In a genre full of gospel heavy hitters, Tasha Cobbs holds her own as an undeniable powerhouse. From breaking chains to glass ceilings, the Georgia native’s anointing is so powerful it’ll make a mute holler. The Grammy award winner verbally ministers to the souls of believers, ushering fans into the presence of God where deliverance reigns and glory resides.
But don’t let her sweet, humble spirit fool you. Cobbs is a stage assassin, dominating platforms and slaying strongholds through her zeal for Christ. Her passion for exposing Christ to the masses through music, drenched in glory and saturated in holy oil, helps launch her purposeful career to elevated heights song after song.
With a super natural touch that only God could provide, it’s no wonder why the colorful fashionista is a force to be reckoned with. Conducting kingdom work while encouraging audiences to trust the light at the end of the tunnel, Cobbs’ testimony of Christ’s favor and perfect love, makes the commanding vocalist a true vessel of God’s message.
Vixen caught up with the recording artist as she dished on her new album One Place Live, her weight loss journey and advice for anyone going through trying times.
VIXEN: Describe your new single, “Jesus Saves.”
Tasha Cobbs: “Jesus Saves” is very refreshing. When I wrote the song, I was kind of torn because it just repeats two words. But when I thought about it, it’s the basis of what we believe; that Jesus saves no matter what your situation is, whether needing salvation in general or needing to be saved from anything.
My testimony is I battled depression and rejection in 2007 and it was very strong. I was ministering at my church every week but I’d go home depressed and rejected. I needed Jesus to save me from that and He absolutely did.
What can fans expect from your new album, One Place Live?
I believe God called me to be a worship leader. That’s who I am. So I released songs that’ll bring awareness to the presence of God, no matter where you are, whether you’re in your car, at home, at church or your job. When you put on this album you’ll feel the presence of God and that’s what I’ll do until my time is up.
We’re releasing it at the end of the summer around August and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it! We took the time to really work it and make sure it’s excellent. I believe it’ll help change lives.
“I was ministering at my church every week but I’d go home and be depressed and rejected.”
What is your go-to song for encouragement?
Right now I listen to a song by Brian Courtney Wilson, who’s also one of my label mates. He has this song called “I’ll Just Say Yes.” It’s talking to Jesus singing: “I’ll say yes/ you lead the way/ I’m not afraid of what it means for me to say yes.” I believe my yes will carry me, so whenever I’m feeling down or my career gets challenging I’ll put that song on to say yes to God and He’ll work it out.
How did you handle receiving a Grammy days after your father’s death?
I tell people all the time I had to grow up in a week. My father was with me at the Stellar Awards then the next day, he was called home to be with Jesus. Seven days later, I won a Grammy so it was like my life was on a roller coaster. That week was like a blur. My mind was toiling like what is going on? The grace of God and the strength of God carried me through that week.
Two weeks later, I had to get back on the road. I tell my mentees all the time just because life happens, it doesn’t take away from your calling or your assignment because they’re people who still need chains broken in their lives. As I was standing on the stage, God spoke to me saying the peace and energy that I needed is in His presence. And He was right. I can’t find what I need anywhere else. What I really need is in the presence of God and that’s how I make it through. So when I’m on stage, people ask me all the time how do I give it 100% every time and it’s because I know my life depends on being in the presence of God.
What advice would you give to someone who’s going through a difficult time right now?
I would say pursue the presence of God. Sometimes when you’re going through it, you can’t even find the words to pray. But what I love about God is that he’s omnipresent. So wherever you are, you don’t have to be deep and spiritual—whether you’re lying in the bed or in the house, just seek His presence. The Bible says, “If you search for Me, you will find me.” And that’s a promise and God’s promises are always ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen.’ Whatever your need is, I believe His presence will show up and you will find comfort.
And He also gives you direction in His presence. Many people are confused about decisions they need to make, but all of those answers are in the presence of God.
“You may fail today or even all week, but always pick it back up.”
What would you say to the person who wants to pursue a gospel music career?
This is one of my favorite questions because I get to talk about mentorship and being faithful where you are. Many times people think an artist just comes out of nowhere, but they’re so many artists I know who did their due diligence at their home churches, singing in groups or background singing. I believe sometimes people want to kick doors down or open windows by themselves and not be faithful where God has you right now.
For five years, I traveled the world with my pastor William Murphy and nobody knew who I was or my name. In 2010, that’s when he released me for my season, but that’s because I was faithful to another man’s vision. Back then I was studying for God’s approval. I encourage people to get books on what God has called you to do, study people who are doing what you’re called to do and be faithful. God will bless you in your time.
Be content where you are, but still have faith for what’s to come.
Yes!
One of the many things that separates you from other gospel artists is your style and hair. What is the inspiration behind your different looks?
I’ve always been into fashion so all the stylists I work with will tell you I’m very verbal on whatever style they choose for me. If I wasn’t singing, I would probably style people. Fashion is a part of who I am.
Describe your weight loss journey spiritually and physically.
I didn’t expect it to be as heavy spiritually, but physically it’s given me such a freedom. It’s something you have to work towards daily. You have good days and bad days, but you never give up. In 2009, I was walking through the mall with my cousin. Although I was overweight, I’ve always been athletic, but the weight began to weigh on me when we had to stop so I could catch my breath. That’s when I realized I had to make a drastic decision that I have to choose to live because I had an assignment on my life. That’s when I decided weight will not kill me. I didn’t have a diagnosis, but I didn’t want to have one, neither. I have to do my assignment either way, but me and God are still doing it together. I want to tell whoever’s reading this, you may fail today or even all week, but always pick it back up.
What else can fans expect from Tasha for the rest of the year?
We’re going to be touring several cities and events including Megafest, and a worship leaders conference in Washington D.C. I’ll be popping up in some cities spreading the message that Jesus saves and paving the way for One Place Live. You can follow me on my website, TashaCobbs.org to see if I’m coming to a place near you.