My Recount: Stellar Awards 2009
On January 16, 2009, I had the honor of ministering through music to some of the greatest names in the gospel industry. The 24th Annual Stellar Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee was an event of a lifetime for my wife and me (along with my mom and sister) .

We were blessed to sit next to the mother of the great Tye Tribbett at the nominees' banquet. She shared words of encouragement for me as a new artist, and she adopted me for the evening. :-) There were many other artists who congratulated me on my start in the industry and complimented me on my performance . I was amazed at the humility of artists such as Israel Houghton and Rance Allen who took the time to wish me blessings and success. A childhood favorite of mine, Daryl Coley, blessed the entire room with his words and his presence. Gospel legend, Andrae Crouch shared a humorous story with my wife and me about when he received his first Stellar Award years ago. He said he made sure to thank "Stella" for giving him the award. :-) It was a pleasure to meet each of the wonderful celebrities who were also gracious enough to be photographed with me. Thank you to the following artists and personalities for taking time to shake my hand: 21:03, Rance Allen, Maurette Brown-Clark, Lexi, Da T.R.U.T.H., Lee Williams, Lonnie Hunter, Niecy Tribbett, Israel Houghton, Jonathan Nelson, DeWayne Woods, George Huff, Marvin Sapp, James Fortune, Akintunde, Vashawn Mitchell, Ricky Dillard and Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson.

The performances at the Stellar Awards and the after party were outstanding! I almost said they were SICK or BEASTLY, but Donald Lawrence ministered to us and reminded us that we are to speak as kings, use positive words and "let the Word do the work." I have a new respect for Vickie Winans. She was hilarious! As were comedians, Akintunde and Sinbad. Donnie McClurkin and Karen Clark-Sheard sang an amazing duet that I'm sure my wife and I will be attempting to sing soon.

I have to thank the awesome Elijah Ray and the super Spiritfest committee for making this all possible. Next year I hope to thank you as I accept my awards. :-) God bless you!

Born and raised in the Ware Place community of Pelzer, South Carolina, Tiko's world was filled with music and singing even as a child. His paternal aunts, The Thurman Sisters, were well recognized in the local gospel circuits, and his paternal grandmother, Eliza Mae Thurman was a pianist extraordinaire. His maternal grandfather, George C. Clement, was a part of the gospel group, The Spiritual Travelers.

Tiko's family moved to Wichita, Kansas when he was eleven, and then to St. Louis, Missouri when he was fourteen. He sang on church choirs in both places. It was then that he learned he could really sing, and singing about the love of Jesus became his passion. His high school graduation from Parkway South in St. Louis, Missouri called for the invitation for him to sing at the commencement ceremonies.

After graduation, Tiko left his parents and sister in St. Louis to return home to South Carolina and study at Clemson University. After his freshman year, he met his lovely bride-to-be who encouraged him to sing in the school talent show. From that point on, he became known on campus as "that dude that sings".

College life can cause anyone to be led astray from the Lord, and Tiko was not careful to avoid that pitfall. But staying in church, and continuing to sing praises unto God brought him back to the safety of His arms. "Running back to you" was the song that led to his victory as SpiritFest Legend 2008-2009, and it is a true testimony.

Tiko and his wife, Stacy, enjoy singing together at various events and have two beautiful children, Deshante and Jordan, who are singers in their own rights. Tiko has had the opportunity to share the stage with several gospel and secular artists. His favorite artists include Marvin Winans, Commissioned, Marcus Cole, Canton Jones, Kim Burrell and Sammy Dotson to name a few. In addition to singing and preaching the word of God, Tiko enjoys running, lifting weights, and spending time with his family.

As an ordained minister and Spiritfest Legend 2008-2009, Tiko Thurman will be able to further live one of his favorite scriptures, Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.