The Sterling Gospel Music Awards (SGMA) has announced its 2025 nominees, setting the stage for what promises to be a vibrant celebration of Caribbean gospel music excellence.
The ninth annual ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Emmanuel Apostolic Church on Braeton Parkway in Portmore, St Catherine, under the theme “African Elegance”.
This year’s nominee list showcases the rich diversity of gospel talent spanning Jamaica, the Caribbean, and international markets. Among the notable contenders are established artists like JohnMark Wiggan, Petra Kaye, Chevelle Franklyn, and Kevin Downswell, alongside rising stars such as Rhoda Isabella, Prince Saj, Levy’s Heritage, and Samuel Medas. International artiste, CeCe Winans, Naomi Raine, and Chandler Moore have also been nominated.
A significant highlight of the 2025 ceremony will be the presentation of awards to five faith leaders who have shaped Jamaica’s gospel landscape. The honourees include Bishop Everton Thompson, Bishop Herro Blair, Bishop Rohan Edwards, and Bishop Delford Davis, with Bishop Ronald Blair receiving the honour posthumously.
Event organisers have also planned two surprise spotlight awards to be revealed during the ceremony, adding an element of anticipation for both live attendees and the global viewing audience.
The Sterling Gospel Music Awards has been one of the Caribbean’s leading gospel music platforms for nearly a decade of operation. Recent years have seen breakthrough moments for artists like Johnmark Wiggan’s 2023 breakout season, Jai Kingston’s dominant 2024 performance with multiple wins, and consistent recognition for artists like Petra Kaye, who has maintained her position as a leading female artist in the genre.
The platform has also demonstrated its international reach, with previous honourees including Maverick City Music and Dunsin Oyekan, reflecting the global influence of Caribbean gospel music.
SGMA Founder and Director, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, emphasised the Awards’ broader mission beyond recognition. “Sterling has never just been about trophies,” she said. “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.”
However, Barnaby-Cuff acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the event’s sustainability. “Securing sponsorship to sustain and expand the event remains one of the hardest battles we face,” she explained. Despite these obstacles, she remains committed to the vision, driven by gospel music’s continued impact in “bringing hope, healing, and inspiration”.
