Legacy, family, and generational talent are just a few words that come to mind when describing the extraordinarily gifted Campbell family. At the second annual HBCU Honors, gospel singer, songwriter, radio host, wife, and mother Erica Campbell proudly walked the blue carpet with her two lovely daughters, Zaya and Krista Campbell. The sisters are following in the footsteps of a family of phenomenal musicians, including their grandmother, aunties, father, and, of course, their mother; one-half of the Grammy Award-winning gospel duo, Mary Mary.
When asked how their mother’s music has impacted them, Krista shared, “As a singer and a little girl who’s loved to perform, I think it’s not just the music but watching my mom do what she does that’s been inspiring. It shows me that the person who is my main example believes I can do what she does, and she supports me.” Zaya, who was born 12 years after Mary Mary’s Grammy-winning song Shackles, revealed that her favorite song from the duo is The Sound.
Krista and Erica are slated to perform as a duo at the HBCU Honors. Krista, a student at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, has already been making waves in the gospel world with her powerful voice and production skills. Naturally, we had to ask if a collaboration album might be in their future. Both Erica and Krista exchanged a playful glance before saying, “IDK.” Erica added, “We have another performance in December at Carnegie Hall, and it was a specific request for Krista.” Could this dynamic mother-daughter duo be exactly what the gospel world needs? Can they bridge the generational gap? Would you be here for a joint album?
Erica has always been a trailblazer in gospel music, breaking boundaries to share the word of God. From incorporating R&B beats into her lyrics to collaborating with hip-hop artists, she’s never been afraid to push the envelope. Known for her hit I Luh God, Erica has consistently delivered uplifting bops with a powerful message.
When asked about the backlash her friend and colleague Kirk Franklin faced for collaborating with GloRilla, Erica had a thoughtful response: “I think people always want to separate and segregate. But if I represent the light, then I’m supposed to go places where they need and want the light. And this isn’t new; the Winans did a song with Teddy Riley. I just think it’s my job, as someone whose goal is to inspire and uplift, to go where I’m needed.”
Does Erica have a point? What is your favorite R&B and gospel collaborations? Can kingdom music and hip-hop share the same space?
Tune in to celebrate Black excellence at the HBCU Honors on Sunday, December 1, at 8 p.m. ET on BET.
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