The Gospel Agency

30/10/2025

PRESS RELEASE

George O. Janssen Declares November as International Gospel Music Month

Amsterdam, The Netherlands — November 2025 —
George O. Janssen, CEO of The Gospel Agency, today announced the official launch of International Gospel Music Month, designating November as a time to recognize and celebrate the global cultural and commercial influence of gospel music within the international music industry.

Gospel music — long regarded as the spiritual and rhythmic foundation of genres such as soul, R&B, pop, house, and hip-hop — continues to shape the world’s sound and industry. Through this annual initiative, The Gospel Agency seeks to unite professionals, creators, and audiences worldwide in acknowledging gospel’s creative and economic impact while opening new platforms for growth, collaboration, and innovation.

“Gospel music is the origin of pop music. It carries a universal message of hope, freedom, and love that transcends boundaries,”
says George O. Janssen, CEO of The Gospel Agency.
“By dedicating November as International Gospel Music Month, we celebrate its influence not only in churches but across global culture, creativity, and the music business ecosystem.”

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A Global Industry Movement

Each November, The Gospel Agency, in collaboration with international partners, will host a series of music industry events including seminars, business conferences, showcases, and live festivals in key global music cities — from Amsterdam to Accra, New York to Lagos, London to São Paulo.

The month-long program aims to:
• Highlight the economic and cultural relevance of gospel and Black music in today’s market
• Showcase emerging and established artists through live and hybrid events
• Facilitate industry exchange through seminars, label meetings, and educational programs
• Build global bridges between the creative, business, and cultural communities

Through this global initiative, The Gospel Agency seeks to strengthen the infrastructure around gospel and Black music, connecting its artistic roots to modern industry frameworks — from artist development to touring, publishing, and digital innovation.

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About The Gospel Agency

The Gospel Agency is an international full-service booking and cultural development agency based in the Netherlands. Founded by George O. Janssen, the agency is dedicated to promoting Black music culture and its worldwide legacy, representing artists, producing events, and developing educational initiatives that enhance visibility, representation, and opportunity within the music business.

29/10/2025

PRESS RELEASE

DJ DON — THE GOSPEL DJ FROM THE BAHAMAS JOINS AS AMBASSADOR FOR INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL MUSIC MONTH

Nassau, Bahamas / Amsterdam, The Netherlands — November 2025

The Gospel Agency is proud to announce DJ Don (Donavon Leonard Leary) — known as “The Gospel DJ from the Bahamas” — as an official supporter and ambassador for International Gospel Music Month, celebrated throughout November.

Born in Nassau and raised in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, DJ Don has become one of the most recognized gospel DJs in the Caribbean. With a deep passion for spreading faith through music, he has built an inspiring career that bridges the church, community, and global gospel culture.

As founder of Christ-Like Productions and a driving force in Bahamian gospel events such as the Eleuthera Bahamas Gospel Fest, DJ Don has used his platform to uplift others — combining music, ministry, and mentorship. His positive energy, community outreach, and commitment to spiritual excellence embody the essence of what International Gospel Music Month stands for.

Throughout November, DJ Don will represent the Bahamas in a global celebration that connects artists, DJs, and gospel communities across continents — from the Caribbean to Europe and beyond. His participation highlights the growing influence of gospel music as a unifying and transformative cultural force.

“Gospel music is not just a genre — it’s a message of hope, love, and truth that the world needs right now,” says DJ Don. “I’m honored to stand with The Gospel Agency and represent the Bahamas in this global movement of praise.”

George O. Janssen, CEO of The Gospel Agency, added:

“DJ Don embodies the spirit of gospel — authentic, joyful, and community-driven. His presence as an ambassador strengthens our mission to make November a true celebration of gospel music worldwide.”

29/10/2025

BLACKROCKSTAR PRESENTS DOCUMENTARY AND NEW ALBUM ‘SPEAR’
IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL MUSIC MONTH

Pain can feel like a spear through your body — and for Blackrockstar (Rivelino Rigters), that was exactly the case during his battle with a severe kidney condition. Yet instead of breaking under it, the artist, writer, and talent coach transformed his pain into purpose — leaning on his faith, music, and community. His journey through pain, faith, healing, and joy takes center stage in his new album ‘SPEAR’, releasing November 5, during International Gospel Music Month.

The album will be unveiled at an exclusive event at Melkweg Cinema (Amsterdam), where a new documentary will also premiere — ‘Brasil: Behind Concrete Bars’, showcasing Blackrockstar’s recent work inside Brazilian prisons.

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A Testimony of Hope and Resilience

Blackrockstar is a creative powerhouse whose life and music are defined by one unshakable theme: finding strength and hope through struggle. As a youth, he faced the justice system — today, he works as a mentor and talent coach, empowering young people to transform their stories into art and opportunity.

Through his projects in prisons, youth centers, and rehabilitation programs in Brazil, he brings a message of faith, music, and redemption — bridging despair and hope through storytelling and rhythm.

But ‘SPEAR’ is his most personal work yet. The EP chronicles his journey with a serious kidney disease, each track marking a stage of that experience — from hospitalization to breakthrough (“Joy”), from silent struggle to victory and healing (“Reborn”).
Musically, the project blends hip-hop, soul, blues, and spoken word, creating a raw and moving soundscape that mirrors his faith-driven resilience.

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The Documentary: Brasil – Behind Concrete Bars

Premiering the same day, this powerful documentary takes audiences inside the prisons and rehabilitation centers of Brazil, where Blackrockstar uses music and storytelling as tools of restoration. The film captures how art and faith can reach even the darkest corners — proving that hope is universal.

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A Global Message of Gospel and Faith

November marks International Gospel Music Month, officially declared by George O. Janssen, CEO of The Gospel Agency — a global celebration honoring the cultural, spiritual, and musical legacy of Gospel and its influence on modern music.

Blackrockstar’s SPEAR embodies this spirit — Gospel beyond genre, where pain turns into praise, and music becomes a bridge between worlds. His work exemplifies what Gospel truly stands for: good news, resilience, and transformation.

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Event Information

‘SPEAR’ Album & Documentary Presentation
📍 Melkweg Cinema, Amsterdam
📅 Tuesday, November 5, 2025
🕖 From 19:00 (invite-only)

Both the album ‘SPEAR’ and the documentary ‘Brasil: Behind Concrete Bars’ are released under BAM Records (In Corsa Distribution).

‘SPEAR’ is more than an album — it’s a testimony of survival, faith, and the power of art to break walls.

📩 Media Invitation:
Press and media are invited to attend this exclusive event. Interview and press requests can be made via contact [email protected].

10/09/2025

💔💪🏿From pain to power. From night to morning. My new single Joy (prod. Franco III) is the sound of hope breaking through the darkness. 🔥🎸

Comment Joy if you’re ready for the music video ?!

08/09/2025

✨ Breaking the Chains of Poverty – Masterclass ✨
📅 Saturday, September 20th
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Are you ready to break free from the cycles that hold you back?
This powerful masterclass is designed to help you identify and overcome the spiritual, mental, and practical chains of poverty.

🔑 What you’ll experience:
✅ Biblical teaching on God’s abundance
✅ Personal reflection to expose limiting beliefs
✅ Practical tools & activations to build new habits
✅ A shift from survival to Kingdom living

It’s time to step into freedom, provision, and breakthrough for your life! 💡✨

📍 Location: The Hub at San Nicolas
🎟️ Registration: https://forms.gle/3rgKxoKUpL7HxUh97

Don’t miss this life-changing morning.

26/08/2025

The Family Tree of Pop Music: Gospel as the Cornerstone

Modern pop music has many branches, but its roots run deep in gospel music. Around 1900, in African American churches, a powerful musical movement emerged: gospel. It was music that gave hope, united communities, and expressed emotions straight from the soul. Gospel combined African rhythms, spirituals, and the experience of faith with new musical forms, becoming the cornerstone of almost all contemporary popular music.

From gospel, genres such as rhythm & blues, soul, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, funk, reggae, hip hop, and eventually global pop music evolved. Legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Whitney Houston began their musical journeys in the church, where gospel shaped their voices and styles. Every new generation of artists has built—directly or indirectly—on that same foundation.

The Mission of The Gospel Agency

With this rich history as a foundation, The Gospel Agency will officially launch on September 1, 2025. Based in Amsterdam, The Gospel Agency will focus on the national and international introduction and promotion of a large group of gospel artists. This includes not only artists already celebrated within their communities, but also fresh talent ready to inspire the world.

The Gospel Agency sees gospel not as a niche, but as a living culture that constantly takes on new forms. Therefore, the agency will:
• Connect artists with venues, festivals, and media across the globe.
• Encourage new projects and crossovers, ensuring that gospel continues to influence today’s music industry.
• Highlight the history and impact of gospel, through storytelling, showcases, and international collaborations.

In this way, The Gospel Agency continues writing the story of the pop music family tree, positioning gospel once again as the source of inspiration and the force that connects generations.

25/08/2025

12/05/2025

Officiële opening Pop muziek Hub Stage
Deel 1.

Op 1 Juni 2025 zal de officiële opening plaatsvinden van Poort Stage de Pop Muziek hub in Amsterdam Zuidoost.
Een plek waar vooral muziek industrie professionals samen komen om met elkaar kennis te delen over de laatste ontwikkelingen omtrent de internationale muziekindustrie.

Samen met alle stakeholders kijk ik er naar uit om vanuit Amsterdam Zuidoost mooie trajecten uit te zetten ten goede van de muziek,media en entertainment sector.

Poort Stage De Pop muziek Hub van Amsterdam Zuidoost zal een plek worden die artiesten,producers,managers wegwijs zal maken in de professionele muziek industrie.

Een plek waar je up to date wordt gehouden en trainingen van A tot Z kan volgen van bedrijven die in de professionele muziek industrie actief zijn.

Muziek industrie professionals kunnen contact met mij opnemen om nog voor de opening van de Pop muziek hub diverse voorbereidingen te treffen, wat wij dan na 1 Juni 2025 gezamenlijk kunnen presenteren.

Dit is een nieuwe stap in de ontwikkeling van de kunst en cultuur sector in Amsterdam Zuidoost. wat zeker een verrijking zal zijn voor de rest van wereld. Want aan cultuur talent zal het zeker niet ontbreken in Amsterdam en de rest van Nederland.

Ik super dankbaar met de ondersteuning van al mijn contacten en vrienden die actief zijn in de professionele muziek industrie.
Ik spreek jullie snel.

Ik heb dit stuk geschreven vanuit mijn hart ♥️
George O Janssen.

19/09/2024

Jawel deze kan je alleen via LinkedIn checken 💪🏽👊🏽🙏🏽

AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT IN AMSTERDAM ZUIDOOST 2024. Twee jaar geleden had ik een idee met als doel meer events tijdens ADE in Zuidoost te realiseren voor en…

03/09/2024

🟢 INTERNATIONALE TALENT ONTWIKKELING 🟢

Dit is een bericht wat ik leuk vindt om te posten.
Eindelijk heb ik alle partners binnen die mee gaan werken aan de talentontwikkeling van artiesten uit Nederland.

Met als doel om de artiesten internationaal te activeren en te exporteren.
Er zijn nog meer partners die zich aanmelden om mee te werken dat het talent uit Nederland op internationaal niveau mee kan lopen.

Aangezien veel artiesten de komende jaren het heel zwaar gaan krijgen.
Heb ik achter de schermen een top team samen gebracht die heel veel ervaring hebben op het gebied van kunst,cultuur en entertainment.

Door goed gebruik te maken van de infrastructuur van Pop muziek zijn er voor zo pop vele deuren opengegaan.

Zo Pop zal vanuit Amsterdam Zuidoost functioneren en het internationaal netwerk onderhouden voor alle artiesten die deel nemen aan ZO POP.

Aanmelden bij ZO Pop kan alleen via jouw management of agentschap.

ZO POP zal plaatsvinden op de locatie Gaasperplaza
Ik hoop dat ik eind september officieel met ZO POP van start kan gaan.💪🏽🫡

George O Janssen