The 2023 edition of the Premier Gospel Awards, held at the prestigious Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, London, successfully celebrated 50 years of gospel music in the United Kingdom.
The glamorous event saw gospel artists from the UK and even from Nigeria win awards, such as: Mercy Chinwo, who won the award for the Best International Act (sponsored by Prostate Cancer UK); Limoblaze had a fantastic night winning two awards for the Best Song (sponsored by Unite the Union), and Best Male Vocalist (sponsored by Mission Aviation Fellowship).
The award night, which was organised by Premier Gospel radio in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board, attracted lovers of gospel music for a night filled with incredible live performances and awards across nine categories.
The event featured unique performances such as the Hip Hop Cypher with some of the best rappers from the last 3 decades and The Global Mic Toss, featuring Grammy Award winners Israel Houghton & Travis Greene, the Nigerian musical Phenom Dunsin Oyekan, the multi award-winning choir ZimPraise amongst others.
Other guest performances included a spectacular line-up of renowned artists: the youngest ever winner of The Voice UK, Annatoria, Tim Bowman Jr, 3 times Mobo award winner Guvna B, Chevelle Franklin from Jamaica.
According to a publication from Premiere Christian News, the winners from each category reflect the outstanding talent and dedication that has shaped UK gospel music, message and culture. The 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 recognising winners across nine award categories, special honourees Kanya King, Stormzy, Yolanda Brown and Arsenal Winger, Bukayo Saka received the Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Award for their dedication and impact on gospel music.
“…I just want to say a massive thank you to the Premier Gospel Awards for awarding me of this I’m really grateful. Of course I wouldn’t be where I am today without my faith so it a real big honour for me to receive this…,” Bukayo Saka said.
Premier Gospel is the voice of UK Gospel, showcasing the wide variety of styles in the genre. It is the platform for both established and up-and-coming gospel artists, with weekly specialist shows from Hip Hop, Latin, Afro Beats and more. The station is the official curator of the Gospel music playlist PGX for Apple Music.
Premier Gospel started broadcasting in 2010 and is part of Premier Christian Communications.
Launched in 2016, the Premier Gospel Awards event showcases the range of genres that make up gospel music and features performances by leading artists. This year’s headline acts include Ryan Hylton, Annatoria and The Spirituals.