Sounds of Imani
music and bands

There's a fresh sound of contemporary gospel in the air!  Metro Detroit’s own Sounds of Imani brings a unique blend of pop, contemporary gospel & jazz, coupled with an upscale flavor of old-school R & B.  Imani means faith and the duo have certainly lived up to their name. The contemporary gospel recording artist has performed since 1996 acquiring the following accolades: 

#2019 Texas Gospel Music Excelence CD Project of the Year Award

*2019 Kingdom Image Awards Proposed Nominee

*2019 Best in Black Detroit (313) Michigan Chronicle Nominee & Finalist

* 2018 Rhythm of Gospel Music Awards Nominee & Finalist

* 2018 Texas Gospel Music Awards Nominee & Finalist

*2018 Kingdom Image Awards Proposed Nominee

* 2017 Texas Gospel Music Excellence New Artist of the Year Award

* 2017 Detroit Music Awards nominee

* 2016 Lady C AMTC Summer Shine Graduate - 2nd place Overall Singer Competition 

* 2015 Detroit Music Awards nominee

* 2015 Excellence in Christian Music Academy Recipient

* 2014 Season 4 Prayze Factor Award - 2 categories: Urban Contemporary Gospel Duo/Group & 

   Praise and Worship Duo/Group; also earned fifth place as Prayze Factor Spotlight Grand Finalist

* 2013 Excellence in Christian Music Academy Recipient 

Gerald has a rich historical music background as former road manager & vocalist with the famous Detroit Emeralds; & percussionist/vocalist in The Original Chapter Eight (before the arrival of Anita Baker).  In addition, Gerald served as vocalist in the Flaming Emeralds band; background vocalist for The Floaters and various male choruses.  Carol served as keyboardist for the Voices of Wings in Flight Community Choir, and choir directress/musician for various churches.  

Both Gerald & Carol have made tremendous accomplishments: Carol has a Master Degree in Public Administration, Bachelor Degree in Management, and an Associate Degree in Business Administration, Gerald has obtained a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies in pursuance of a Social Work degree.

Sounds of Imani has appeared in 3 professional stage plays by renowned playwright Michael Matthews (the couple are now part of the Prince of Peace Productions team): 

* August 2, 2018    Faithtown: Real Love Indie Film (Schoolcraft College - Vista Tech  Ctr  - Livonia, MI) (IMDb film credits)

* April 28, 2018      "Mama Where Are You?" (Northwest Activity Center Detroit, MI)

* October 7, 2017  "I Need A Man" (Northwest Activity Center Detroit, MI)

* April 30, 2016 "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" (Redford Theater Detroit, MI): Sharing the stage with Reginald 

  "Bruh-Man" Ballard from the TV show Martin"; Karl Reid, actor and gospel recording artist of 

  "Commissioned"; Kene Holiday from the TV show "Matlock".  

Sounds of Imani has ministered @ Bakers Keyboard Lounge Gospel Brunch; The Gathering (Nashville, TN);  A.C.T. International Orientation (Rolling Meadows, IL); 4th Fridays (Dearborn, MI); Anointed  Faces Gospel Coffee House (Detroit/Warren); Highland Park Gospel Music Festival; Make Music Detroit; Detroit Gospel Theatre; AMTC Open Mic (Dearborn, MI); AMTC Summer Shine (Kissimmee,  FL) ; AMTC Chicago, IL;  Faithtown #1, Faithtown#2: Real Love; Michigan State Fair (Novi/Detroit), Henry Ford Community College Gospel Celebration with WHFR FM88.1 (Dearborn, MI); Juneteenth Celebration; Performers Expo (Dearborn, MI); Prayze Factor Tour (Canada/Detroit); Prayze Factor Awards (Columbia, SC); NCCJ National Walk For Justice, American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life"; African American Music Festival; Motor City PraiseFest; The Parade Company; ABLA Reunion (Chicago,IL); Children's Cancer Fundraiser - CJ & Co (Milwaukee, WI); Blackmon Enterprises Live (Los Angeles, CA);  Bellamy Correctional Facility (Ionia, MI); Parnall Correctional Facility (Jackson, MI); Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility (Ypsilanti, MI); The Tab @ Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Salvation Army Harbor Light & Montrose facilities; other shelters, correctional facilities, and other venues throughout Metro Detroit and abroad. 

SOUNDS OF IMANI has performed live on TCT TV (WDWO-Detroit),  WHPR TV 33 (Second Chance Gospel Show, Rev. Banks, Classic Gospel, Brenda Perryman Show, Ortheia Barnes Show) Highland Park); WDIV TV 4; and was interviewed on Churchouse Snapshot Interview w/ Dray Hill; AVA Live Radio (Florida), Tony D on the Radio New Artist Profile(South Carolina); Worldwide Core Praise Radio (Sean Hardin Show & Say Hallelu with Uncle Q); Que Morgan Show; WNZK Radio w/ Dr. Paul Reeves (Southfield, MI); WHFR FM 88.1 with Andy Parks (Dearborn, MI); WPGN Network w/ Christopher Williams; Three Teens & a Dad (Spiritco1); WKHM Christian Flight Radio (Cape Girardeau, Missouri); CJB Radio w/ Kevin James (Maryland) and other Internet/Blog Talk Radio Programs.

Sounds of Imani's latest single entitled “Because of Who You Are” was released on October 21, 2016.  The single displays the duo’s soulful vocal harmony that will leave you wanting to hear more! Gerald & Carol Ervin, along with songwriter Daron Steward show true songwriting/producing skills that can truly be appreciated by music enthusiasts and fans alike.  The single was produced by Michael J. Powell (Award-Winning Producer for Anita Baker), Gerald & Carol Ervin, & Executive Producer Heaven-Wings Records.  "Because of Who You Are" is a soulful contemporary praise and worship selection that makes you appreciate the creative musicianship of this dynamic recording artist.

Previous music projects include the following discography:

* 2013 (Feb 4)  "Must Be An Angel" (vinyl - UK)

* 2013 (Feb 4)  "It's Alright" (vinyl - UK)

* 2014  (Mar 25)   "Must Be An Angel"  (single - USA) 

* 2014  (Mar 25)    "It's Alright"  (single - USA)

* 2002 "Revelation" CD featuring "Thank You" & "Fly Away" 

* 2000  "Praises" (single- Limited Edition)

* 2000  "Praises II (mini-cd)

The artist also has two video projects for "It's Alright" & "Must Be An Angel". 

• This artist is versatile in various facets of contemporary gospel music and is available for bookings by contacting:  imanigroove@gmail.com or (313) 308-5935.