Awards show for gospel music launched

Andrew Clunis, Freelance Writer

JAMAICA IS soon to host an awards show dedicated entirely to gospel music. The Honeycomb Gospel Music Awards and show was announced on Tuesday night at the Jonkanoo Lounge, Hilton Kingston Hotel.

The awards presentation was conceived by Cheryl Neufville-Crooks and Patrick Hilton of Nu Imaje Courage Music.

The event is set for Sunday, June 11 and will be held inside the Grande Ballroom of the Hilton Kingston Hotel.

"Now that gospel music has come to the fore, we have to recognise that there were some people who paved the way for local gospel.

"Some people were thrown out of church for daring to declare the gospel using local music styles. We are seeking to honour those who made contributions at all levels to develop local gospel music", said Mrs. Neufville-Crooks.

There will be 30 awardees in various categories, among them radio personalities, producers of shows and recordings, singers, bands and groups, instrumentalists, personalities and journalism.

Among the artistes expected to perform at the inaugural Honeycomb Show are Chevelle Franklyn, Change, Judy Mowatt, Lester Lewis, Glacia Robinson, Edwin Myers, Sons and Daughters, Prodigal Son, Ziggy Soul, Fitz Major, WORD! Cross Culture, Flames of Glory, The Few and Martin's Heritage. Mrs. Neufville-Crooks said there might also be cameo appearances by awardees who are pioneers of local gospel.

The opening prayer was said by Veronica O'Brien. Desmond Young of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians (JFM) brought greetings.

The JFM will be getting the Queen Bee Award for its contribution to the development of local gospel music. "Because of their policy of ensuring that even one local act gets a chance to perform when foreigners come here, many local gospel artistes gained exposure and the industry grew. We are really thankful to them," said Mrs. Neufville-Crooks.

Representatives of the various sponsors spoke as well as Isaac Lawrence, leader and founder of the Gospelites, one of the first gospel bands in Jamaica.

There were also performances by Ziggy Soul and WORD!

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