Tribl
Tribl is an American contemporary worship music collective and record label specializing in Christian and Gospel music, originating from Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 2020 by Tony Brown, Jonathan Jay, Norman Gyamfi, and Stephanie Valcarcel, it functions as TRIBL Records, a premier platform dedicated to live, moment-driven worship that fosters encounters with God's presence through innovative and heartfelt music.[1] The collective emphasizes collaborative, authentic expressions of faith, drawing from diverse genres including contemporary Christian, Gospel, R&B, Latin, and pop to create immersive worship experiences.[1] Key artists signed to TRIBL Records include the Grammy-winning Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine, JJ Hairston, Brandon Lake, Travis Greene, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, whose contributions have helped define modern inspirational music.[1][2] TRIBL Records has garnered widespread acclaim for its artists' achievements, including multiple Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, Stellar Awards, and Dove Awards.[1] Notably, Maverick City Music, a flagship act, won four Grammy Awards in 2023, tying for the most wins in a single night, while the label celebrated another victory in 2025 for Best Gospel Performance/Song with the collaborative single "One Hallelujah" featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Israel Houghton, Erica Campbell, Jonathan McReynolds, and Jekalyn Carr.[2][3] With over 1 million YouTube subscribers and a robust digital footprint, Tribl continues to influence the global worship music landscape by empowering artists and building diverse audiences.[1]Background
Formation and origins
Tribl Records, the parent label supporting the worship music collective, was established in 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia, by Tony Brown, Jonathan Jay, Norman Gyamfi, Stephanie Valcarcel, and Mary Sirois.[1][4] The label was created to provide a dedicated platform for live, moment-driven worship music, aiming to facilitate encounters with God's presence and express His heart through diverse artistic expressions in Christian and Gospel genres.[1][5] Tribl as a formal worship collective originated under this label, evolving from collaborative worship efforts among artists connected to Atlanta's vibrant music scene, including those from Maverick City Music.[6] Its initial debut came with the release of the collaborative album Tribl I on July 23, 2021, which featured key worship leaders such as Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, Brandon Lake, and others, marking the collective's entry into the contemporary worship landscape.[6][7] As of November 2025, Tribl Records has faced challenges, including lawsuits filed in October 2025 by former Maverick City Music members Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine against co-founder Norman Gyamfi, alleging fraud, forgery, and misappropriation of royalties, leading to their departure from the group.[8] Despite these developments, the label functions as the supportive entity for the collective, nurturing a roster of artists across multiple genres to promote inclusive and experiential worship.[1][9]Concept and musical style
TRIBL, pronounced "tribal," embodies a thematic focus on communal and diverse worship experiences, drawing its name from the idea of uniting "the tribes" to foster collective praise across cultural and generational lines. This concept reflects a vision of worship as an inclusive gathering that mirrors the biblical imagery of all nations and peoples coming together in adoration, emphasizing unity and shared spiritual encounters over individualistic expression.[1] The collective's musical style blends contemporary Christian music with gospel roots and global worship elements, prioritizing live recordings to preserve the raw energy and spontaneity of congregational praise. This approach avoids heavily produced tracks in favor of moment-driven sessions that capture authentic, unscripted moments of worship, allowing for improvisation and emotional depth in performances. TRIBL's sound incorporates influences from African American gospel traditions, evident in its rhythmic intensity and choral arrangements, alongside urban worship aesthetics that integrate modern production with soulful vocals. Collaborations with international artists further infuse diverse stylistic elements, such as Latin rhythms and Afrobeat influences, creating a multifaceted palette that appeals to a worldwide audience.[1][10] At its core, TRIBL's philosophy centers on accessibility and unity in worship, aiming to reveal God's presence through music that resonates with varied cultural expressions and promotes fellowship among believers. By redefining traditional worship forms to include freeform creativity and cross-cultural dialogue, the collective seeks to inspire encounters that feel both intimate and expansive, grounded in the principle of worshiping "in spirit and truth" while celebrating diversity as a reflection of heavenly worship. This raw, congregational focus distinguishes TRIBL's output, inviting listeners into participatory experiences rather than passive consumption.[10][1]Members
Current members
The Tribl collective's core creative team includes vocalists, songwriters, and producers who contributed to the group's early contemporary worship music output, particularly on the 2021 album Tribl I. These individuals drew from diverse backgrounds to shape Tribl's sound.[6] Ryan Ofei is a Ghanaian-Canadian vocalist and songwriter who served as a lead voice in Tribl. He co-wrote and performed on key tracks like "Still Holy" from the 2021 album Tribl I, emphasizing themes of divine sovereignty. Ofei's contributions included live performances and songwriting that blended gospel influences with modern production.[6] Melody Adorno functioned as a vocalist within the collective, bringing experience from collaborations with Maverick City Music to Tribl sessions. Her performances highlighted emotive delivery in worship settings, as seen in early group recordings. Adorno's role focused on vocal harmonies that enhanced the collective's communal style.[6] Laila Olivera is a vocalist known for her dynamic range and participation in Tribl's foundational projects. She contributed to the arrangement and performance of songs on Tribl I, infusing Latin-inspired elements into the group's diverse sound. Olivera supported live worship events tied to Tribl Records.[6] Jessica Hitte served as a vocalist, adding depth to Tribl's ensemble through her background in urban gospel. Her involvement in the collective's debut emphasized raw, experiential praise, and she contributed to early releases under Tribl Records. Hitte's contributions prioritized authentic expression in group dynamics.[6] Montel Moore acted as both a vocalist and producer for Tribl, handling production elements on tracks like "New Wine" from Tribl Nights Atlanta. His dual role shaped the sonic texture of the collective's live albums, incorporating R&B-infused worship production. Sirion Worku is a vocalist who brought international perspectives to Tribl, featured on collaborative efforts within Tribl I. Her vocal style supported the group's emphasis on radical diversity in worship music, with contributions bridging cultural elements in performances.[6] Marián Adigun contributed as a vocalist to songs such as "Rumors" on Tribl I. Adigun's role highlighted youthful energy and songwriting input, aligning with Tribl's mission to foster emerging worship leaders. She was integral to the group's early output through Tribl Records integrations.[6] TRIBL Records has expanded its label roster with artists like Daniel Ojo, who collaborate externally.[11]Former members
Early contributors to Tribl who later pursued solo careers or other projects include: Tianna Horsey (now known as Tianna Bowles following her 2022 marriage) was a vocalist with Tribl, contributing to the collective's debut album Tribl I in 2021 alongside members like Ryan Ofei and Cecily. She has since focused on independent projects emphasizing worship and personal storytelling.[12] Nate Díaz served as a vocalist for Tribl, appearing on key releases such as Tribl Nights Anthologies in 2022, where he collaborated on tracks like "King of Heaven (Reign Jesus Reign)." He later worked with other worship groups. Cecily was a core vocalist for Tribl, featured prominently on the 2021 debut Tribl I and subsequent worship sessions. She transitioned to other collaborations, including with Housefires. These changes reflected Tribl's strategic focus on individual projects and roster refresh, facilitating expanded collaborations and genre diversity under Tribl Records. The collective maintains ties to affiliated groups like Maverick City Music, though key members Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine departed that group in October 2025.[13]Career
2021–2022: Debut and initial releases
Tribl launched in 2021 with the release of its debut album, Tribl I, a collaborative live recording with Maverick City Music issued on July 23 via Tribl Records. Captured during a worship session in Atlanta, the project featured contributions from prominent contemporary worship artists including Naomi Raine, Joe L. Barnes, and Ryan Ofei, emphasizing spontaneous, moment-driven expressions of faith. The album marked Tribl's entry into the Christian music landscape, blending diverse voices to create anthemic tracks rooted in communal worship.[14][6] Tribl I achieved immediate commercial success, debuting at number 10 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and number 3 on the Top Gospel Albums chart in the United States, reflecting strong initial reception within the genre. This performance underscored Tribl's potential to connect with audiences seeking authentic, live worship experiences. Building on this momentum, the collective hosted early Tribl Worship Nights in Atlanta, intimate gatherings that captured raw performances and helped cultivate a dedicated grassroots following through shared spiritual moments.[15] In November 2021, Tribl followed with Tribl Nights Atlanta, a live album released on November 12 that documented the vibrant energy of their Atlanta-based worship events. The project highlighted performances from artists like Chandler Moore and Mariah Adigun, further showcasing Tribl's collaborative ethos. It debuted at number 46 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and number 6 on the Top Gospel Albums chart, solidifying the label's growing presence.[15] Promotional efforts during this period centered on key singles, such as "Defender" featuring Cecily and Joe L. Barnes, recorded live at a Tribl Worship Night on July 24, 2021, which exemplified the collective's focus on empowering, faith-affirming songs. These releases and events in Atlanta laid the foundation for Tribl's expansion, emphasizing organic growth through worship-centered gatherings rather than large-scale tours.[16]2023–2025: Expansion, collaborations, and recent developments
In 2023, Tribl Records experienced significant growth following the release of Tribl Nights Anthologies in 2022, a collaborative live album with Maverick City Music that debuted at number 41 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and number 6 on the Top Gospel Albums chart, boosting the label's visibility and leading to increased artist signings and project developments throughout the year.[17] Similarly, the 2022 collaboration Live From 1971 with the duo SONS THE BAND, released under Tribl Records, marked an early expansion into new worship acts and contributed to the label's broadening portfolio by introducing viral singles like "Only Ever Good (To Me)."[18] These projects laid the groundwork for Tribl's maturation, with the label reporting heightened streaming numbers and partnerships that solidified its role in contemporary Christian music.[19] From 2023 to 2024, Tribl deepened its collaborations, including integrations with Maverick City Music's Good News Tour, a 33-city North American run launched in October 2024 featuring artists like Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, where Tribl-backed performances emphasized communal worship and drew large audiences to reinforce the label's live event presence.[20] Additional ties included new worship nights and artist partnerships, such as the August 2024 announcement of Kierra Sheard's multi-year deal with Tribl Records, aimed at releasing fresh gospel and R&B-infused tracks.[21] These efforts highlighted Tribl's focus on cross-genre collaborations, with the label signing artists in Christian R&B and expanding distribution through alliances like the May 2025 partnership with Riju Music for global African gospel outreach.[22][23] Tribl's momentum peaked with five nominations for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards (announced in November 2024), shared across Tribl Records and Maverick City Music Publishing in categories like Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for The Maverick Way Complete and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for "In The Room," underscoring the label's influence in elevating worship music to mainstream acclaim.[24] In 2025, Tribl continued its trajectory with new music releases, including worship tracks from signed artists like Neon Adejo's "Now That I'm Found" and announcements in August for upcoming projects under the label's diversified roster.[25] Roster expansions added new Christian R&B and gospel talents, enhancing Tribl's global reach amid partnerships like Franchesca's December 2024 signing.[22][26] Worship night events, such as the October 15 gathering in Dallas, fostered intimate community experiences with limited attendance to prioritize authentic praise.[27] Additionally, at the 67th Grammy Awards in February 2025, Tribl celebrated a win for Best Gospel Performance/Song with "One Hallelujah" featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Israel Houghton, Erica Campbell, Jonathan McReynolds, and Jekalyn Carr.[28] The October 2025 departures of Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine from Maverick City Music, amid Moore's fraud lawsuit against the group's CEO, allowed these key figures—long associated with the label—to channel their talents into solo and Tribl-centric endeavors.[29][30]Discography
Live albums
Tribl has released several live albums since its inception, capturing worship sessions recorded in various locations and featuring collaborations with prominent artists in contemporary Christian and gospel music. These recordings emphasize spontaneous, moment-driven worship experiences central to the label's ethos. Tribl I, a collaborative live album with Maverick City Music, was recorded in Atlanta and released on July 23, 2021. It features worship leaders including Chandler Moore, Siri Worku, Ryan Ofei, Mariah Adigun, and Jonathan Traylor, showcasing a blend of original songs and spontaneous moments.[31] Tribl Nights Atlanta, another live recording from Atlanta, was released on November 12, 2021. This project includes performances by Dante Bowe, Mariah Adigun, Ryan Ofei, Joe L. Barnes, and Jonathan Traylor, preceded by the lead single "Never Lost."[32][33] Tribl Nights Anthologies, a joint live album with Maverick City Music, compiles standout moments from previous Tribl Nights events and was released on April 29, 2022. It features artists such as Lizzie Morgan, Cecily, Melvin Crispell III, Ryan Ofei, and Joe L. Barnes, with tracks like "Too Good to Not Believe" and "Names (He Shall Reign)."[34][35] Live from 1971, a debut live album by Sons the Band in collaboration with Tribl, was recorded at 1971 Sounds in Atlanta and released on September 9, 2022. The project includes seven tracks led by Jordan Colle and featuring Steve Davis, such as "Only Ever Good" and "Brand New."[36] In subsequent years, Tribl continued expanding its live catalog with solo and group efforts. Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles, a live recording captured in May 2024, was released on August 2, 2024, under Tribl Records. This eight-track album highlights Moore's soulful worship style with guests like Israel Houghton on "Joy."[37] Live at Maverick City by Maverick City Music, released on February 7, 2025, documents live performances from the group's tours, featuring over 36 tracks with Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, and others. It reflects the collective's ongoing evolution in live worship settings.[38] A Very Very Maverick Christmas, a Christmas album by Maverick City Music, was released on November 14, 2025. Featuring 31 tracks of holiday worship music, it includes festive collaborations and spontaneous moments.[39]Singles and promotional releases
Tribl's singles and promotional releases primarily consist of collaborative tracks that highlight worship themes, often serving as precursors to larger album projects or standalone digital offerings. These releases emphasize live-recorded performances and feature prominent Christian artists, contributing to Tribl's growing presence in contemporary gospel music.[1] One of the earliest promotional singles was "Still Holy," released on May 28, 2021, featuring Ryan Ofei and Naomi Raine, which announced Tribl's debut project and garnered significant streaming attention with nearly 650,000 Spotify streams shortly after launch.[40][41] The lead single "Defender," featuring Cecily and Joe L. Barnes, followed in September 2021 as a precursor to the Tribl I album; it was captured live during Tribl Worship Nights in Atlanta and released via digital platforms.[16][42] In 2022, "Cross and Empty Grave," a collaboration with SONS THE BAND featuring Steve Davis and Jordan Colle, was issued as a single on August 26, promoting the Live from 1971 project and emphasizing themes of resurrection and victory.[43][44] Promotional efforts extended into 2024 and 2025 with digital singles tied to live events and tours, such as tracks from the TRIBL Worship Nights series, including releases like "Constant" featuring Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Gargiula, and Chandler Moore, which supported ongoing tour promotions.[45][46]| Title | Release Date | Featured Artists | Album Association |
|---|---|---|---|
| Still Holy | May 28, 2021 | Ryan Ofei, Naomi Raine | Promotional for Tribl I |
| Defender | September 13, 2021 | Cecily, Joe L. Barnes | Lead single for Tribl I |
| Cross and Empty Grave | August 26, 2022 | Steve Davis, Jordan Colle (SONS THE BAND) | Promotional for Live from 1971 |
Awards and nominations
GMA Dove Awards
Tribl, a prominent collective and record label in contemporary Christian and gospel worship music, has earned numerous nominations and wins at the GMA Dove Awards, reflecting its role in fostering innovative live worship experiences and collaborations.[47] At the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2022, Tribl Nights Atlanta, a live album by Tribl and Maverick City Music, won Gospel Worship Album of the Year, marking a significant milestone for the label's inaugural major release event.[48] That year, Tribl artists amassed 20 nominations across categories such as Song of the Year for "Jireh" (written by Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Chandler Moore, and Naomi Raine) and Artist of the Year for Maverick City Music, underscoring the collective's broad impact.[49] Tribl's momentum continued at the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2023, where affiliated artists like Brandon Lake claimed four awards, including Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year (Artist), while Maverick City Music received nominations in categories like Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for "Bless Me" featuring Kirk Franklin.[50][51] In 2024, during the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, Maverick City Music secured Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for "God Problems" featuring Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore, with the group and its members earning 17 nominations overall, including Gospel Worship Album of the Year for The Maverick Way Complete by Maverick City Music and Cover the Earth (Live in New York) by Naomi Raine.[52][53] The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2025 further highlighted Tribl's influence, as the label's artists collected multiple honors amid 22 nominations. Maverick City Music won Gospel Worship Album of the Year for The Maverick Way Reimagined and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for "In The Room [Afro Beat Version]" featuring Annatoria. Chandler Moore took home Gospel Worship Album of the Year for Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles, while Naomi Raine won Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for "Rest On Us (Flow) [Live]". Brandon Lake led with five awards, including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for "Hard Fought Hallelujah" (with Jelly Roll).[54]| Year (Edition) | Notable Wins for Tribl Releases/Artists |
|---|---|
| 2022 (53rd) | Gospel Worship Album of the Year: Tribl Nights Atlanta (Tribl, Maverick City Music)[48] |
| 2024 (55th) | Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year: "God Problems" (Maverick City Music feat. Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore)[52] |
| 2025 (56th) | Gospel Worship Album of the Year: The Maverick Way Reimagined (Maverick City Music); Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles (Chandler Moore) Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year: "In The Room [Afro Beat Version]" (Maverick City Music feat. Annatoria) Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year: "Rest On Us (Flow) [Live]" (Naomi Raine) Songwriter of the Year (Artist): Brandon Lake[54] |