The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

MULTI-platinum artist Donnie McClurkin hopes to incorporate more local and Caribbean music on his syndicated radio show, which airs on a gospel station in the Bahamas.

This month makes a year since the Donnie McClurkin show has been aired on Joy 101.9 FM. A special live remote of Joy 101.9’s morning segment was held last week at Radio House, and featured McClurkin as a special guest.

He made his way to the Bahamas last week for Radio One’s recently held “One Love Getaway” event in the Bahamas.
Radio One is a major station in the US and hosted a series of events that brought big name gospel stars to the Bahamas over the weekend.
In an interview with Tribune Religion, McClurkin said he is happy the show has reached the one year mark in the Bahamas, and hopes for it to grow, encompassing local and regional gospel music.

“I feel like it is a great beginning but I do not feel as though it is complete. What would make it complete is that if I had more indigenous music because there is great Caribbean music, and great Bahamian music,” he said. “My show and the other shows on Joy 101.9FM seek to highlight the best in the gospel industry here on the island. So that is where I want to be and that is when I will feel completed. America is not the only place for gospel music. We get all of our inspiration and influences from the islands. So it is only right that I have a show here on Nassau that does that.”

The Donnie McClurkin show airs regularly from Monday- Friday starting from 6pm-8pm on Joy 101.9 FM. And on Sundays from 2pm-7pm. Regular features include segments such as Ask Donnie, and Sing-A-Long with Donnie.

This year also marks the sixth anniversary for the show which aims to present the best in gospel music.
In the near future, McClurkin said he hopes to collaborate with some of the best gospel artists in the Bahamas.

“Through Joy 101.9, I want to come back down and just have a weekend of seminars so that I can become a part of the industry, and find out who’s who in the music industry. I also want to have a weekend where artists can come sing, dance. I would want the event on video and audio so I can present something on the show, he said.

With an upcoming album, McClurkin has been keeping busy. The album is expected to feature a number of collaborations with well known artists in the gospel world.

“I am working on a new CD right now. I got a couple of songs done. There will be a series of duets, with Ce Ce Winans, Dorinda Clark Cole, Tramaine Hawkins, Fantasia, Anita Baker and more. It is going to be a big collaboration.

“In September I will be back here in Nassau for the Kirk Franklin show which will feature Marvin Sapp, myself and others. It is going to be a free concert that the government is putting on and will be opened to all the Bahamas,” he told Tribune Religion.

Donnie McClurkin is a pastor and is also the associate minister at Marvin Winans’ Perfecting Church in Detroit. With the Donnie McClurkin Show he is able to minister to people all across the world.

Donnie McClurkin has won several awards including a Grammy Award, Stella Award, BET Soul Train Award, Dove Award and NAACP Image Award. Some of his greatest singles include Stand, Speak To My Heart, Love Will Never Be, We Fall Down. Love Melodies We Love You, and Lord.