a 40-city comedy tour performing at churches and venues around the US. In the past two years, he has performed on the road to nearly half a million people amassing a solid fan base and sharpening his wit.

The Barbados Gospelfest while maintaining a solid record of presenting the top international artistes remains committed to the development and showcasing of established and emerging Caribbean and Barbadian artistes. This commitment is reflected in the choice of headliners Bridget Blucher of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Praise Academy New Era dance troupe from Barbados.

Evangelist Blucher began singing at a tender age in the church. On migrating to New York, her heart was set on spreading the gospel through songs. She has a unique style in ministry, being able to marry praise and worship with rhythmic Caribbean essence.

Praise Academy New Era represents a strong cadre of young dancers in Barbados who have impacted the nation while securing three National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) awards and winning the 2007 National Independance competition against all comers. Praise Academy New Era has toured Jamaica and St. Lucia and in 2007 was sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority to represent Barbados at ‘Barbados Week’ in Canada.

Supporting acts include Jason Mighty of Jamaica, winner of the “It’s Time 2 Laugh” heavy hitter competition Christian Comedian RodZ of the USA, and Roger Samuels of the UK, among others.

As a wholesome family-oriented festival Barbados Gospelfest incorporates specific events that target children, teenagers and young adults. The calendar of events for this year’s 16th Annual Barbados Gospelfest is as follows:

Thanksgiving Service - Sunday May 18

HymnSpeak - Monday May 19

British American Sunset Concert - Wednesday May 21

Expressions of Gospel - Thursday May 22

Laughter & Jazz “Akintunde & Friends Comedy Night” - Friday May 23

Youth Event - Friday May 23

International Gospel Night - Saturday May 24

One Awesome Day - Sunday May 25

The Barbados Tourism Authority partners with Barbados Gospelfest to promote the festival throughout the Caribbean, the USA, Canada and the UK. Interest continues to be strong in these markets where special travel and accommodation packages facilitate persons visiting Barbados for the festival. To book packages go to www.barbadosgospelfest.com and click on the travel tab.

ABOUT BARBADOS GOSPELFEST

Barbados Gospelfest is an annual production of Gospelfest (Barbados) Inc. Envisaged to be the premier international Christian music and arts festival, Barbados Gospelfest promotes the life-changing impact of God in the lives of all those that come into contact with the festival. Now in its 16th year, Gospelfest features leading local, regional and international Gospel artistes. It also provides a platform for artistic interpretation of Gospel through dance and other expressions. The festival is family-oriented and incorporates specific events aimed at children, as well as teenagers and young adults. To find out more and/or be a part of this awesome experience visit at www.barbadosgospelfest.com.

For Further Information, Contact:

Cheryl Gill-Eversley
Publicist, Barbados Gospelfest 2008
Tel: (246) 243-0472
Email: cheryl_eversley@eversonward.com