The “Believe For It” artist hosted an intimate Q&A for CMPA and CEMB students
CeCe Winans, the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, made a stop at the Fisher Center on her "Believe For It" tour, Friday, Sept. 15. As part of her residency at the venue, a small group of students from the Colleges of Music & Performing Arts and Entertainment & Music Business attended the sound check and participated in an intimate Q&A before the show.
With a staggering 15 Grammy Awards, 23 Dove Awards, 15 Stellar Awards and more than 17 million records sold worldwide, the gospel music veteran shared wisdom she has picked up along the way in her more than 40-year career, from discerning her calling, honing her craft, leading worship and maintaining her faith.
With a steady confidence that is grounded in who she is, Winans shared that while she doesn’t still get nervous about performing, a few nerves are always good to “keep you focused.” Nerves give artists a bit of an edge, she said and can keep them dialed in during their performance.
Winans’ genre puts her in a distinct space, holding two roles — artist and worshiper — and she embraces both fully. Artistry, she said, has everything to do with being prepared: rehearsing, practicing hitting the high notes, and taking care of your throat. Worshiper has everything to do with lifestyle.
“It’s not just a song, it’s what you carry into a song,” said the artist-in-residence. “I start worship long before I hit the stage. As a worshipper, you realize you're a vessel to be used by God. But the preparation is what helps you to be that vessel. Even though you have to prepare to do what God wants you to do, it’s still not about you.”
Student asks CeCe Winans question during sound check Q&A.
One of 10 children, CeCe was born into a musical family in Detroit, Michigan. Her parents – later Grammy-nominated themselves – nurtured her talent from an early age. Reluctantly singing her first solo in 1972 at 8 years old, a defining moment came soon after that would change the trajectory of her life.
“I realized I had a gift; it was something within me that was bigger than me,” remembered Winans. “I saw the reaction of the audience and realized that it couldn’t be just me. It had to be God; had to be the Holy Spirit.”
Her career began serving the church, being faithful where she was, and then doors started opening. She urged students to do the same: to steward their gifts now, not waiting for the opportunities, because every moment invested in their gifts today is only going to make them better when the big doors do open.
Having a public career with her faith on display has not made her immune to hardships, but rather given her perspective to keep moving when faced with difficult times. Losing her brother Ronald unexpectedly while she was on tour was one of those times.
“These are moments I’m really grateful I do gospel music. The message is so much bigger than me. And it’s not just for the people I’m performing for, it’s for me,” she said. "No matter who you are, you’re going to go through trying times, but it’s good to know that Jesus is with you and that you are doing something that reminds you of his love every single night.”
Following the Q&A, Winans prayed a blessing over the students in attendance, that their gifts would be recognized, doors would be open, and that they would bring hope to those hurting.
She performed a sold-out, hometown show in the Fisher Center with her family in attendance.