Gospel singer Johnmark Wiggan says the two nominations that he received in the 7th annual Sterling Gospel Music Awards are testament that his music is reaching its intended audience.

“I am feeling elated and excited. I’m very honoured to have received such recognition. This tells me that the impact and reach is growing, and the work is being valued by the industry and people at large,” Wiggan shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.

The nominations in the 2023 Sterling Gospel Music Awards were revealed on Tuesday evening via the event’s social media platforms.

Singer and minister Petra Kaye is the top nominee, appearing in three categories.

Wiggan is nominated in the Male Vocalist category and will go up against Kevin Downswell, Christopher Gayle, and Prince Saj.

In the Breakout Sensation category he competes with Oshane Mais, Biblical Lyricist, and Perry in Christ.

Wiggan, who is gearing up to release his début album on October 28, titled Validation, says the work that he has put in over the past year has been a learning experience.

“Powerful! God showing up event after event. Much learning and growth especially from proximity to people I get to learn from,” said the artiste who grew up in the church.

Wiggan, who was born in St Thomas, Jamaica, grew up in Antigua. He recently relocated to Kingston.

“I was always singing. It has been a passion for me, and it led to my first song which was produced by Sherwin Gardner. That song led me to the first runner-up position in the Emerge Gospel Challenge in Antigua in 2016,” said Wiggan.

It was seven years ago that Wiggan decided to pursue music professionally.

“I’m bringing a melting pot of sounds and genres. I was born in Jamaica so there’s reggae/dancehall in the blood. I was raised in Antigua, so soca raised me; however, I’m influenced by American gospel music, hence me playing the acoustic guitar at times,” he disclosed.

Wiggan’s latest single Work was released in June.