JAMAICA-born gospel artistes George Banton and Marvia Providence will be among five persons recognised in Canada for their contribution to Caribbean gospel.

Banton and Providence will be receiving the male and female international artiste awards, respectively.

The occasion — Canadian Caribbean Gospel Music Awards (CCGMA) — is being held at the Praise Catherdal Worship Centre in Mississauga, on Saturday.

"The CCGMA recognises, appreciates and promotes talented Canadian-Caribbean gospel music artistes who reside in Canada," Howard Mahoney told the Jamaica Observer.

He said his organisation — formed a year ago — also assists with youth development at the community level by working with non-profit groups.

Mahoney said unlike tradtional award events there would be no Best Artistes, Best Album, and Best Performer categories.

"Instead of giving the usual awards, we will be honouring those that have contributed to the furtherance of Canadian-Caribbean Gospel. The awardees were not nominated but was selected by a committee," he stated.

Other recipients for the evening include: Adrian Agard of Barbados, International Contributor of Caribbean Gospel Music Lifetime Award; Simone Banton, promoter; and radio programme Gospel Music Machine which is aired on CIUT in Toronto.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston