Kingdom Business: An Electrifying Gospel Music Drama
Kingdom Business is a powerful American musical drama series that dives deep into the world of gospel music, blending themes of faith, fame, family, and redemption. Created by John J. Sakmar and Kerry Lenhart, the series is executive produced by gospel and entertainment heavyweights including Kirk Franklin, DeVon Franklin, and Holly Carter. The show premiered on BET+ on May 19, 2022, and as of late 2023, it has released two seasons totaling 16 episodes.
Set in Atlanta, the series centers around Denita Jordan, portrayed by gospel icon Yolanda Adams in her first major acting role. Denita is not only a global gospel superstar but also the First Lady of First Kingdom Church and the CEO of Kingdom Records, the most influential gospel label in the country. Her life and legacy are thrown into disarray when a young, fiery talent named Rebecca “Rbel” Belle, played by Serayah, rises from a controversial past as an exotic dancer to take the gospel world by storm.
The first season introduces a web of tension as Denita attempts to suppress Rbel's ascent, fearing not only competition but the exposure of buried family secrets. Rbel’s raw talent and viral success force the gospel elite to confront their own hypocrisies, while she fights for a place in an industry that often values reputation over truth. Meanwhile, Denita’s own household begins to crack under the weight of deception, infidelity, and betrayal.
The show’s second season, which premiered in November 2023, turns up the heat as Denita’s empire begins to crumble. Power struggles within the church and record label come to a head, and the Jordan family is thrust into a storm of scandal, media exposure, and dangerous alliances. Rbel’s star continues to rise, but so do the personal costs, leading to explosive confrontations and unexpected transformations.
Critically, Kingdom Business has been praised for its bold storytelling, dynamic characters, and especially its music. The series is filled with original gospel songs written and produced by Kirk Franklin and Warryn Campbell. Performances by Serayah, Yolanda Adams, and guest artists such as Chandler Moore, Koryn Hawthorne, and Ahjah Walls give the show emotional and spiritual depth. The music is not just background—it serves as the soul of the series, expressing the characters' innermost conflicts, hopes, and breakthroughs.
Visually, the show presents a polished and dramatic portrayal of the gospel music world, filled with lush staging, glamorous wardrobes, and intense performances. But beneath the shine lies a narrative that wrestles with themes of forgiveness, ambition, shame, and the tension between divine calling and earthly desires.
Yolanda Adams delivers a standout performance as Denita, embodying both regal confidence and heartbreaking vulnerability. Serayah, meanwhile, holds her own as Rbel, balancing grit, grace, and a raw voice that resonates with viewers. Supporting cast members and cameos from real-life gospel stars add layers of authenticity and excitement.
Kingdom Business is more than just a drama—it’s a bold, musical exploration of modern faith, power, and purpose. Whether you're drawn by the music, the characters, or the dramatic twists, the series offers a uniquely gripping look at a world where the line between ministry and industry is as thin as a note in a gospel song.
