Some of Jamaica’s top gospel artistes will be recognised at the third staging of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards scheduled for the Knutsford Court Hotel in St Andrew on Saturday, March 16.

The event will be staged under the theme “Royally Saluting Our Legends”.

The announcement was made at the event’s launch held at Hotel Four Seasons in St Andrew recently.

“It will be the Sterling experience,” said event founder/director Basillia Barnaby-Cuff. “The artistes we have chosen to honour this year have more than paid their dues to the industry and have paved the way for others to follow. They have also set the foundation for the gospel music industry in Jamaica to thrive and to achieve what it has, even today.”

This year’s recipients include: Stitchie, Papa San, Carlene Davis, the Grace Thrillers, Martin’s Heritage, Joan Flemmings, Sandra Brooks, and Shirley Willis. Album of the Year, Male Artiste of the Year, Female Artiste of the Year, Group of the Year, Breakout Sensation of the Year and Video of the Year, are among categories to be decided.

The evening will also feature live performances from Stitichie; 2016 Sterling Award Breakout Artiste of the Year, Kevin Heath; Ryan Mark, Rhoda Isabella; and fresh acts Oshane Mais and New York’s Kadidia.

The Sterling Gospel Music Awards is Jamaica’s only awards show for the genre and seeks to highlight the contribution of industry players. This year is first time the awards will be held in Kingston, having outgrown its home in Manchester.