Sonya McGuire is a preachers' daughter who learned to sing, act, and appreciate music at a very early age. With music playing such a dominant role in the home, Sonya felt there was no other path for her than to follow the unofficial “family business.” Initially, Sonya chose drums to express her musical creativity and talent. Later she developed a love for singing and directing, and she quickly became the obvious choice for musical director at her father’s church. Her music and direction was inspiring and dynamic. If describing Sonya McGuire in one word, it would be anointed.
Sonya is truly a multi-gifted individual. She is a gospel singer, recording artist, songwriter, musician, and was a Radio Personality for Freedom Radio. Sonya truly has ministry at the heart of all she does. Sonya's unique ministry and style of praise & worship, has electrified audiences, offering them an original and blessed praise and worship experience. With vocal ability that is comparable to none and marveled by many, Sonya incorporates thought provoking lyrics with unmistakable jazz overtones into her music. Her organic songwriting abilities blend soul, traditional gospel, jazz, funk, and praise & worship.
Her gift has made room for her to share the stage with artists such as John P. Kee, Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribett, Donnie McClurkin, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Fred Hammond, Kim Burrell, Marvin Sapp, Natalie Wilson and S.O.P., Israel Houghton, Karen Clark –Sheard, Rizen, Youthful Praise, Mary Mary, the Georgia Mass Choir and many more. A notable collaboration with Corey “Coco Brother” Condrey’s Stand Project introduced one of her most popular singles “Should’ve Thought About It” to audiences across all 50 states. Sonya has also graced the stages of TBN's Praise the Lord, Bobby Jones Gospel Show, First Coast Living and TCT's TV - I'm Just Saying and Celebrate Live from Detroit.
Sonya's passion for music and self-mission to win souls for Christ is at the heart of her ministry and transcends racial, cultural, and even language barriers. In 2005, Sonya's music ministry spread internationally as she was commissioned to deliver several concerts during a twenty-one day European tour. The presence of God was so prevalent during her performances that they became much more than just a concert, they evolved into worship & unbelievable praise experiences. She has also ministered in 18 cities in Asia, from Japan to Malaysia with plans to expand wider. As a result, Sonya has toured annually & has released a European Christmas DVD of her ministry overseas.
Sonya shares her gift, conducting choir workshops, conferences, and music seminars throughout the United States. Sonya has received numerous awards and nominations including Best New Female Artist at the 2008 YGEA Awards, Best New Artist at the 2008 Gospel Choice Awards and 2009 Stellar Awards, Best Female Singer for the 2010, 2011, and 2012 Gospel Choice Awards, Best Urban Contemporary Solo Artist and Best Rhythm & Praise Solo Artist for the 2013-2014 Prayze Factor People Choice Awards. With all her accomplishments, she is yet a faithful servant in her community.
Sonya is the founder of four community organizations including: Sing for a Cure, which assist those who are battling cancer or have lost loves one’s to cancer, Psalms of Thanks, which serves as a vehicle that provides food, and clothes to those individuals that are less fortunate, Project Think, an adolescent and teen empowerment movement, and Blessed to be a Blessing, serving the community, meeting their needs and empowering families. Sonya has experienced monumental success of her chart topping first Project "My Journey", and is currently working on her sophomore album "We Praise You" to be released in Winter 2017.