Donnie McClurkin 'Excited' to Join Jay-Z, Cardi B, Chris Brown as Sole Gospel Singer at Tidal Benefit Concert
Pastor Donnie McClurkin is revealing why he is so excited to be a part of rap mogul Jay-Z's Tidal X: Brooklyn concert where he will serve as the only Christian music artist amid some of the biggest names in mainstream music.
"I am excited to be able to participate in helping those who have recently suffered such devastating catastrophes: 5 major hurricanes, 3 deadly earthquakes, floods, loss of homes and the heartbreaking loss of lives! 2017 has been a year like we have never experienced before," McClurkin said in a statement obtained by The Christian Post. "And while politics cloud the issues and government does all that it can...we, together, can be 'our brother's keeper!'"
The benefit concert takes place at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. Those unable to attend in person will get an opportunity to both stream the show and donate to national disaster relief efforts on Tidal's website. After a multitude of hurricanes and earthquakes have led to devastation for people around the world, McClurkin admitted that he has never experienced a year like 2017.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Aside from rap mogul Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, music veteran Stevie Wonder will also serve as a headliner for the event, which also features a long list of mainstream entertainers like Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony and DJ Khaled. While McClurkin, the senior pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York, is known for his gospel music, he explained the importance of coming together with people from different backgrounds to make a difference.
"..Let's step up and be counted!! No division, no partisanship or politics, no religious or racial divides..let's come together as family of HUMANITY," he said. "I encourage everyone to give to this great cause!"
As a pastor, McClurkin acknowledged the importance of prayer during difficult times. However, he also encouraged people to give any little amount that could help rebuild the lives of those affected by recent natural disasters.
"Many times in troubled situations people will say 'lets pray'... Yes ! We should always pray and keep praying; but let's not stop there," he said. "It's time to add our work into the mix! Christianity teaches us that 'faith without works is dead!'"
The Tidal concert comes days after singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, her ex-husband Marc Anthony and former MLB player boyfriend Alex Rodriguez recruited a multitude of celebrities to take part in a benefit concert for disaster relief called 'One Voice: Somos Live!' The concert and telecast, which aired Saturday, raised over $35 million.
"Thank you for everyone who tuned in and donated...30 million and counting," Lopez wrote on social media. "We are so grateful!! We are One Voice."
