Record-breaking pop star Beyoncé was the most awarded at the Grammys, which each year rewards the best in contemporary pop music.

However, in the 2023 edition, she shares the podium with a group not so well-known outside the United States: Maverick City Music, which also won four awards at the ceremony held in Los Angeles on 5 February.

The band, originally from Atlanta (Georgia), won in the categories of Best Gospel Performance Song for 'Kingdom', Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance Song for 'Fear is not my future', Best Gospel Album for 'Kingdom Book One Deluxe', and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for 'Breathe'.

The first three awards were shared with Kirk Franklin, an acclaimed Christian artist who already has 18 Grammys to his credit.

Maverick City may not be well known at a social or media level, but the group is well known among evangelicals, as some of their songs have become part of the worship set list of youth groups and camps in recent years, as well as in congregational worship.

Grateful to God

They thanked God when they received the awards for being able to carry on their music. “God has allowed us to present voices that are not always heard”, said one of the group's members, recalling that part of the album was recorded in a prison correctional facility.

“We were able to let them know that God loves them, no matter where they are in life or what mistakes they have made, and we are honoured to be able to carry that message”. Kirk Franklin added that “Gospel music is alive and well”.

Maverick City Music also performed during the ceremony, with a song paying tribute to famous musicians who passed away in the past year.

Career

Maverick City Music began in Atlanta in 2018, as an initiative led by Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay to create a space for music making through days and camps for composers and artists.

That led to a project that involves many artists producing a fusion music between the gospel and contemporary worship music.

Last year they won a Grammy award for the album 'Old Church Basement' in collaboration with Elevation Worship.

In 2022 they also developed the project in collaboration with Kirk Franklin, with whom they have been touring to present the album, which has also won this year's award.