Z’iel: A Group to Watch in 2006

TBGB NOTE: I saw these ladies perform at this year’s GMWA and they were nothing less than sensational. Whether singing a cappella or “with cappella!” they are so fine they could get the devil himself to change his ways if he heard them. Definitely a group to watch in ’06!

From Black Gospel Promo:

BIOGRAPHY OF Z’IEL

This group of young ladies has been touched from birth to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to every man, woman, boy and girl. They were all born and raised in the Bright Star Baptist Church of Shreveport, LA. These ladies have been singing together all their lives in their church Sunday school choir, youth choir, youth rallies and many other events. They have always shared the vision of a mission to be steadfast in the gospel music ministry, keeping God in their lives. They understand that “no weapon formed against them shall prosper.” Zie’ls’ youthfulness along with their faith in God, dedication to His Holy Word and their exceptional sound makes them special. God’s anointing power has placed Crystal Bell(soprano), Aphten Jones(soprano),Christina Bell(contralto), Undrea Northcutt (alto) and Keyondra Lockett(alto/contralto) together as Zie’l.

The word “Zie’l” means achieving goals. After some research it was found that the names origin is German.

During Zie’ls’ early beginning they participated in a local radio station’s(KMJJ) talent show and placed 3rd. This was a very bold step in Zie’ls’ ministry, as they were the only gospel act of the line up. They worshipped and praised God competing against secular artist, before a secular audience. Zie’l participated in the New Artist Showcase at the Gospel Music Workshop of America in New Orleans ,LA in 1999. Many engagements and events followed. After being heard by a local radio personality, Zie’l was introduced to Pastor Kenny Bobien and was featured on the song “His Love” on his latest CD self titled Kenny Bobien, June 2001. Zie’l was also featured on Odyssey Sound Labs’ project Gospel Artist United, released spring 2004.

Zie’ls’ first CD titled “Give Him Your Heart Today” was released in December 2002. This project was produced by J.J. Jones of Kool Music Productions, Carona, CA.

Zie’l has shared the gospel stage with such recording artist: Yolanda Adams, Kurt Carr, Kirk Franklin,Blessed, Carolyn Traylor, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, The Williams Brothers, Benjamin Cone III of the Mississippi Mass Choir, Chapter 5, Repairers of the Breach, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Vickie Winans, Micha Stampley, Stephanie Dotson (Gospel Dream winner, 2004), The Bright Star Male Chorus, John P. Key, Same Seed, Billy Rivers and the Angelic Voices of Faith and many others.

This energetic group of young ladies don’t limit their ministry to just singing. They participate in community activities as well as their home, church and college responsibilities.