Wow – the 4th annual StepFWD Awards was a night to remember! Held at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, the StepFWD Awards saw hundreds of artists, producers, and fans come together to celebrate the incredible talent on display in the UK Christian and Gospel Music community.
Hosting the event were the incredible Noel Robinson and Philippa Hanna who made a phenomenal duo that shone on stage – quite literally in Philippa’s case, as she dazzled in a stunning black sequin suit. Noel Robinson opened the event with prayer, handing the awards ceremony to God, as all the music and artists we celebrated were working to bring glory to the Lord and worship Jesus’s mighty name.
The first performance by Reblah made waves in the audience, as he had the whole room up on their feet declaring the name of Jesus.
COO of AStepFWD Tolu Adebekun shared how music serves as a connection point for people who aren’t saved. Music is often talked about in terms of an ‘industry’, but as Christians our music can also be a ministry. As such, Philippa Hanna coined the term “mindustry” to represent such a dynamic of Christian music being both.
The first award of the evening, the Indie | Folk | Acoustic Song of the Year, was awarded to ‘Human Like Me’ by Sarah Teibo. This beautiful song reminds us of our shared humanity and touched hearts with its raw emotion. Stemming from Sarah’s experience with thyroid cancer, which affected her vocal cords, this moving masterpiece reminds us that God can do incredible things with us despite our flaws or perceived failings. His strength is shown in our weakness.
The next award, for Rock | Alternative Song of the Year, was won by ‘We’ll Be Alright’ by Ian Yates, who accepted with immense gratitude via video.
Music Video of the Year was given to ‘Mirror Mirror’ by Still Shadey, a powerful artistic piece that showcases teenagers who were given the opportunity to explore who they see in the mirror; a question Still Shadey had wrestled with and chose to explore in this song.
The second performance of the evening by Dani Miche and Saintz had everyone up and clapping to Saintz’ recent single ‘Hope Future Destiny’.
Founder of the University Gospel Choir of the Year competition Lorraine Wright-Boateng MBE presented the next award: Pop Song of the Year. This was given to ‘Gonna Be Okay’ by Jerub, who had an impressive four songs nominated for this category.
Before the next award, our wonderful hosts led us in a live worship session, declaring ‘Yes Lord’, which filled the theatre with an incredible, infectious energy.
The RNB | Soul Song of the Year went to ‘Fountain’ by Annatoria ft. Joe L Barnes. Big Church Festival’s Tim Jupp presented the New Artist of the Year award to Sondae, which was met by rapturous applause from the crowd.
We were treated to a stirring performance from Croydon Church ft. Hillsong Croydon, New Life, Praise House and more, of ‘Holy Forever’. Philippa and Noel took up this baton and let the entire audience in a moment of worship repeating this beloved song with pulled back instrumentals. I know I am not alone when I say that this was truly a heart-moving moment.
Philippa Hanna shared her enthusiasm for the next category – Electronic | Dance Song of the Year – as it reinforced Tolu’s earlier message about how music can bridge the gap to those who don’t know Christ. This award, presented by Kristina and Chris Jones from Beckview Studios, was given to ‘Joy’ by Rave Jesus, Martin Smith ft. Faye Simpson and Pat Knight-Scott.
Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE presented the Reggae Song of the Year, which went to ‘I Love You (God We Love Riddim)’ by Shadrach ft. Joshua Kesler.
For International Artist of the Year, we had a video presentation by Jackie Patillo from the GMA Dove Awards. This award was well deserved by its winner Brandon Lake, whose extraordinary talent and heartfelt artistry has touched countless lives across the globe.
The Chillhop | Lofi Song of the Year went to ‘Gratitude’ by Sxxnt. and Sara Damon.
Limoblaze performed his wonderful song ‘No Greater Love’, supported by BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir, the winners of this year’s University Gospel Choir of the Year competition. The blend of Limoblaze’s vocals with the supporting harmonies from the talented choir members created a truly special moment on stage.
The next awards were for Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year, which went to ‘Victory Is My Name’ by Sinach, and Producer of the Year, which was awarded to TBabz. Album of the Year was given to “Victory Sounds” by Sinach, and Rap Song of the Year was won by ‘Need You’ by Reblah.
The Lavine Hudson Award for Vocal Excellence was awarded to Michelle John, recognising her incredible talent, hard work, and the passion she puts into every vocal performance.
Still Shadey + Y Shadey performed next, also supported by BIMM. The energy their performance generated was palpable to all who witnessed it, as the subtle yet strong melodies of the choir lifted the powerful rap music delivered by the real-life brother duo.
Afrobeat Song of the Year was awarded to ‘Put it On God’ by Limoblaze and Annatoria. They accepted the award together and shared how this collaboration had come about, beginning with thoughts that Annatoria couldn’t finish the song they were trying to do, and ending with how she sang along to the song Limoblaze played her and he knew he couldn’t ignore how her voice elevated the song to another level.
The John Paculabo Award for Industry Development went to Audrey Gray. Audrey also a former CEO of the UK’s Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) has worked tirelessly to shape and grow the music industry, making sure new talent gets the recognition they deserve and helping the industry move forward, and this award truly was well-deserved.
Annatoria and Lauren Ehio moved the hearts of the audience as they declared ‘Be Still’ in this stunning duet. Their performance was one that will be remembered by those who witnessed it, as their emotive lyrics and beautiful harmonies worked together to touch each and every person in the theatre.
The Outstanding Contribution Award was given to Andrea Encinas, whose unwavering dedication has shaped and inspired countless lives within the Christian choir and arts community.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Peter Kerridge (RIP), former CEO of Premier Gospel, whose legacy is remarkable. His dedication to supporting and promoting Christian and gospel music has left an indelible mark on the community, helping it to grow and thrive. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his tireless work, vision and passion for the genre. It was a beautiful and touching moment of the evening to see his wife collect this award in his honour.
The Contemporary Worship Song of the Year, presented by Eric DeCruz from LICC, was won by ‘Garment of Praise’ by Martin Smith.
O’Neil Dennis, founder and CEO of AStepFWD, shared the inspiration behind setting up these awards (Romans 12:10). Everything about these awards stems from this one scripture – that we should show each other brotherly love, and outdoing each other in honouring the other.
We were then treated to an incredible spoken word performance by Dai Wooldridge, Poetess Jess and Joshua Luke Smith, with BIMM. I know personally I was touched by Woolridge’s heart-felt declarations that Jesus is “the centrepiece of civilisation… the satnav for my soul… the alpha and omega… the king upon the throne”.
The final three awards were:
Duo / Group of the Year, won by LZ7. Their dynamic sound and undeniable chemistry have made a lasting impact, and this recognition highlights their hard work and incredible talent.
Female Artist of the Year, won by Annatoria. Her talent, dedication and incredible passion for music have truly set her apart. Her artistry continues to inspire and touch lives with every note, and this award is a testament to her hard work and the impact she’s made.
Male Artist of the Year, won by Limoblaze. His music has touched countless lives, bringing hope, joy and faith. His authenticity and passion shine through every song and we are sure that this is only the start of what God has in store for him.
Finally, Philippa Hanna and Noel Robinson closed the evening with their performance of ‘Breaker of Chains’ – which Philippa had been hinting throughout the evening that she was desperate to perform with him. As we came to the end of such a wonderful evening of celebrating Christian music, it was only right that it also ended in singing praise to our God, led by our two fabulous hosts.
