Keep The Faith About Town

The Holiday Inn Hotel in Bloomsbury, central London, played host to the first ever Gospel Explosion Music Media Awards (GXMMA), which celebrated those involved in the promotion of gospel arts in the UK and abroad.

The GXMMA Awards is the brainchild of gospel singer Annette B, and attracted people from across the UK, including a large contingent from Birmingham. Those present included Bishop Llewellyn Graham, CEO of Nehemiah Housing Project – a major GXMMA sponsor; reggae gospel singer Joshua Kesler, and Premier Radio presenter Belinda Simpson.

The evening was jointly hosted by BEN TV presenter Andrew Jordan and New Style Radio host, LJ. The nominees had been nominated by the public, and the winners chosen via public votes. Over 3000 votes had been received.

A total of 33 awards were presented on the night. Categories included: Best Group, Best Praise and Worship Artist, Best R’n’B Artist and Best DJ. Performers included Lytie, Isabella and Rev Alan Cowley.

There were three multiple award winners: DJ Proclaima won three awards – Best DJ, Best On-Air Personality and Best Radio Station; reggae gospel artist Joshua Kesler won Best Male Artist and Best Newcomer, and African gospel artists Isabella Melodies won two awards for Best Female Praise and Worship Artist and Best Album.

Annette B was pleased with the gospel music community’s response to the GXMMA Awards. And she shared with Keep The Faith About Town her aims for the awards: ‘The GXMMA Team endeavours to create a worldwide platform for all to see how good God is. By God’s grace, the GXMMA Awards will be an annual event, and we have already secured the date for next year, 26 March 2016.”

AWARD WINNERS
Reggae Male Artist of the Year – Chris Da Ambassada

Praise & Worship Male Artist of the Year – Lytie

Praise & Worship Female Artist of the Year – Isabella Melodies

Praise & Worship Group of the Year – Seth Pinnock & A.N.T

R’n’B Male Artist of the Year – Noel Robinson

R’n’B Female Artist of the Year – Cie

Hip Hop Male Artist of the Year – Jahaziel

Hip Hop Female Artist of the Year – D Shy (QUERY: MC Shy D?)

Afro Beat Male Artist of the Year – Kingzkid

Choir of the Year – Birmingham Town Hall Choir

Group of the Year – Raymond & Co

Album of the Year – Isabella Melodies

Song of the Year – Peter Spence

Male Artist of the Year – Joshua Kesler

Female Artist of the Year – Abi Megavoice

DJ of the Year – DJ Proclaima

Radio Station of the Year – Soulcure Radio

Sound System of the Year – Shekinah Sound Ministries

Best Newcomer – Joshua Kesler

Author of the Year – Marcia Dixon

Outreach Event of the Year – God’s Bride Ministries, Midnight Oil