'Kirk Franklin's A Gospel Christmas': 5 things you didn't know about Demetria McKinney
Lifetime is bringing to audiences a brand new Christmas romance and the music in the film will surely get you in the mood for Christmas! 'Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas' is brought to you by Grammy-award-winning gospel singer Kirk Franklin and will even feature songs written and arranged by him.
The Lifetime synopsis says - "When Olivia, a young assistant pastor, gets assigned to be a lead pastor at a new church a month before Christmas, she’s fearful she can’t manage the transition, including getting the choir ready to open the town’s annual Winter Jamboree. Banding together with her new congregation, Olivia discovers a new home for herself and even finds a little Christmas romance along the way." If you liked what you read then tune in for the new Christmas magic Lifetime is set to create! Till then take a look at the cast of the musical film.
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Demetria McKinney as Olivia
Demetria McKinney is an American actress and singer-songwriter, who was seen in many of Tyler Perry's plays like Madea's Family Christmas. Participating in a number of projects, her work includes 'Mann & Wife', 'Chicago Med', 'Providence Island', 'Sons 2 the Grave', and more. Her more prominent roles include 'The Rickey Smiley Show', 'Saints & Sinners' and 'A House Divided' on which she's a regular cast member. McKinney was also part of the reality series 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' for the seventh season.
Although busy with acting work, she makes time for her love of singing and has performed in musicals, lent vocals to artists' work, and in 2017 even released her debut album 'Officially Yours'. Three singles from this album even rose to No.4 at the Adult R&B Songs and won her a nomination for NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist. She will be seen as the lead Olivia in Lifetime's 'Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas'.
Chaz Lamar Shepherd
Chaz Lamar Shepherd is an American actor and singer-songwriter who forayed into entertainment when he first took to stage as a 5-year-old as an MC at a recital for his mother's dance school. His mother went on to manage his career after he decided to pursue a life in the limelight. His professional debut came in the form of a production of 'Fame' staged by the Walnut Street Theatre. His works include 'Me and the Boys', 'Minor Adjustments', 'The Game', 'and Blue Bloods' among others.
He is more prominently known for his role as John Hamilton on the drama series '7th Heaven' and also starred in Netflix's 'Luke Cage'. The actor also sings and has released an album titled 'Love & Truth'. He will be playing the lead and love interest of Olivia in the Lifetime movie.
Kirk Franklin
Franklin is an American choir director, gospel singer, dancer, songwriter, and author. He is best known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God's Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC) among many others. He has won numerous awards, including 16 Grammy Awards and has been a topic of conversation throughout 2021. He has a slew of new music, film, and television projects lined up. For 'Kirk Franklin's A Gospel Christmas', one can hear “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” with a fresh re-imagined spirit to it. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” will also be heard in the movie.
Other cast members
The rest of the cast includes, Jen Harperas Mrs. Corrine, Shacai O'Nealas Destiny, Steven Reddingtonas Red, Kendra C. Johnson as Miss Dee, and Deetta West as Sister Ida
'Kirk Franklin's A Gospel Christmas' is set to premiere on Saturday, December 4 at 8pm / 7c on the Lifetime channel.