terling Gospel Music Awards 2025: Honoring Excellence, Elevating Legacy

PORTMORE, ST. CATHERINE — The countdown is on for the ninth staging of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards (SGMA), widely recognized as “the Caribbean’s premier gospel music awards show.” On October 4, 2025, the Emmanuel Apostolic Church on Braeton Parkway will transform into a sanctuary of celebration, as gospel’s finest gather under the theme African Elegance for a night of worship, artistry, and honor.

🎶 A Showcase of Gospel’s Finest

The 2025 nominee list reflects the vibrant diversity and spiritual depth of gospel music across Jamaica, the Caribbean, and beyond. 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, and more.

Notable nominees include:

• 🇯🇲 Jamaican powerhouses: Johnmark Wiggan, Petra Kaye, Chevelle Franklyn, Kevin Downswell, Rhoda Isabella, Prince Saj, Levy’s Heritage
• 🌍 International icons: CeCe Winans, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Samuel Medas

These artists represent a tapestry of sound and spirit, each contributing to the global gospel movement with authenticity and anointing.

🏆 Honoring Kingdom Stalwarts

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
• Bishop Delford Davis

These men have shaped Jamaica’s spiritual and cultural landscape, and their recognition marks a moment of reverence and gratitude. Two surprise “Big Deal” spotlight awards will also be revealed during the ceremony, promising unforgettable moments for attendees and viewers worldwide.

📺 A Global Broadcast Experience

The event will feature dynamic live performances, celebrity presenters, and electrifying collaborations from Jamaica’s top gospel artistes. The 

 offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vision and excitement fueling this year’s celebration, highlighting the elegance, energy, and excellence that define SGMA.

✨ A Legacy of Impact

Over the past three years, SGMA has crowned some of gospel’s most impactful talents:

• 2022: Chozenn, Petra Kaye, Levy’s Heritage, Maverick City Music, Nigel Wilkinson
• 2023: Johnmark Wiggan’s breakout season, CeCe Winans, Positive
• 2024: Jai Kingston’s multi-category sweep, Petra Kaye’s continued reign, Prince Saj’s Conquest, and Samuel Medas alongside Dunsin Oyekan

This legacy affirms SGMA’s role in elevating gospel music, celebrating legends, and spotlighting rising stars.

🙏 A God-Inspired Vision

Founder and director Basillia Barnaby-Cuff shared her heart for the platform:

“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 are celebrated at the highest level.”

Looking ahead to SGMA’s tenth anniversary, Barnaby-Cuff envisions a jubilee that honors the past, celebrates the present, and boldly ushers in the future of gospel music.

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As the stage is set and the spirit of excellence rises, SGMA 2025 promises to be more than an awards show—it will be a divine encounter, a cultural celebration, and a global declaration that gospel music is alive, thriving, and transforming lives.