KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Sterling Gospel Music Awards (SGMA) has unveiled the official nominees for its 9th staging, set to take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Emmanuel Apostolic Church, Braeton Parkway, Portmore, St Catherine.

Hosted under the theme “African Elegance”, this year’s event promises to be a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and excellence, blending red carpet glamour, electrifying performances, and a global broadcast experience.

The 2025 nominee list highlights the diversity and depth of gospel talent across Jamaica, the Caribbean, and beyond. Notable nominees include JohnMark Wiggan, Petra Kaye, Chevelle Franklyn, Kevin Downswell, Rhoda Isabella, Prince Saj, Levy’s Heritage, Samuel Medas, Positive, CeCe Winans, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, and others.

Categories include Album of the Year, Male and Female Artiste of the Year, Group of the Year, Breakout Sensation of the Year, Caribbean Artiste of the Year, International Artiste of the Year, The Sterling Award for Excellence, Video of the Year, Gospel DJ of the Year, Gospel Personality of the Year, and more.

SGMA founder and director, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, expressed gratitude for the continued growth of the awards: “Sterling has never just been about trophies. It’s about legacy, impact, and creating a space where gospel music and its leaders and emerging musicians and talent are celebrated at the highest level. This year, as we honour our Kingdom stalwarts and showcase fresh talent, we are reminded of the depth of excellence within our community.”

She added, “I believe SGMA is a God-inspired vision. My prayer [always] is that each year, this platform not only uplifts the artistes but also inspires the next generation of gospel leaders across Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the world.”

In reflecting on the journey, Barnaby-Cuff noted both the challenges and triumphs.

“Each year we see Sterling grow, but it has not been without its challenges. Securing sponsorship to sustain and expand the event remains one of the hardest battles we face. Yet what keeps me motivated is the incredible impact gospel music continues to have on lives; bringing hope, healing, and inspiration and the few incredible partners who continue to see us through each year. That is why we press on, year after year, to give gospel music the stage and recognition it deserves,” Barnaby-Cuff explained.

In addition to the competitive categories, SGMA 2025 will bestow the prestigious KFC Big Deal “Kingdom Stalwarts” Awards on five distinguished leaders of faith: Bishop Everton Thompson, Bishop Herro Blair, Bishop Ronald Blair (posthumously), Bishop Rohan Edwards, and Bishop Delford Davis.

Audiences can look forward to an unforgettable evening marked by the glamour of the African Elegance Red Carpet and Glam Cam, and a rich culinary experience from Elite Food Stations.

The ceremony will also feature dynamic live performances and collaborations from Jamaica’s top gospel artistes, along with celebrity presenters and surprise awards to elevate the excitement of the night.

At the media launch of the 9th Annual Sterling Gospel Music Awards (SGMA) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, recording artiste JohnMark Wiggan commended the organisers for recognising the work of gospel creatives.

Sterling Gospel Music Awards (SGMA) Founder and Director, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, and her husband, Co-Founder Brian Cuff, embraced the evening’s “African Elegance” theme as they posed at the media launch of the 9th Annual SGMA on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the R Hotel, Kingston.