With five nominations each, gospel recording artistes Johnmark Wiggan, Jai Kingston, and Petra Kaye are the leading nominees in the 2024 Sterling Gospel Music Awards.

The eighth staging of the annual awards will take place on Saturday, October 5, at Emmanuel Apostolic Church on Slipe Road in Kingston.

The vocal outfit H.U.M.B.L.E., Kevin Downswell, Prince Saj, Oshane Mais, and Radic each garnered three nominations.

Other multiple nominees include C.A.G. Family, DJ Marc, Blessed, Jucal Dyer, Sara-Ann Edwards Miller, Trevelle Clarke Whyne, and Ava Gay Blair Black.

Basilia Barnaby Cuff, founder of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards, told the Jamaica Observer on Friday that since the event was birthed, eight years ago, it has consistently highlighted the work of the gospel music fraternity.

“Our aim from the start was to highlight the work of individuals in the gospel music industry and honour their contributions, something we have successfully done since 2017,” said Barnaby Cuff.

She added: “It was always a dream to see Sterling blossom into what it is today. I just knew that it would take lots of hard work to achieve. We’ve been committed to the task and continue to put in the necessary work to ensure that our level of excellence is elevated each year.”

Barnaby Cuff recalled the challenges faced to stage the first edition.

“The first year was the most challenging because I had to mentally overcome being rejected by every sponsor I approached about the awards, a few years before that. Sponsorship has always been our biggest challenge. But year 1, getting it off the ground, and having people buy into the vision, was the hardest. Since then, we’ve had some committed yearly sponsors who have helped tremendously to make the awards possible each year,” Barnaby Cuff shared.

Asked what patrons can expect at this year’s staging, Barnaby Cuff said: “Our dress code this year is vintage glam, and we are looking forward to a fashionable display from those in attendance. As always, patrons can prepare themselves for an excellent production, soul-stirring performances and just a night of grand celebration.”

Some of the categories in the 2024 Sterling Gospel Music Awards are:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

• Validation – Johnmark Wiggan

• Decalogue – H.U.M.B.L.E.

• His Voice, Save Me – Jai Kingston

• Grace – Kevin Downswell

EP of the Year

• Yahweh’s Grace – C.A.G. Family

• Conquest – Prince Saj

• Talk Threwth – Threwth

• Breaking Barriers Riddim – DJ Marc & DaJourney Production

COLLAB of the Year

• Rock Medley – Oshane Mais ft Petra Kaye

• No Hanky Panky – Jai Kingston ft Radic

• Champion – Johnmark Wiggan & Kevin Downswell

• Run me dung – Johnmark Wiggan & Blessed Messenger

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

• Rock Medley – Oshane Mais ft Petra-Kaye

• Step Out – LeoNell Teape

• No Hanky Panky – Jai Kingston ft Radic

• Conquest – Prince Saj

• Talk About Mi God – Trevelle Clarke-Whyne

• The Prayer Medley – Petra Kaye

• Validation -Johnmark Wiggan

• Beautiful Day Remix – Prinz, Jermaine Edwards & Rushawn

MALE ARTISTE

• Kevin Downswell

• Johnmark Wiggan

• Prince Saj

• Jai Kingston

FEMALE ARTISTE

• Petra Kaye

• Rhoda Isabella

• Chevelle Franklyn

• Marvia Providence

LOCAL HIT

• No Hanky Panky – Jai Kingston ft Radic

• Work – Johnmark Wiggan

• Grateful People – Kevin Downswell

• Rock Medley – Oshane Mais ft Petra Kaye

• I’m doing better – Minister Marion Hall

DJ OF THE YEAR

• DJ Chinny

• DJ Marc

• DJ Noi

• DJ Rebirth