Nyah Nile

The versatile Tamela Mann, aka Cora on TBS’s “Meet The Browns,” and a co-star in Tyler Perry’s “Madea Goes to Jail,” lit up the Best Buy on Winchester Road during a CD signing of her highly anticipated, faith-based sophomore project – “The Master Plan” – last Friday.

Fans lined up in great numbers to get a glimpse of Mann. “Meet the Browns” – another Tyler Perry creation – is the No. 1 rated show among African-American households, and it’s star, Mr. Brown, is Mann’s husband, David Mann. He made the trip with her to Memphis.

Nyah:  Hi Tamela. I must say thank you for a tremendous album. I listened to it and I love it. I think the public will be truly pleased with your new CD “The Master Plan.” What is going through your mind right now?

Tamela Mann delivers on her highly anticipated, faith-based sophomore project – “The Master Plan.” (Courtesy photo)

Fans lined up to see Tamela Mann during her recent CD signing in Memphis. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Willie Mae Irving, 103 years old of Collierville, came with her youngest daughter, Bettye Eskridge, to get Tamela Mann’s new CD and meet Mann and her husband, David Mann, two of her favorite stars. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Tamela Mann:  I am so excited about the big release of my new CD, words cannot explain.  It has been two years since the last release. It’s a big CD for me. I did a little more diversity with this one more so than with a traditional gospel CD… I even went back on this one and did my own rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Nyah:  I am glad you mentioned that song. I love that arrangement. I found myself getting a little teary-eyed on that song. It is one of those you have to get in your personal-pray closet and listen to. I am going to need that one later.

TM: (laughter) Well good… it is definitely one you can have for later. I am just really excited, Nyah. Because you know, just from doing the new and different shows we have coming out with Tyler Perry (that started on Nov. 4) and then to CD release, it’s a lot of work. But it comes with the territory and I am just really grateful to God right now.

Nyah:  Let me say this, I know it is rough and it has probably been crazy, but you are looking beautiful. I love the new look and thank you so much for coming to Memphis.

TM: Thank you so much. Can I ask you something?

Nyah: Yes, of course.

TM: I want to know what your favorite song is Nyah.

Nyah:  I love them all, however, the one that stands out too me the most is “I trust in you.” The story behind it and your inspiration for writing that one hit home for me and touched me the most. Tell me more about that one.

TM:  Ah yes. My son had a gun pulled on him in school and he didn’t want to tell me. It just so happened the Lord gave me the song on stage while I was performing in Tyler Perry’s “What’s Done In The Dark.” And when my son, David, called me from college telling me about all the bad stuff and someone pulling a gun on him, I began telling him, “You know David, we just have to get to a point in life where we just have to trust in God.” I started singing, “I trust in you,” and he started weeping and said, “Mom, that is a really good song.” And that’s what made me finish it….I wrote like five pieces on this album.

Nyah: If you could say anything to my Memphis readers and the world right now, what would it be?

TM:  I just want everyone to know “The Master Plan” was a song that God gave me, and it came from Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you…” He (God) said those words because he is there to keep us through these trying times. People are losing their homes and jobs, but all things are possible and we have to truly trust in God to see us through because man will let us down.

God is there though, and sometimes he has to take us through a trial period. But just know he will be there…. So I encourage you to trust in God, hang in there, and the sun will shine again.

(The new Tamela Mann CD “The Master Plan” is in stores now. Check out www.tamelamann.com. And you can search DavidTamelaMann on Facebook for more info and scheduled appearances.)

(If you have questions, comments or would just like to have “All Over Town” Nyah Nile at your next event, email nyah@tri-statedefender.com)