Gospel artiste Jai Kingston was a big winner at the eighth staging of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards on Saturday, October 5, at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church on Slipe Road in Kingston.
Commenting on his victory, Kingston said he was in “absolute awe” that he walked away with four awards.
“It felt so surreal, and I was left speechless—God truly did this, and I’m incredibly grateful. The next day, watching videos of the moment, it all hit me, and I cried tears of gratitude. I went into the event with low expectations, but God completely blew my mind. Not just one award, but four! This moment has humbled me deeply and reminds me that God’s timing is perfect. On behalf of my family and everyone who helped make this possible, thank you. Dreams are coming true, and they’re here to stay,” were his emotional words.
With the gospel industry personnel turning out in their full colours, it turned out to be an unforgettable night, marked by powerful tributes from Gilead Worship to the KFC Big Deal Awardees: gospel legends Goddy Goody, Junior Tucker, and Chevelle Franklyn. Adding to the excitement, first-time nominee The Gospel Beat by Neison Williams on Gospel Ja was named Most Rated Radio Programme of the Year, making a strong debut. The night’s top honour went to Kingston, who swept the awards for Male Artiste of the Year, Local Hit of the Year, Local Hit Producer of the Year, and Collaboration of the Year for his hit track No Hanky Panky featuring Radic.
Founder of the event, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, said the Sterling Gospel Music Awards were more than just an event, but a realisation of a God-given vision.
Over the past eight years, Barnaby Cuff has meticulously curated this experience to address a significant gap in the local gospel music industry. Now, in its eighth year, the awards have honoured countless acts, celebrated numerous winners, and garnered thousands of votes, standing as a testament to the growth and impact of gospel music in the region.
Winners on Saturday include:
Album of the Year
Validation- Johnmark Wiggan
E.P. of the Year
Conquest- Prince Saj
Female Artiste of the Year
Petra Kaye
Group of the year
H.U.M.B.L.E.
Breakout Sensation of the Year
Audia Spencer-Brown
Collab of the Year
No Hanky Panky- Jai Kingston ft. Radic
Local Hit of the Year
No Hanky Panky -Jai Kingston ft. Radic
Virtual Gospel Series of the Year The Dayelight Show
