GOSPEL singer Kevin Downswell is pleased to be among this year’s Youth View Awards (YVA) nominations for Best Gospel Artiste.

“This is my fourth nomination, but each one feels like the first. I am very grateful, and I thank the supporters and the YVA’s team for considering me as one who is worthy to receive this prestigious nomination. This is the YVA, so it (the nomination) is a big deal,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

According to the singer, this is a boost for his career as it shows that people are being impacted by the work he is doing.

“It’s another step upwards and forward. It’s a great look,” Downswell continued.

Also nominated in the category for Best Gospel Artiste are Jermaine Edwards, DJ Nicholas, Chozenn, and Marion Hall (formerly Lady Saw).

For 2017, Downswell said he plans to focus more on pushing his album All The Way.

“We plan to push this new album internationally and do much more with it locally as well. I also plan to do more groundwork in the form of charity through The Kevin Downswell Foundation. I want to impact lives in a more tangible way,” he said. “People are in serious need, so I want to do my part to the fullest. This is the year of my greatest impact yet.”

Released in June 2016, the 17-track All the Way is produced by Kevin Downswell, Dwain “Wiya” Campbell of Barbwiya Productions, Adrian Scarlett of Hitz Factory Records, and Grammy Award producer Tyshane Thompson from Florida.

In addition to the title track, the set’s tracklisting comprises Goodbye World, Good News (It’s Gonna Be Alright), One Day and This Love (featuring Papa San).

“Every song on the album is about Jesus. The songs will deliver, and transform your (the listeners) lives,” he said.

A former bio-chemistry major at the University of the West Indies, Downswell got his break when he won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Song competition in 2003 and has never looked back.

“2017 is my year. I can feel it,” he said.

— Alicia Barrett