When you hear the name ‘Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee and Jubilation”, you KNOW there’s going to be JUBILATION in the house! Reverend Stefanie R. Minatee and Jubilation traveled to Spain in 2016 and recently auditioned for America’s Got Talent. In addition, RSJ participated on the EMI compilation CD, “Oh Happy Day”, singing the title track with Queen Latifah. The CD won a GRAMMY Award, (Best Traditional Gospel Album) along with nominations for Stellar and Dove Awards. Members of Jubilation also participated in Super Bowl XLIV providing background vocals for Queen Latifah and appeared on “American Idol Gives Back 2010” with famed guitarist Jeff Beck and singer Joss Stone. The choir now concentrates on their CD, “Just Like Sunday Mornin’!” The CD is power packed with variety including praise and worship, message music, traditional and contemporary gospel songs, and hymns. The explosive single “Still Standing”, composed by Gospel music ICON A. Jeffrey LaValley, received rave reviews.
Jubilation is a culturally mixed aggregation of auditioned voices committed to singing African American sacred music, with an “emphasis” on Gospel music. The choir’s primary focus is preserving the history and legacy of this genre. After a meeting facilitated by the late Councilman and Assemblyman Donald K. Tucker, and CEO Larry Goldman, Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee entered into partnership with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, serving as an artist-in-residence, and later became Jubilation’s Artistic Director. Established in October 1998 under the auspices of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ, members of Jubilation hail from 28 cities/townships throughout the tri-state area. (NJ/NY/Pa). Jubilation has two official homes, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
The name, Voices of Jubilation, was borne out of the NJPAC Jubilation Choir. Under this name, opportunities outside of NJPAC were established. As the Voices of Jubilation, the choir gained international acclaim, touring Japan in July 2002 and 2004, where they ministered through song in several cities. The choir also participated at the 2002 US Open Tennis tournament and enjoyed the honor of singing at the funeral of Jazz Great Lionel Hampton. In the same year, Jubilation recorded “live” with the musical genius, Ray Charles. This DVD project, “Ray Charles Celebrates a Gospel Christmas with the Voices of Jubilation”, was originally released in November 2003. A Deluxe Edition CD/DVD released in Winter 2004, climbed to # 2 on the BILLBOARD Gospel Charts. The project remains a holiday favorite.
In January 2004, Jubilation became an independent entity. Their freshman CD, “The Launch Out Project,” was recorded “live” in January 2005, and released October 10, 2006. In 2007, Jubilation signed with Habakkuk Records, receiving national distribution from Fontana/Universal Christian Music Group. Their release “The Launch Out Project” debuted nationally May 13, 2008; a selection from the project garnered Nancey Jackson-Johnson a nomination for “Best Traditional Female Vocalist” at the 2009 Stellar Awards.
Jubilation has shared the stage in collaboration with several secular artists including Dionne Warwick, the late Isaac Hayes, Kenny Loggins, Jessica Simpson, Patty Griffin, Nenad Bach, and several renowned Gospel Music artists including: the late Bishop Walter Hawkins, Queen of Gospel, the late Albertina Walker, Kurt Carr, Pastor Donnie McClurkin and many more. In addition, RSJ has performed for former Presidents George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. The choir has several national, local print and television appearances, including Bobby Jones Gospel, the New Jersey State House, and Governor’s Mansion. In addition to 2 tours of Japan, members of JUBILATION have traveled to Moscow Russia as music ambassadors.
In April 2015 Rev. Stef experienced a serious health challenge, suffering a massive stroke. While she rehabs, Jubilation was in the capable hands of RSJ Scholarship recipient Jared McClain and others. Jared is a graduate of Hampton University and a past recipient of the Jubilation Education Scholarship. He is a consummate director/singer.
In December 2023, members of Jubilation appeared on The Kennedy Center Honors. This production was seen all over the globe, televised by CBS. Members gave tribute to honorees Queen Latifah and Renee Fleming!
In celebration of Black History, RSJ presents our signature presentation, “From the Middle Passage, An African American Journey”, a 60-90 minute presentation of slave songs, spirituals, traditional and contemporary Gospel music, complete with narratives, a companion media presentation, dance, and a lesson plan. This educational presentation is a must see!
A Press Kit is available upon request. Call 973-454-3629 or email SRMinatee@aol.com for more information.