In recent years, the influence of Gospel music of African origin has continued to rise within not just the African church but also within the worldwide church community. It is in appreciation of this phenomenal rise and quest for excellence that musicians, music lovers, members of the religious, business and entertainment communities from all over the world will congregate once again at the newly built East London Arts & Music main auditorium in London on the 2nd June 2018 to celebrate excellence in music and affiliated media outfits.
Though it had snowed heavily throughout the day, patrons of African gospel music attended the recent launch event in their numbers and were treated to fantastic performances by Nikki Seriki, Hannah Ola, Jeph Levi, Shoggy Tosh, Ccipo, Hanson Asiedu, Checko Ankrah and Grace Balafonte.
At this year’s African Gospel Music & Media Awards launch, which was held at Destiny House in London, founder and CEO of the awards, Mr Charles Koranteng assured patrons that arrangements have been put in place to ensure that an excellent event will be delivered. He said “Guests at this year’ awards will experience performances by African gospel music artistes of international repute from all around the world“.
He informed the audience, of confirmed artistes including several multi-award winners such as Isabella (UK/Nigeria), Dena Mwana (DRC), Joe Mettle (Ghana), Diana Hamilton (UK/Ghana), Judith Sephuma (South Africa), Calledout Music (UK/Nigeria), Blessing Ali (USA/Nigeria), Angel Benard (Tanzania) and Afriy David (UK/Ghana). For the first time, the event will also feature the acclaimed Reapers Choir. The event was hosted by Choir director and vocal coach Anu Omedeyi and worship leader, TV host and AGMMA executive Wole Awolola.
Messages were delivered by the chairman of the board of Advisors, Dr Charles J. Buckman, Muyiwa Olarewaju (Musician and Station Director of Premier Gospel), Sonnie Badu and Suffix, Hip Hop artistes and AGMMA 2017 winner from Malawi via video. AGMMA chalked another first at the launch by acknowledging the support and sacrifices of the spouses of gospel artisites and awarded them with special medals of appreciation.
Nominations for the 22 categories closed on Saturday the 31st of March 2018. Public Voting for the final nominees’ list will commence on the 21st of April 2018. The awards is organised by 1615 Media and Events Ltd and supported by Premier Gospel Radio, ABN TV, ABN Radio, aStepFWD, PrayzIn Radio, Relle Suites, P&D procurement Icon Towers Media. To purchase tickets please visit www.africangospelmusicawards.com.
