Interview by: Gillian Fraser
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In the vibrant industry of gospel music, there exists a singular, resonant voice – a voice that transcends generations and carries the weight of spiritual wisdom. CeCe Winans, the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, embodies not just a remarkable career, but a divine calling that reaches beyond the boundaries of music. A blessed and profound conversation with this legendary figure revealed her humility, authenticity, and unwavering faith, painting a portrait of a woman whose life is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.
CeCe and her husband, Alvin Love II
Unveiling the heart behind the music
CeCe’s commitment to her divine calling is a beacon, standing tall amid an industry often defined by accolades and achievements. Her enduring sense of purpose serves as a reminder that beyond the charts, her music is propelled by a higher calling.
“It’s my calling. What God has blessed me to achieve thus far does not determine if I stop or if I keep going. He’s called me to do what I do … It’s the work to reach as many people as I can with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with the love of God – He keeps me going. And I’ve got a lot of people still to reach.”
A legacy defined: beyond awards and accolades
As we explore the vast landscape of her illustrious career, CeCe shares her vision for a legacy extending far beyond chart-topping hits and prestigious awards. Her desire is to leave behind a legacy of genuine discipleship – a life marked by love for Jesus that transcends time and influences generations to come.
“I pray that I would leave a legacy that has left a real impact of someone who loved Jesus because there’s power in that. When you’re a true disciple of Jesus Christ, then you make disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Believe For It: an album birthed in prayer
In the heart of the pandemic, CeCe embarked on creating Believe For It, a live recording that emerged as a divine response to collective pain and despair. Fuelled by prayer and fasting, this album became a vessel of hope, a divine symphony crafted to encourage, uplift, and minister to souls yearning for solace.
“This album is extremely special … It was a very dark and desperate time … I remember going in because it was my first live record, but we couldn’t have people there … And in my heart, I said, ‘Lord, I need for You to anoint this record in such a way that it will minister to people and encourage them not to give up, but to keep going.’”
Passing on faith: the essence of CeCe’s book
CeCe’s book, Believe For It: Passing on Faith To The Next Generation, echoes her commitment to legacy and discipleship. It is a poignant exploration of the responsibility each believer carries to pass on the baton of faith – a calling CeCe considers crucial in a world hungry for spiritual guidance.
“Passing on faith to the next generation is of utmost importance. I’m here today. I’m a woman of faith and I’m strong in my faith – only because of those who went before me. I had a mother who prayed, I had a mother who lived a life of Christ in front of me. I had a father who lived the life of Christ in front of me. There was a community of believers that I grew up with – where everybody was a part of raising you, correcting you, and encouraging you. The mothers of the church who fasted and prayed for me, who anointed my head with oil – I could cry thinking about. But I think of where my life would be without them. I realised that with blessing comes responsibility. And I’m old enough now that I understand that it’s my turn to be the mother. It’s my turn to be the mentor. It’s my turn to pour into those who are coming after me. And so, this book is very important to me and really everything that I do from this point forward is not about me, but it’s about those who are coming after me. Passing on the baton – to my daughter, to the next generation, to those who are coming, to my grandchildren, and to those whom God has allowed me to be a part of their lives around the world – it’s crucial to the call so that the Name of Jesus will continue to ring throughout the earth, so that people will continue to come to know who our Saviour is. And that is the responsibility, not just for me, but all believers. We have to understand that God is a God of generations and so we have to have that mindset and live our lives accordingly and be busy about passing on the baton of faith.”
Advice for aspiring gospel artists
As a trailblazer in the gospel music industry, CeCe imparts invaluable advice to aspiring artists. She emphasises the primacy of a personal relationship with Jesus and the importance of embracing one’s unique identity, encouraging artists to recognise that their first calling is as believers expressing their faith through music.
“The most important thing is to ask, ‘What is your relationship with Jesus?’ It starts with you first having that relationship … You’re not called to be a gospel artist without the Gospel. It starts with you first having that relationship and understanding the importance of cultivating that relationship. I’m not a singer who happens to believe, I’m a believer first who happens to sing. So what does that mean? That means if God tells me to stop singing tomorrow and to do something different, that’s what I’m gonna do.”
CeCe shares a glimpse into her upcoming projects, expressing excitement about a new project that emphasises more praise and worship. Her anticipation for the project stems from the joy of a live recording with a congregation, an element she missed during the creation of Believe For It.
“We’ve got a few things that we’re working on … It’s more praise and worship … It’s not a continuation of Believe For It, but I really think it’s an expansion … My prayer is that God will take us a little bit higher and do a little bit more for those who will hear it.”
Spreading light in a darkened world: CeCe’s role as an artist
In the current cultural and social climate, CeCe recognises the significance of her role as an artist in spreading messages of hope, love, and faith through her music. She believes in the power of the light she carries to shine bright in times of darkness and contributes to the movement of spreading the light of Jesus through her artistry.
“The Bible says, ‘You can’t hide a city on a hill’… I believe the light that I carry plays a huge part in the whole scheme of things to shine bright … So as an artist singing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my prayer is that whenever I open up my mouth, the anointing would come and break yokes, and that eyes will be opened and people will get a glimpse of who Jesus is.”
CeCe’s family at her son, Alvin Love III’s wedding
Balancing faith, family, and career
Faith is the linchpin in CeCe’s ability to balance her career and family life. She emphasises the importance of honouring God first, acknowledging the priority of her roles as a wife and a mother. CeCe expresses gratitude for her husband, Alvin, and their partnership in maintaining priorities, ensuring that faith and family come before any career pursuits.
“Faith is the most important part in maintaining the balance … If you honour God, He’ll honour you … I always tell people that God never saved me and sent me out to save the world and lose my family … My family is a part of my testimony. My family is a part of what God has done and continues to do.”
Daily routine and faith practices
CeCe provides a glimpse into her daily routine, emphasising the significance of starting the day with prayer and devotion. Her mornings are dedicated to honouring God, whether through individual prayer or joint prayer with her husband. Additionally, she highlights the importance of serving at the local church, recognising the blessings that come from bringing one’s talents to the Kingdom.
“In the morning, I give God my first, either I’m praying by myself or me and my husband pray a lot together too in the morning … Faith is the most important part in maintaining the balance … It’s through that that you’re able to minister to other families.”
A message to readers in South Africa and around the world
CeCe expresses her love for readers in South Africa and around the world, acknowledging the unique worship experience she encounters in Africa. She shares a scripture close to her heart, Philippians 4:13, urging individuals to find strength in Christ during challenges. Her parting words resonate with encouragement, reinforcing the belief that victory is attainable through faith.
“I love South Africa … Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ No matter what you’re facing, no matter what you’re going through, if you’re in Christ, you can do it. God is with you, victorious. There is no test or trial that is stronger than the God you serve, so be encouraged to know that if you’re in it – you’re victorious, you can make it. You can accomplish whatever you’re facing. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
CeCe, Delores Winans (mom), and Ashley Phillips (daughter) | Photo credit: Cmon Creative
Conclusion: a life and legacy defined by faith
CeCe’s life and legacy are deeply rooted in her unwavering faith. Beyond the music charts and accolades, her commitment to her divine calling, the desire to pass on a legacy of discipleship, and the ability to find hope in challenging times showcase a woman whose symphony of faith continues to resonate in the hearts of millions. As she ventures into new projects and embraces the role of an artist in a troubled world, CeCe Winans remains a beacon of light, spreading the transformative power of the Gospel through her life and music.
FACT FILE
Birth name: Priscilla Marie Winans
Also known as:
• CeCe Love
• CeCe Winans Love
• The queen of gospel, praise, and worship
Born: 8 October 1964 (age 59 years), Detroit, Michigan, United States
Spouse: Alvin Love II (m. 1984)
Children: Ashley Love, Alvin Love III
Website: cecewinans.com
CeCe Winans featured in the January 2024 issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 24/06/2025
Feature image: CeCe Winans (Credit: Cmon Creative | Elijah Rodney)
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