The Premier Gospel Awards took place at the prestigious Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, London, marking 50 years of gospel music in the UK. This magnificent event, organised by Premier Gospel Radio in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board, attracted gospel music enthusiasts for a remarkable evening of live performances and recognition across nine categories.
Prominent presenters from Premier Gospel radio joined forces with the artists they support to celebrate the music, message, and culture of UK gospel. The event showcased unique performances, including a Hip Hop Cypher featuring some of the finest rappers from the past three decades, and The Global Mic Toss, which included Grammy Award winners Israel Houghton and Travis Greene, Nigerian music phenomenon Dunsin Oyekan, and the multi-award-winning choir ZimPraise, among others.
The evening was further elevated by guest performances from renowned artists such as Annatoria, the youngest winner of The Voice UK, Tim Bowman Jr, three-time Mobo award winner Guvna B, and Jamaican artist Chevelle Franklin.
The winners of each category exemplify the exceptional talent and dedication that have shaped UK gospel music, its message, and its culture. The deserving winners include:
- Best Male Vocalist (sponsored by Mission Aviation Fellowship): Limoblaze
- Best Female Vocalist (sponsored by World Vision): Annatoria
- Best Song (sponsored by Unite the Union): Limoblaze – “Jireh”
- Best Album: Triple O – “Everything Left Unsaid”
- Best Video: Guvna B – “Bridgeland Road”
- Choir of the Year (sponsored by Release International): The Spirituals
- Best Group (sponsored by Hackney Fostering): Manor Collective
- Best Newcomer (sponsored by The Tab): Tofunmi Adorna
- Best International Act (sponsored by Prostate Cancer UK): Mercy Chinwo
In addition to honoring winners in various categories that recognise excellence in gospel music, the Premier Gospel Awards also paid tribute to exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to gospel music. Kanya King, Stormzy, Yolanda Brown, and Bukayo Saka were presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Award in recognition of their unwavering dedication and impact on the genre.
“I want to express my immense gratitude to the Premier Gospel Awards for honoring me with this award. My faith has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today, so it is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition.”
- Bukayo Saka
“Receiving this award was truly moving. I hope to see more gospel artists out there spreading such a positive message.”
- Kanya King CBE
“It is an incredible honor. I remember the early years when others overlooked gospel music, but Premier Gospel would interview me.”
- YolanDa Brown OBE
The Premier Gospel Awards achieved resounding success, bringing together the gospel music community for an evening filled with celebration and appreciation for its rich history and cultural influence. Attendees left feeling inspired by the powerful performances and heartfelt speeches that highlighted the significance of gospel music in today’s world.
“This was a defining moment for music, message, and culture. The future of Gospel in the UK shines brightly.”
- Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE
Photo credit featuring Kanya King CBE and Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE: © Manny’s Vantage
