Word has it that longtime gospel favorite Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper has signed with Light Records, with her debut solo project to hit stores in 2013. The Twitterverse became abuzz about it when, after this run of the historic The King’s Men Tour ended in Brooklyn, NY last night, fellow vocalist Charmaine Swimpson tweeted a photo of the contract signing:

Anaysha is widely known for her breathy and agile soprano voice as one of Kirk Franklin’s singers, and as a guest vocalist on numerous projects over the past decade, but Anaysha has been in the game for a loooong time.

Beyond her BGV work with countless artists in gospel and the mainstream, check her out as she sings “Lullaby of Broadway” in one of my favorite kid films, Life With Mikey. And if you don’t have the album that her Brooklyn-based home church released in 2000, He’s A Rock (Rev. Timothy Wright presents Bishop Eric R. Figueroa & The New Life Tabernacle Mass Choir), you’re missing out on some gems. Pay close attention to “Lord, I Love You,” one of my faves on the project.

She’s also the younger sister of Timiney Figueroa-Caton, who grew to prominence as a lead soloist with Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship Crusade Choir (“Calling My Name”), and who currently sings with Kurt Carr.

Ok, I could clearly go on and on, but suffice it to say– Anaysha’s signing has been a long time comin’. I’m looking forward to hearing the fruits of it! Something tells me that, with Light Records in the mix, it’s gonna be hot.

Congrats!