Gospel Recording Artist, Bonita Burney Simmons, Honored at Rhythm of Gospel Awards

NEW BERN, N.C. - July 1, 2017 - PRLog -- Kinston, NC native, Bonita Burney Simmons, was humbled to receive five nominations and awarded for Best Performance by Female Artist & Traditional Artist of the Year!

The 9th Annual Rhythm of Gospel Awards, which honored the very best independent gospel artists across the country, was held in Jacksonville, FL on June 21 - June 25, 2017. According to organizers, this multi-day event was "filled with a variety of innovative and exciting showcases, competitions, and achievement galas, bringing in over 6,500 excited tourists, church, social and civic groups, families and business professionals throughout the US, Canada Bahamas and Internationally."

Bonita's road manager, Robert Brock, shares his account of her journey during this event:

"Bonita faced many challenges on the journey before and during the award process. However, I can testify that Bonita truly kept the light of God shining in and through her. I felt honored to witness Bonita be awarded for such a great work of art, her latest CD (This Time). I am truly honored to celebrate an awesome representative of the kingdom of God. Bonita is a shining light!"

Day One: Thursday 6-22-17

"Bonita arrives at the Omni Hotel in Jacksonville, FL and registers for the event. She met various industry professionals from radio personalities, Rhythm of Gospel (R.O.G.) staff and other artists. Later that evening, Bonita is scheduled to sing at the R.O.G. CD release event. She arrives and is fifth on the program. Despite, technical difficulties, Bonita begins to sing "I Need Thee" in acapella and gets the crowd stirred and has the audience ending the song in concert. Bonita then sings "God's People Arise", ministering the song in her spirit-led way.

Day Two: Friday, 6-23-17

Bonita is scheduled to perform at 12:10 pm during the R.O.G. Praising On the River Cancer Awareness & Support Fundraiser. Bonita takes the stage. She greets the crowd and pays homage to God. The music begins to play and right at the intro of the song, the track appears to be skipping. Bonita graciously asks the sound engineer to stop the track and continues to sing her song "Breakthrough" in acapella. Suddenly, you hear a group of young people (Howard University's Gospel Choir) in the audience singing background for Bonita. Then, you hear live music from the band. Like a pro, Bonita continues to sing and improvises the arrangement of her song. The crowd was truly blessed.

Day Three: Saturday, 6-24-17

Bonita is scheduled to attend the Rhythm of Gospel awards cermony, which is scheduled at 10:30am at the Hilton-Doubletree hotel. She arrives just in time to receive the award for Best Performance by Female Artist and gives an emotional acceptance speech. She gave glory to God. The audience stood and gave God praise and thanks on her behalf.

The main Rhythm of Gospel awards show and television taping is scheduled to start at 7:00pm. It's 5:30pm, and Bonita arrives at the red carpet event and social. She and her husband/manager, Eric Simmons, pose for pictures. Bonita is wearing a stunning two piece black & nude color gown. It's 7:15 pm and the show begins. Bonita receives a second award for Traditional Artist of the Year. With tears in her eyes, Bonita graciously proceeds to the stage to get her award. She pays honor to God and to many that helped her on the journey."

Check Out Bonita's Post-Award Interview!

https://youtu.be/ZcpahqfZ2cI




About Bonita...

At age 12, she started her own gospel singing group, a trio called "Tried by Fire." Determined and focused, Bonita thrived in her role as band leader and demonstrated her entrepreneurial skills at a very young age. Bonita would open up for all the national recording gospel artists who came to town like Shirley Caesar, John P. Kee, Luther Barnes, The Winans, The Williams Brothers and many others. Bonita has appeared and won first place on numerous occasions at the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York City. By the time she reached high school, she was already considered a professional singer!

Today, Bonita is enjoying the flexibility of being an independent recording artist. Her talent is in high demand, as she is frequently requested to sing at venues and events throughout Eastern North Carolina! Although she's experienced many tribulations, Bonita's life lessons are part of her unique tapestry that enables her to relate to people who are hurting. One of her biggest accomplishments is her outreach work with those who are incarcerated, sharing God's love through song. Indeed, Bonita has defined her own success, choosing to embrace an obedient lifestyle according to God's will for her life and career. She simply allows God to do the navigation and depends solely on Him to direct her career path. For more info about Bonita, visit her website @ http://www.bonitaburneysimmons.com