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Marvin Sapp announces new single 'Close the Door' following backlash from resurfaced clip
Apr 17, 2025
Grammy-nominated gospel artist Marvin Sapp announced the release of a new song in response to the widespread criticism sparked by a viral resurfaced video showing him asking for donations at an international church convention.
Titled "Close the Door," the single will be released on digital streaming platforms on April 18. Sapp says it "isn't just a song, it's a soundtrack for survival."
"I’m releasing it this Good Friday, the day we honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ," Sapp added in an Instagram post. "Just like He closed the door on death, Hell, and the grave, I’m closing the door on the noise, the pain, and everything that tried to break me."
The controversy stems from a viral video in which Sapp speaks in front of the congregation at the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies for the World Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, in July. In the video, he called on churchgoers in the building −and those watching online − to help raise $40,000 by giving $20 each.
"Ushers close the doors," the singer said repeatedly. "There's 1,000 of you tonight, and ... it's 1,000 watching online. This is a small seed."
After the clip went viral, social media exploded with memes, parodies, and backlash. Some people argued that Sapp was aggressive and held the congregation hostage. However, the singer known for gospel hits such as "Never Would've Made It" and "Praise Him In Advance", has since reiterated that his request was taken out of context.
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