CECE WINANS

Where do you see music going in the next five years?

I think music will be around until the end of time. All the different changes that the music industry will go through in the next five years… Who knows?!

How have developments in technology changed the way you approach your art/career?

I think technology adds new things to our career…new outlets, new ways to communicate, but I think my approach to my art is not affected.

What hasn’t changed for you over the course of your career?

I think everything changed over the course of my career except God—He remains the same—and maybe the fact that people still love music!

What are your plans with your career over the next five years?

Just to continue doing what I’m doing, hopefully better than ever. There is still a lot to be done.

What is your advice for the next generation of artists?

Give God your best and your all, and allow God to use it to reach the next generation for Him. The world needs sold out artists!

Guest Author Profile: Nia Allen

When I hear the name CeCe Winans, I immediately think of the words beautiful, songstress, humble and most of all, anointed. CeCe portrays all of these characteristics and much more. She has set such a high standard and has helped to shape the history of Christian music.

It’s inspiring to know that CeCe was one of the first African-American female artists to have a crossover audience and sound, with beginnings on PTL with brother BeBe, and their career growing and crossing over to the R&B charts. Then she moved into her solo career with albums ranging from gospel and R&B to pop and praise & worship. She has proven to be an artist that can sing any style of music, appeal to all audiences and take any song and make it her own.

What I admire about CeCe is that she has a voice and sound that is universal and that every race, culture and age can understand and appreciate. No matter what style she sings, she remains true to herself and the God she believes in. The unique thing about her is that in all the various styles and genres she sings, her sound and message never change. Her message has always been simple, worshipful and authentic. You can feel her sincerity and her love for God when she sings, and that’s what’s most influential.

I appreciate how she has laid a great foundation for future artists like myself who admire and respect her today. She has set a high standard of holiness, excellence and humility before the Lord, and she’s demonstrated consistency in her music and her lifestyle. When I think of CeCe, I think no compromise, and that’s extremely important for an artist like me to learn today—not to bow down to the conformity of this world, but to remain true to the Word of God, and represent Him wherever you are.

CeCe has been a huge inspiration to my music and my life. She’s taught me to “keep my heart pure before the Lord,” to be sincere in what I sing, speak and do, and, most importantly, to seek the Father and love Him with all that I have. This is what she encourages others to do, but also what she demonstrates and exemplifies herself. I thank God for blessing us with CeCe and giving aspiring artists someone to learn from and look up to.

CeCe Winans will forever hold a legacy of a woman who represents Jesus Christ and is a true ambassador for Him; a woman who exudes character, class, beauty and integrity; a woman who has crossed color barriers and whose music has drawn people of all races, class and gender. She will always be known for her humble heart, sincere words and desire to please the Father.

When CeCe opens her mouth to sing, you are immediately drawn into the presence of the Lord. Her legacy of producing pure, heartfelt music from the soul will forever live on and be appreciated. –Nia Allen

Nia Allen is an independent recording artist and a part of the Women of Faith worship team. CeCe Winans serves as her mentor. For more information on Nia and to hear tracks from her album, check out her website at niaallenmusic.com.