| Schedule |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Psalm 98:4 instructs us to “burst into jubilant song with music.” The
gospel troupe, Zie’l (pronounced Zeye-El) is doing just that as they
burst onto the music scene with the release of their debut gospel
album, “Genesis.”
The group’s members include Christina Bell (contralto), 21, and sister
Crystal Bell (soprano), 23; Aphten Jones (soprano), 23; and
Keyondra Lockett (alto, contralto), 22. All were born and raised in
Shreveport, Louisiana; and grew up as members of the Bright Star
Baptist Church in Shreveport, LA, where they met and later decided
to form a gospel group. For as long as they can remember, these
young women have been actively involved in their church community,
and can recall singing in various choirs, festivals, and other
community events.
Inspired by artists such as The Clark Sisters and Tonéx, Zie’l’s album,
“Genesis,” prominently displays the group’s versatility and vocal
abilities. “Genesis” incorporates the rich sounds of traditional gospel
music with a jazzy soulful mix of R&B. Christina explains, “We all have
our different flavors, styles, and textures.” And with this, each young
lady adds her own spice and flavor to Zie’l’s lyrical gumbo.
The group’s name, Zie’l, is of German origin and its English
translation means “achieving goals.” The name originated when
Aphten Jones and one of the group’s former members, Undrea
Northcutt, visited Zie’l, a California clothing store and found
inspiration for the group’s name on the marquee.
Singing together for over nine years, the group began actively
pursuing their music careers while participating in various events in
their hometown. As the sole gospel music act, they were awarded
gospel troupe, Zie’l (pronounced Zeye-El) is doing just that as they
burst onto the music scene with the release of their debut gospel
album, “Genesis.”
The group’s members include Christina Bell (contralto), 21, and sister
Crystal Bell (soprano), 23; Aphten Jones (soprano), 23; and
Keyondra Lockett (alto, contralto), 22. All were born and raised in
Shreveport, Louisiana; and grew up as members of the Bright Star
Baptist Church in Shreveport, LA, where they met and later decided
to form a gospel group. For as long as they can remember, these
young women have been actively involved in their church community,
and can recall singing in various choirs, festivals, and other
community events.
Inspired by artists such as The Clark Sisters and Tonéx, Zie’l’s album,
“Genesis,” prominently displays the group’s versatility and vocal
abilities. “Genesis” incorporates the rich sounds of traditional gospel
music with a jazzy soulful mix of R&B. Christina explains, “We all have
our different flavors, styles, and textures.” And with this, each young
lady adds her own spice and flavor to Zie’l’s lyrical gumbo.
The group’s name, Zie’l, is of German origin and its English
translation means “achieving goals.” The name originated when
Aphten Jones and one of the group’s former members, Undrea
Northcutt, visited Zie’l, a California clothing store and found
inspiration for the group’s name on the marquee.
Singing together for over nine years, the group began actively
pursuing their music careers while participating in various events in
their hometown. As the sole gospel music act, they were awarded
also appeared on Odyssey Sound Lab’s Gospel Artist United release.
During their career, the group has shared the stage with many gospel recording artists including Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark-Sheard, Vickie
Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and Kurt Carr, just to name a few. The ladies of Zie’l also had an opportunity to perform with recording artist Micah Stampley.
When they’re not singing, these college students also have their sights set on obtaining academic degrees in fields ranging from elementary education and
telecommunications to business management. As hobbies they enjoy bowling, reading, swimming, traveling, and “ministering to others about
God.” Ultimately, Zie’l’s primary goal is to touch and inspire all audiences through their music, regardless of age, gender, or race. Keyondra proclaims, “We
want people to be saved, healed, and delivered from bondage.”
It’s time for the world to get ready for Zie’l, because these young ladies come packing a powerful punch through their melodies of inspiration. With voices so
magnificent, “they could get the devil himself to change his ways,” says one critic.
During their career, the group has shared the stage with many gospel recording artists including Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark-Sheard, Vickie
Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and Kurt Carr, just to name a few. The ladies of Zie’l also had an opportunity to perform with recording artist Micah Stampley.
When they’re not singing, these college students also have their sights set on obtaining academic degrees in fields ranging from elementary education and
telecommunications to business management. As hobbies they enjoy bowling, reading, swimming, traveling, and “ministering to others about
God.” Ultimately, Zie’l’s primary goal is to touch and inspire all audiences through their music, regardless of age, gender, or race. Keyondra proclaims, “We
want people to be saved, healed, and delivered from bondage.”
It’s time for the world to get ready for Zie’l, because these young ladies come packing a powerful punch through their melodies of inspiration. With voices so
magnificent, “they could get the devil himself to change his ways,” says one critic.