The prestigious Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, London, was the magnificent venue for the momentous Premier Gospel Awards, celebrating 50 years of gospel music in the UK. This glamorous event, presented by Premier Gospel Radio in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board, attracted gospel music enthusiasts for an enchanting evening filled with mesmerising live performances and awards across nine categories.
The presenters of Premier Gospel Radio joined forces with the artists they wholeheartedly support to honor the music, message, and culture of UK gospel. The event showcased unique performances, including the Hip Hop Cypher featuring some of the finest rappers from the past three decades and The Global Mic Toss, featuring Grammy Award winners Israel Houghton and Travis Greene, Nigerian musical phenomenon Dunsin Oyekan, and the multi-award-winning choir ZimPraise, among others.
The guest performances were truly exceptional, featuring a star-studded lineup of renowned artists, including Annatoria, the youngest-ever winner of The Voice UK, Tim Bowman Jr, three-time Mobo award winner Guvna B, and Jamaican sensation Chevelle Franklin.
The winners in each category exemplify the remarkable talent and unwavering commitment that have shaped UK gospel music, its message, and its culture. The deserving winners are as follows:
- 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 recognising the winners in the nine award categories that celebrate various aspects of gospel music excellence, special honorees Kanya King, Stormzy, Yolanda Brown, and Bukayo Saka received the Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Award for their remarkable dedication and impact on gospel music.
“I am truly grateful to the Premier Gospel Awards for honoring me with this award. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my faith, so receiving this recognition is a tremendous honor for me.”
- Bukayo Saka
“I was deeply moved to receive this award. 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 weren’t paying attention, but Premier Gospel would interview me.”
- Yolanda Brown OBE
The Premier Gospel Awards was an outstanding success, bringing together the gospel music community for a night of celebration and appreciation for its rich history and cultural impact. Attendees left the event inspired by the powerful performances and heartfelt speeches that underscored 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 is bright.”
- Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE
Photo credit featuring Kanya King CBE and Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE: © Manny’s Vantage
