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Home • Love & Sex

Smokie Norful

Smokie Norful
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
01
Live and Direct

Norful returns to his roots and delivers organic music through live performances.

Read our exclusive interview with Smokie Norful »

Smokie Norful
02
Faithfully

“There’s never a time that I’ve lost my faith,” says Norful, the father of two sons.

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Smokie Norful
03
Praise Worthy

Norful founded Victory Cathedra in September of 2005. “My whole ministry is about empowering and introducing people to the love of God through song and The Word,” he says. “My albums are very well-rounded so I don’t have one theme.”

Read our exclusive interview with Smokie Norful »

Smokie Norful
04
Preacher’s Kid

Grammy award-winning gospel artist Reverend W.R. “Smokie” Norful, Jr. follows in his father’s footsteps as the pastor of Victory Cathedral Church in Illinois.

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Smokie Norful
05
Global Music

Although a pastor of his own church, Norful reveals he prefers to steer clear of titles.

“I’m not a title-oriented person,” says Norful. “I feel the same way about my music, which empowers, encourages, uplifts and delivers a powerful message.”

Read our exclusive interview with Smokie Norful »

Smokie Norful
06
1

Read our exclusive interview with Smokie Norful »

Smokie Norful
07
Bringing Down the House

Norful sings his heart out to make sure his fans leave his concerts uplifted.

“They always say if you can reach one, your job is well done,” says Norful. “So I try with each performance and each sermon to do just that.”

Read our exclusive interview with Smokie Norful »

Smokie Norful
08
In the Spirit

Norful delivers a powerful performance that even makes him smile.

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Smokie Norful
09
Dynamic Duo

Norful is snapped here with Tony award-winning actress and R&B turned gospel artist Heather Headley. The two sing the duet “Jesus Is Love,” a remake of Lionel Richie’s original praise-worthy song, which also appears on her debut gospel album.

“I’ve always been leery about doing remakes,” says Norful. “But I’m happy we were able to do it.”

Read our exclusive interview with Smokie Norful »

Smokie Norful