Andrea Dumas: A Songstress With A Reason To Celebrate

Many are blessed with the gift to sing, but few are given the opportunity to sing next to legends in Gospel music.  Singer Andrea Dumas has been honored to sing behind household names in the sacred genre.  Artists like Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin and Richard Smallwood have called upon the alto’s expertise to provide background vocals.  As a matter of fact, Andrea is a member of Richard Smallwood’s Vision, a vocal ensemble known for their stunning vocal prowess.  These amazing experiences were the backdrop for the next step in Andrea’s musical career.  Recently, she launched her own music ministry with the release of her solo debut, Autumn Day Entertainment’s Celebrate. 

Dumas’ career in Gospel music is really no surprise when you look at her beginnings.  Hailing from Morristown, New Jersey, Andrea grew up in the church and in a home that was full of music. Her mother, a church pianist, instilled a love for Gospel music within her. When she was a child, her parents took her to hear college choirs and other artists. The first time she heard a Gospel choir sing “God Is”, she was hooked.  A seed was planted which would ultimately change her life.

When Andrea went to college in the Washington, DC area, she realized just how much she loved to sing and joined a Gospel choir.  Becoming a member of the University of Maryland’s Gospel choir was instrumental in cultivating her singing talents as well as drawing her closer to God. It was during this period of her life that she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and committed to singing for Him. After college, Andrea sang with DC’s own Maurette Brown Clark and Steve Lawrence & Friends.  Her time with them, as well as serving her church’s music ministry, was a catalyst for growth in her life, both musically and spiritually.

Since that time, Andrea has participated in church choirs, community choirs, ensembles and praise & worship ministries.  For the last 10 years as a background vocalist, Andrea has ministered in song on stages all over the world with Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin and Richard Smallwood.  Traveling to over 15 countries and participating in some of the Gospel music industry’s most successful tours – Hopeville, Sisters in the Spirit, and the Yolanda Today Tour – she was able to go to places she had only dreamed of.

In addition, she appeared on several television shows, participated in The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY Salute to Gospel Music event, and sang at the US Capitol and the White House.  She was featured as a soloist on Isaiah Thomas & Elements Of Praises’ CD, The Greatest, Greater Mt. Calvary Church’s CD, Greater Mount Calvary Live and three of Richard Smallwood‘s CDs, Journey, Promises, and the upcoming release, Anthology.

In 2010, Andrea combined her business background with her love for Gospel music when she was named the Director of Operations for Calvary Records. As the Director of Operations, she oversees the daily operations of the record label and was instrumental in the negotiation of contracts and agreements which has allowed the label to flourish. Calvary Records’ artist, the Greater Mount Calvary Recording Choir, was nominated for two Stellar Awards in 2011.  An active member of the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Washington, DC, Andrea serves under the leadership of renowned pastors Bishop Alfred Owens and Co-Pastor Susie Owens. She is a member of the Ministerial Alliance, the Music Council and is the Administrative Assistant to the Minister of Music.

Comfortable in her role as a background vocalist, initially Andrea had no plans to launch her own music ministry.  Although she loves her background work, God’s continual prompting led her to record.  In October 2013, Andrea stepped out in faith and recorded her debut project, Celebrate.  The move from background singer to artist wasn’t an easy one. “Standing behind the mic as a background singer is quite different from being the main focus of the audience,” says Andrea. “It was definitely an adjustment for me, but I knew that God wanted me to do this project and launch my own ministry.”

She understands that many are hesitant in doing something new.  “I want to inspire those who are apprehensive in moving into unfamiliar territory,” she shares.  “During the recording process, I started to see the Lord open one door after another.  I pray that others ignore the voice of fear and listen to that voice of faith,” she says. 

Andrea’s faith was rewarded and the result was the release of a live recording featuring what all Gospel music fans love: Christ-centered lyrics, soul-shaking music and pure anointing.  Produced by Steven McCoy and RaMon Shelton, Celebrate is a powerful CD with unforgettable tracks like the memorable lead single, “Jesus”, the spirit-filled “Call To Worship”, the encouraging “You Just Hold On” and the declarative “Speak It”.  The project has opened doors for Andrea’s ministry with TV appearances on Atlanta Live and TBN and she’s ministered in Guadeloupe.

 

For Andrea Dumas, it all comes down to sharing the message of Christ. She says, “As a singer, I have seen the way music opens doors and gives access to diverse audiences all over the world.  Music is able to transcend barriers and I want to use music to soften people’s hearts for the word of God.”