Power Moves & Purpose: Powerhouse Journalist Dr. Tara S. Merchant Interviews CeCe Winans, James Hall, and Stokely in a Soul-Stirring Tribute to Music, Faith & Legacy Featuring LaTocha of Xscape

In a moment that feels both timely and timeless, media powerhouse Dr. Tara S. Merchant, a motivational speaker, founder of Yada TV Network, and host of Let’s Have A Conversation and The Upscale Digital Podcast brings together four music icons for a deeply moving, multi-generational conversation on legacy, evolution, and purpose.

What unfolds is more than a series of interviews.

It’s a celebration of sound and spirit, curated by a woman whose own journey in media is built on elevating authentic voices.

From gospel royalty to R&B legends and soulful innovators, Dr. Merchant’s interviews with CeCe Winans, James Hall, Stokley, and LaTocha reveal the personal truths behind the public personas.

CeCe Winans: The Power of Grace in Motion

CeCe Winans, the most-awarded female gospel artist in history, has long been a beacon of inspiration. With 17 GRAMMYs, dozens of Dove and Stellar Awards, and a voice that has defined generations, her accolades speak volumes—but it’s her humility and faith that resonate most in her sit-down with Dr. Merchant.

“I never wanted to just be heard. I wanted people to feel the presence of God,” CeCe shares during the conversation. That mission continues to unfold through her latest work, More Than This, a project already producing songs poised to become new gospel anthems. With the success of “That’s My King” and “Come Jesus Come,” she remains an unmatched force in music and ministry.

Offstage, CeCe and her husband Alvin Love are spiritual leaders at Nashville Life Church, extending her message of grace into the community.

Her ongoing tour has seen overwhelming support, with near sellouts in every city—proof that the world still leans into CeCe’s anointing.

James Hall: Reviving the Choir, Reigniting the Fire

Gospel music has its masters, and James Hall is one of them. Known as “The Choirmaster,” Hall revolutionized the choir movement with his dynamic arrangements and unmatched energy.

In his conversation with Dr. Merchant, Hall opens up about his journey from modest church pews to the national stage. “The choir is still alive and it just needed revival,” he declares, eyes gleaming with conviction.

Through his ensemble Worship & Praise, Hall continues to deliver explosive live experiences and soul-shaking compositions, proving that traditional gospel can still move the masses when presented with power and passion.

LaTocha: More Than a Voice, A Vision

As one-fourth of the iconic R&B group Xscape, LaTocha helped define the sound of the ’90s. But what’s most exciting is what she’s doing now.

Her evolution from chart-topping artist to full-blown entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. Through Made Girl Music and Made Girl Media, she’s crafting a new narrative—one that fuses her musical talents with wellness, food, and creative storytelling.

Speaking with Dr. Merchant, LaTocha exudes purpose. She’s not chasing trends, she’s setting them.

As a solo artist and cultural architect, she’s redefining what it means to thrive as a multi-dimensional Black woman in entertainment.

Stokley: The Soul Evolution

Stokley has always been known for his rich, velvet voice and musical brilliance as the frontman of Mint Condition, but these days, his solo career is telling a different, more expansive story.

With Introducing Stokley and Sankofa, he’s emerged as a solo force to be reckoned with.

His single “SHE” became his first #1 hit, dominating both the Billboard and Mediabase UAC charts for two consecutive weeks after a steady 28-week rise. “Level” and “Organic” also made waves, proving that his artistry thrives outside the band that made him famous.

In Sankofa, released in collaboration with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’ Flyte Tyme/Perspective Records and BluraffeEntertainment, Stokley brought in a star-studded lineup including H.E.R., Snoop Dogg, Wale, and even his father, Mahmoud El-Kati for a project that felt both personal and universal.

His recent cameo in Coming 2 America, where he reimagines the iconic “Soul Glow” jingle, reminded audiences of his playful charisma, while a new movie role playing himself in the upcoming Lionsgate film Crossroads Café alongside Michael Jai White signals yet another chapter in his creative journey.

As Dr. Merchant notes, “Stokley’s career is the blueprint for how reinvention and authenticity can coexist.”

Dr. Tara S. Merchant: Elevating the Conversation

At the heart of it all is Dr. Tara S. Merchant, storyteller, truth-seeker, and one of the leading voices in today’s cultural dialogue.

Her gift lies in her ability to peel back the layers, inviting artists to speak not just as celebrities, but as human beings driven by faith, passion, and purpose.

“It’s not just about the songs,” Dr. Merchant says. “It’s about the journey behind the sound, the faith behind the fame, and the legacy that lives long after the last note fades.”

These conversations are more than interviews, they’re love letters to legacy, crafted with care by a woman who understands that behind every great voice is a greater story.

Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and insightful conversations with some of the world’s most influential individuals, and follow Dr. Tara S. Merchant on social media for updates on her latest projects across Upscale Magazine and Yada TV Network, Inc.

Follow Tara S Merchant on social media at yadatvnetwork_inc.