Gospel music powerhouse Tamela Mann is back with her latest album, Live, Breathe, Fight, and she is eager to share the deeply personal message behind the project. As one of the most influential voices in contemporary gospel, Mann hopes her new album will provide comfort, strength, and inspiration to listeners, especially those going through difficult times.
In a recent interview, Mann shared her desire for the album to serve as a source of refuge and hope. “My prayer and hope is that people really take something from it and find joy and inspiration to live, breathe, and fight,” she explained. “Even when life is chaotic and rough, we have to keep living and moving forward. You can’t give in to the moment; you have to push through and get to that next point.”
The album’s title, Live, Breathe, Fight, encapsulates Mann’s belief in perseverance through life’s trials. It’s an anthem for those who are struggling, reminding them to hold onto faith and resilience despite the obstacles they face. As Mann puts it, the message of the album is not only about survival but also about thriving, even in the toughest circumstances.
One of the standout tracks on the album is the hit single “Working for Me,” which became her record-breaking 11th number one on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. The song’s success marks another milestone in Mann’s career, cementing her place as one of the genre’s most beloved and accomplished artists.
Reflecting on her musical journey, Mann, 58, shared that the lyrics are just as important to her as the melodies. For her, gospel music is about conveying a clear message of faith, hope, and strength. “I need the words to be clear, the lyrics to be clear on what the message is in each song,” she said. “We really tried to make sure that in every song, like in ‘Lord I Trust You,’ we’re speaking directly to God. It’s about trusting Him, no matter what you’re facing, knowing that He’s with you through it all.”
Live, Breathe, Fight is packed with songs that reflect Mann’s unwavering faith, with lyrics that encourage listeners to trust in God and never give up. The album also speaks to the importance of living in the moment, embracing the highs and lows, and finding strength in God’s presence throughout every season of life.
During the interview, Mann also addressed a shift in the music industry that became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noticed a significant increase in gospel music sales during the pandemic, which she attributes to the collective fear and uncertainty many people experienced during that time. “When the pandemic hit, gospel music sales went up because everyone was wondering, ‘Is the world coming to an end? What’s happening?’” Mann observed. “So many lives were lost, and we were in a really scary place. People turned to gospel music for hope and comfort, and I think that’s why it resonated so strongly during that time.”
Mann emphasized that while the pandemic may have heightened the need for spiritual support, the message of gospel music is one that should be embraced year-round—not just in times of crisis. “You need God all the time, not just when you’re in need,” she said. “You need Him in the good times and the bad times.” It’s a sentiment that is clearly reflected in the themes of her new album.
Despite the album’s success, Tamela Mann is showing no signs of slowing down. Along with the release of Live, Breathe, Fight, she’s set to appear in Tyler Perry’s upcoming film, Madea’s Destination, which is scheduled for release next year. Mann’s versatility as both a musician and an actress continues to make her a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world.
Fans of Tamela Mann can look forward to more of her soul-stirring music and powerful performances in the future. With Live, Breathe, Fight, Mann once again proves her ability to create music that not only entertains but also uplifts and inspires. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or simply seeking spiritual encouragement, Mann’s latest album offers a powerful reminder to keep living, breathing, and fighting—no matter what.