Author: GZ Underground
Published: July 20, 2006
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[Oakland, CA] The success of the 3rd Annual Urban Gospel Industry Conference and Awards in Houston Texas this past June was not the only thing to set the standard for the Urban Gospel arena. The first official meeting for the UGMA (Urban Gospel Media Alliance), a division of the Urban Gospel Alliance (UGA), was held during the weeklong festivities.
Current and veteran radio personalities along with print and online media attended to catch the vision of UGMA from founder and National Director of UGA, Curtis Jermany. As the host of the meeting, Jermany presented the goals to the group and addressed the overall needs of the urban gospel genre and how the various media outlets and mobile djs play a pivotal role to move quality artists into a national platform.
"In order for the genre to prove that it is not just another fad, it is vital that the supporters of the music band together to help push the urban gospel movement to the next level", stated Jermany.
Under the leadership of Jermany and his UGA staff, the media and mobile djs present worked together to derive the official vision and mission statement and develop specific services and criteria for artists to receive the support of UGMA.
With the opportunity to be as beneficial as the Gospel Music Workshop of America's (GMWA) Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG), UGMA will also develop promotional tours, national market awareness and assist with capital development.
Ed Grice, radio personality and former award winning programming director, states, "The Urban Gospel Music Industry is ever increasing and exploding with new talented and anointed artist from every region in the United States and all over the World. The idea of UGMA, is necessary, to unite like minded media professionals from all over the World, to stimulate the growth of Urban Gospel music and advance the Kingdom of God".
By the end of the week the initial members of UGMA had established the standards that would be used to select a handful of urban gospel artist to propel their music ministry to a national level.
After speaking with several independent artists that could possibly benefit from UGMA, their response was positive and sharp, "It's about time!"
For more information on the UGMA, please visit www.myspace.com/ugma
