Sterling Gospel Music Awards unveils 2025 nominees

The Sterling Gospel Music Awards (SGMA), which has become known as “the Caribbean’s premier gospel music awards show”, recently unveiled the official nominees for its ninth staging, set to take place on October 4 at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church, Braeton Parkway, Portmore, St. Catherine.

The 2025 nominee list highlights the diversity and depth of gospel talent across Jamaica, the Caribbean, and beyond. Categories 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 more. Notable nominees include Johnmark Wiggan, Petra Kaye, Chevelle Franklyn, Kevin Downswell, Rhoda Isabella, Prince Saj, Levy’s Heritage, Samuel Medas, CeCe Winans, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, and others.

In addition to the competitive categories, SGMA 2025 will bestow the prestigious KFC Big Deal Kingdom Stalwarts Awards on five distinguished leaders of faith: Bishop Everton Thompson, Bishop Herro Blair, Bishop Ronald Blair (posthumously), Bishop Rohan Edwards, and Bishop Delford Davis. These men of vision and service have each played an indelible role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of Jamaica’s gospel community. Adding to the excitement, two surprise ‘Big Deal’ spotlight awards will also be revealed on the night of the ceremony, promising to create memorable moments for patrons both in attendance and watching worldwide.

Over the past three years, the Sterling Gospel Music Awards has crowned some of the most impactful talents in gospel music, cementing its reputation as the Caribbean’s premier gospel awards platform. In 2022, honourees included Chozenn, Petra Kaye, Levy’s Heritage, Maverick City Music, and Nigel Wilkinson. The following year, 2023, Johnmark Wiggan experienced a breakout season, Petra Kaye maintained her consistent excellence, while Positive and gospel icon CeCe Winans were also celebrated. By 2024, Jai Kingston dominated with multiple category wins, Petra Kaye retained her crown as Female Artiste of the Year, Prince Saj captured E.P. of the Year with Conquest, and Samuel Medas, along with international powerhouse Dunsin Oyekan, underscored the global reach of the platform. This legacy reflects SGMA’s role in elevating gospel music, celebrating legends, and shining a spotlight on rising stars.

‘A God-inspired vision’

SGMA founder and director, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, expressed gratitude for the continued growth of the awards, saying: “Sterling has never just been about trophies. It’s about legacy, impact, and creating a space where gospel music and its leaders and emerging musicians and talent are celebrated at the highest level. This year, as we honour our Kingdom stalwarts and showcase fresh talent, we are reminded of the depth of excellence within our community.”

She added, “I believe SGMA is a God-inspired vision. My prayer [always] is that, each year, this platform not only uplifts the artistes but also inspires the next generation of gospel leaders across Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the world.” I

In reflecting on the journey, Barnaby-Cuff noted both the challenges and triumphs and shared her vision for the upcoming milestone year: “As we look ahead to Sterling 10, we are preparing to mark a full decade of celebrating gospel excellence. Our vision is to take the awards even further ... expanding our international reach, strengthening industry partnerships, and creating even more opportunities for artistes and stakeholders to shine. Ten years is a milestone, and we want Sterling 10 to be a true jubilee that honours our past, celebrates our present, and ushers in a bold future for gospel music.”

Hosted under the theme ‘African Elegance’, the organisers stated in a press release that “this year’s event promises to be a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and excellence, blending red-carpet glamour, electrifying performances, and a global broadcast experience”.

The ceremony will also feature dynamic live performances and collaborations from Jamaica’s top gospel artistes, along with celebrity presenters and surprise awards to elevate the excitement of the night.