Latest news from African Gospel Music Awards 2013

Several Nigerian Artistes have begun to react to the African Gospel Music Awards’ list of nominations released earlier this month by the nomination panel of the Africa Gospel Awards, after an extensive period of scrutiny of material from African gospel artistes and organizations. In exclusive interviews granted to Praiseworld Radio, gospel top notch-artistes Eben, Onos Ariyo, Gaise, Psalm Ebube, Joe Praize and Frank Edwards reacted to the their nominations in several categories of the awards.

Eben, whose album Phenomenon was nominated in the Album Of The Year category, said it was a great and  awesome feeling to be nominated, especially  as he did not expect it. “It feels great to be nominated at the Africa Gospel  Music Awards. I was busy sending broadcast messages  on behalf of Frank Edward  s my brother who got three nominations and I   didn’t care to check if I was nominated until   someone brought it to my attention.” “It feels awesome, im in the UK right now, it’s amazing to know that what we do back home  in Nigeria is celebrated around the world, even in Europe. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Meanwhile, Joe Praize described his nomination as something God did, rather than his own efforts as he just enjoys worshiping and praising God while awards pursue him. “I think this basically what God is doing, it’s nothing from our efforts, we just  love praising and worshiping God. Imagine you praising and worshiping  God, and awards just pursuing you from everywhere, it’s amazing you know,   but we thank God.” “You know, awards are beautiful, I always tell people, they are nice and  encouraging, but the point is not the awards. The point is we are working for our master, and our reward is from Him and Him alone.”

Frank Edwards, who is nominated in three categories including Artiste Of The Year said he felt encouraged and humbled and the nominations has inspired him to do more. “Well I feel honoured, encouraged and humbled. It   makes me want to do more, even though the reason   I do what I do is not for the awards. But when you   get nominated like this, it means people appreciate  what you do. Thumbs up to the awards’ body.” When asked how he feels about being the only Nigerian, apart from Joe Praize in the Artiste Of The Year category, “Yeah, well….i’m currently holding the award and I  just may take it again”, he said

Gospel rapper Gaise who has been nominated for Artiste of the Year (West Africa) as well as Afro Rap Artiste of the Year said he was really happy that his music was getting attention on a larger platform. “It’s an awesome feeling you know. I’m really happy,   it shows we are making progress [and] getting attention  on a larger platform. I’ve had nominations and awards   around Nigeria, but this is on a bigger level.”

Nigerian gospel diva Onos Ariyo who has been nominated in 3 categories: Artiste of the Year (West Africa), Song of the Year and Female Artiste of the Year, described her feeling as one of excitement and gratitude to God for being recognised. “I’m very excited, I’m very grateful to God for being recognised in those 3 categories,  I feel excited and really really honoured. [There are] so many great things  happening [to me] this year, Thanks be to God.” Psalm Ebube, of the Kabio Osi fame described his nomination as a result of God’s favour  he also said that it was good that gospel music of Nigerian origin was gaining recognition across the world. “Well this is Kabio’ Osi (Almighty God) at work. I sincerely wasn’t   expecting the AGMA nomination. I just got messages on Facebook and   Twitter that I had been nominated for the Artiste of the Year (West Africa) category.” The awards event is scheduled to be held at the prestigious Queen Mary’s University of London in the trendy and vibrant part of East end of London, on Saturday July 5 this year. Remember, you can vote for your favourite artiste on www.africagospelawards.com Stay  tuned to Praiseworld Radio for all updates on the AGMA 2013. Source: http://praiseworldradio.com

AFRICA GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS (AGMAs) IS BACK! AGMA 2013 TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!

The Africa Gospel Music Awards (AGMAs) is back this summer with more vivacity, Spirit and Praise than ever. Held at the prestigious Great Hall of Queen Mary’s University, the event will undoubtedly be a night to remember and draw the huge crowds it is famed for on Saturday 6th July 2013. The AGMAs are an annual celebration and recognition of African Gospel music; uniting both current and legendary gospel artists from around the globe. This red carpet event celebrates its 4th anniversary this year and will feature energetic ministrations from highly talented musicians. Artistes include Tehila Crew (Nigeria) Cwesi Oteng (Ghana), Dena Mwana (DR Congo) Charisma Hanekam (South Africa) Jackie Mugabo (Rwanda/UK) Pappy Messages (DR Congo/UK), PK Boadi (Ghana/UK), Josephine Atanga (Cameroon/USA) Beatrice Muniu (Kenya/UK) Isabella Uzodike (Nigeria/UK), Isaac Frempong (Ghana/UK) Myco Chris (Uganda/UK) and JayEss, with hosts Comedian MC Mark, TV host Praise Asemota and Worship Leader Shola Victor-Sajowa. Various awards will be presented throughout the night to individuals and organisations voted for by the public and 4 AGMA special awards interspersed with vibrant, spirit lifting ministrations guaranteed to enthral and inspire. VIPs will be treated to a pre-show lounge reception followed by all guests set to experience an outstandingly exquisite celebration of African gospel music from all around the world. Last year’s AGMAs was attended by High profile audience members including various High commissioners, Actress Fatima Jabbe, footballer Sonnie Aluko, Rev Bazil Meade (Founder of the London Community Gospel Choir), Radio presenters, industry stalwarts and African gospel music enthusiasts. The night was filled with explosive performances by various artistes including BNG, Guvna B and Emmy Kosgei who won in the song of the year category. This year’s ceremony promises to be bigger and better with a new venue and maintains its reputation as the only Gospel Music event that brings together all Africans and supporters of African music. It will be a night not to be missed.   Have you voted? Come on, Let's get the praise on!