The 6th edition of the StepFWD Awards is drawing closer, with more performers being announced and excitement building ahead of this year’s ceremony. IMRHAN and Emmanuel Smith are among the latest names added to the line-up, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks.
This year’s awards, taking place on 21 November 2026 at The Lighthouse Theatre, London, will celebrate the artists, songs and people making their mark on the UK Christian and Gospel music scene.
While preparations are underway, the theme for this year’s awards, ‘For His Glory’, has got artists talking. Some of last year’s winners have been sharing what those words mean to them, and their responses show just how personal the theme is.
IMRHAN, who won Male Artist of the Year in 2025, shared how his understanding of what Jesus Christ did on the cross has changed the way he sees life. He described ‘For His Glory’ as a state of mind he has entered, where everything he does is centred on Christ.
For him, it starts from the moment he wakes up. How he speaks to his wife and family, how he serves them and even how he prays for those who persecute him are all opportunities to give God glory. It is not something he reserves for the stage or his music. It is how he now chooses to live.
Kaye Marie, last year’s RnB/Soul Song of the Year winner, spoke about the heart behind everything she does. Her desire is to introduce people to Christ and help them understand who God is and what He has done.
For her, ‘For His Glory’ means that in everything she does, Christ must be seen. That is the purpose behind her music and the message she wants people to take away.
Kingsley Wray, who won Reggae Song of the Year, shared a similar view. For him, the theme means trying to live his life in a way that honours God. Whatever he does, he wants to reflect Him, make Him proud and ultimately give Him the credit.
Glasby, winner of the 2025 Rock/Alternative Song of the Year, took his explanation a little further, pointing to the biblical instruction that whatever we do, whether eating, drinking, performing or recording music, it should all be for God’s glory.
He also spoke about making music that communicates the purpose, joy and truth of living for God, while helping other Christians become the best examples of Jesus they can be.
Listening to what these four artists had to say, one thing stands out. They may come from different musical backgrounds, but they share the same understanding that giving God glory is not limited to music.
For IMRHAN, it is seen in how he treats his family and others. For Kaye Marie, it is about making Christ known. Kingsley Wray wants his life to honour God, while Glasby sees both his music and everyday actions as opportunities to show what it means to follow Jesus.
Their responses bring to mind 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
It is interesting to hear this from artists who were celebrated for their achievements at last year’s awards. Having received recognition for their work, they are now speaking about the importance of giving that recognition back to God.
As the countdown to the 6th StepFWD Awards continues, the performance line-up is still growing, with more names and announcements expected ahead of the ceremony.
The awards will once again bring together the UK Christian and Gospel music community to recognise outstanding achievements across different genres and areas of the industry.
And if the thoughts shared by some of last year’s winners are anything to go by, ‘For His Glory’ is a theme that will mean much more than three words on the night.
The 6th StepFWD Awards takes place on Saturday, 21 November 2026, at The Lighthouse Theatre, London.
For His Glory!
