Shirnette Wilson promotes debut album

Turning her past into a ministry, singer and evangelist Shirnette Wilson has been making steady strides within the gospel music industry since her debut single ' War Cry' in 2019.

Most recently, she put out the 12-track debut album titled Still I Rise, which she teamed up with producers Junior Scott, John Sharpe, Troy Hinds and Fitzroy Bennett to create. Wilson shared that she became exhausted, having served as the executive producer on the project, but is now looking to wear another cap as she sets to market her work.

"I have not had a chance to really put much effort into promoting it. My focus was mostly on completing it, but I have decided to give it a big push this year. It is moving steadily online and I am grateful for that," she said. Still I Rise may be considered as Wilson's best work yet. All of her songs speak to issues happening in society, with solutions to those problems anchored in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

"I have risen from various adversities - sickness, failed relationships and financial issues. I have been burned by people in the industry. Out of all those varied things that happened, I still rose to complete a body of work. I rose above the disappointment and the different challenges, and that is because of the mercy of God. This album is for everyone experiencing similar challenges," said Wilson, who worships at Faith Temple Pentecostal Assembly in Kingston.

And, as she ramps up promotion around her album throughout 2025, Wilson said she will be embarking on another project that will potentially see her making an even bigger impact. She said she is trying to create a platform for gospel artistes who are ministering but don't have one.

"I remember one time someone asked me to sing at a conference but they said that I am not known and so they could not pay me a certain fee. My focus is not money, but it is the reasoning behind the explanation. So, this platform is going to be necessary, so that we don't discredit each other. I am praying about it and hoping that God will open a door," she said.

As for her music, Wilson said she is currently in dialogue with her producers to release several singles and, possibly, an EP this year.