Kingston came alive with inspiration and celebration last Thursday evening as the Sterling Gospel Music Awards (SGMA), widely known as “the Caribbean’s premier gospel music awards show,” officially launched its 2025 edition with a vibrant ceremony in the island’s capital. With this year marking the prestigious event’s 10th anniversary, the energy at the launch was electric.
Set for October 4 at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church, Braeton Parkway in Portmore, St. Catherine, SGMA 2025 is already shaping up to be a historic affair. This year’s theme, “African Elegance,” promises to blend red-carpet glamour, powerful performances, and an atmosphere of reverent celebration, all wrapped in a distinctly Caribbean flair.
During the launch event, the official list of nominees for the ninth staging of the awards was unveiled, drawing excitement from fans, industry insiders, and gospel music lovers across the region. The 2025 nominee list reflects the diversity, depth, and vibrancy of gospel music, not only in Jamaica but across the wider Caribbean and international diaspora. Categories for this year’s awards include Album of the Year, Male and Female Artiste of the Year, Group of the Year, Breakout Sensation of the Year, Caribbean Artiste of the Year, International Artiste of the Year, The Sterling Award for Excellence, Video of the Year, Gospel DJ of the Year, Gospel Personality of the Year, and several others.
Among the standout nominees are Jamaican gospel stalwarts such as Johnmark Wiggan, Petra Kaye, Chevelle Franklyn, Kevin Downswell, Rhoda Isabella, and Prince Saj, whose collective impact on the local gospel scene continues to resonate. Also making waves are regional favourites like Levy’s Heritage and Guyanese powerhouse Samuel Medas. On the international front, gospel icons including CeCe Winans, Naomi Raine, and Chandler Moore lend star power to the awards’ growing global footprint.
In addition to the competitive categories, this year’s staging will honour five remarkable men of faith with the prestigious KFC Big Deal Kingdom Stalwarts Awards. These honourees, including Bishop Everton Thompson, Bishop Herro Blair, Bishop Ronald Blair (posthumously), Bishop Rohan Edwards, and Bishop Delford Davis, have each made an indelible mark on Jamaica’s spiritual and cultural landscape through their leadership, legacy, and unwavering service to the gospel community. Organisers have also hinted at two surprise “Big Deal” spotlight awards that will be announced live during the ceremony, adding to the night’s anticipated high points and unforgettable moments.
Now, with its 10th anniversary fast approaching, SGMA 2025 aims to be more than just an awards show. The upcoming ceremony promises dynamic live performances, celebrity presenters, and special musical collaborations that will showcase the best of what Jamaica and the wider gospel world have to offer. With a global broadcast planned, the reach of Caribbean gospel continues to grow, bringing the message and the music to audiences worldwide.
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