NASHVILLE, TN. (By Elaine Nurse/ EMI Gospel) - EMI Gospel recording artist Kierra "Kiki" Sheard's sophomore opus, 'This Is Me,' stormed Billboard magazine charts during its first week of release: Marking her highest-selling domestic figures, the critically-acclaimed set debuted in the No 1 position on the Top Gospel Album Chart, and No 3 on the Top Christian Albums Chart, respectively.
Additionally, 'This Is Me' debuted at No 16 on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart and No 90 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, respectively, solidifying the burgeoning singer/songwriter's accessibility in the contemporary music landscape.
"We are ecstatic about Kiki's first week sales. This signifies an important era for EMI Gospel and the career of Kierra Sheard. We are looking forward to building on this achievement," stated Larry Blackwell, Vice President /GM of EMI Gospel.
Bolstered by the set's stand out track "Why Me? ," and a string of national appearances, 'This Is Me' is a success story in the making. Featuring collaborations with Darkchild Productions Fred Jerkins, acclaimed producers J. Moss, Warryn Campbell, Tommy Sims, PJ Morton and Kierra's incredibly talented younger brother, J. Drew, 'This Is Me' is poised to become a timeless treasure among gospel's new generation.
And the critics concur.
Atlanta Journal Constitution music critic Sonia Murray says that Kierra's sounds "strong beyond her years" on "Why Me ? " and says the overall album is "a blend of amiable hip-hop, soul, blues and church." Christian Music Today proclaims the opus as "positive, enjoyable and occasionally irresistible R&B/gospel." And the popular gospel music website, Gospelflava.com heralds the album as a "career-defining record from one of Gospel's most promising young voices."
Most notable about Kierra's latest project is the availability of a "Special Edition" format, which features five extra bonus cuts plus a remix of the title track.
'This Is Me' follows in the trail blazed by her 2004 chart-topping debut album 'I Owe You' and its remixed version, which yielded the international radio hit "Let Go."
Her musical roots stem from her father, Dr. J Drew Sheard, (pastor of Michigan mega church Greater Emmanuel Inst. COGIC) and her mother, gospel icon Karen Clark-Sheard of the legendary Clark Sisters. At the age of 9, Kierra won the prestigious Stellar Award for Best Children's Performance for her collaboration on her mother's solo debut album 'Finally Karen .'
During the first month of promotion for 'This Is Me,' Kierra visited radio stations, retail outlets, conducted media opportunities and performed in churches in cities such as Dallas, Norfolk, New York City, Atlanta and Washington D.C. This week, she will return to her native Detroit (July 5-6) and then go on to Houston (July 8) to open for the Clark Sisters Reunion recording, on to Chicago (July 15-17) before performing at T.D. Jakes' MegaFest in Atlanta on July 20.
In August, she will unleash her powerful vocal prowess on the masses during CeCe Winans' Always Sisters, Always Friends conference (August 5) in Nashville, and during Dr. Creflo Dollar's World Changers Ministries (August 11). Then the singer is off on an 11-day trek through Japan .
On the heels of her whirlwind Japanese jaunt, where select tracks from 'This Is Me' have landed her in the top 10 on the Japanese international radio chart , EMI Gospel will release Kierra's first-ever concept music video.
For more information, fans and gospel music lovers are encouraged to visit: www.KierraKikiSheard.com or www.MySpace.com/kierrakikisheard.com.
