Birmingham Town Hall played host to the 9th edition of the GX Awards, as Gospel artists, ministers, creatives, media personalities and supporters gathered for a night of music, recognition and celebration. The evening brought together different sides of the Christian and Gospel community, with awards covering music, media, ministry, business and community impact, alongside live performances throughout the night.
Among those recognised was Noel Robinson, who received Outstanding Male Artist, while Becca Folkes was named Outstanding Female Artist. Limoblaze received Outstanding Afrobeat, Ced Bond took Outstanding Hip Hop/Grime, Aneeika received Outstanding Reggae, while Birmingham Community Gospel Choir received Outstanding Choir/Group.
MIN.ADEOLUWA was the only person to receive two awards on the night, taking home Outstanding Praise and Worship as well as Outstanding Song for ‘THIS GOD’. It was while receiving the award for ‘THIS GOD’ that one of the conversations of the night unfolded. Speaking about the song, MIN.ADEOLUWA shared that it was his first attempt at Afrobeats. He reflected on coming from a church background where music outside praise and worship or Contemporary Christian Music could sometimes be viewed as non-Christian.
He also spoke about how working with AStepFWD had opened his eyes to the wider Christian music space and helped him see that different genres can still be used for God’s glory. His comments drew a response from Ced Bond, who had received the award for Outstanding Hip Hop/Grime. Ced said he understood the point from personal experience, having faced backlash himself because rap was the genre he chose to communicate the Gospel through.
It became one of those moments that went beyond simply collecting an award, touching on a conversation that many Christian artists have had to navigate over the years. The night itself showed just how wide that musical expression can be, with worship, Afrobeats, Hip Hop, Reggae, RnB and other sounds all represented.
There was plenty of music on the night too, with Annietie B, Toyin Adekale, Seriki, MIN.ADEOLUWA, Owen Uriah and several others taking to the stage. Away from the awards, the evening also made room to honour those who have contributed to the journey. The late Paul Streete, also known as Streetey, who previously served as Music Director of the GX Awards, was remembered during the event, giving the night a moment to reflect on his contribution. David and Natalie Hall received The Prestige Award, while Angie La Mar was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
By the close of the evening, the 9th edition had once again brought different generations, genres and areas of the Gospel community together under one roof, while recognising the work being done both on stage and behind the scenes.
HERE ARE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS FROM THE GX AWARDS 9TH EDITION
Outstanding Radio Station – UGN Jamz
Outstanding Radio Presenter – Ibe Giantkiller
Outstanding Media Publication – Shoegy PR
Outstanding DJ/Sound System – Shekinah Ministries
Outstanding Author – Heather Brobbey
Outstanding TV Programme/Podcast – Women Connect Live
Outstanding TV Station – TBN
Outstanding Spoken Word – Bro Keith
Outstanding Actor/Actress – Sharon Jackson
Outstanding Female Artist – Becca Folkes
Outstanding Male Artist – Noel Robinson
Outstanding Musician/Band – Sheryl Richards
Outstanding Afrobeat – Limoblaze
Outstanding Music Video – ‘Ratatatah’ by Latoyah Bless
Outstanding Praise and Worship – MIN.ADEOLUWA
Outstanding Hip Hop/Grime – Ced Bond
Outstanding Reggae – Aneeika
Outstanding Dance Group/Soloist – Shekinah Berakah Praise Dancer
Outstanding RnB/Soul – Nikki Seriki
Outstanding Choir/Group – Birmingham Community Gospel Choir
Outstanding Newcomer – Kimberley Thompson
Outstanding Producer – Eden XL Music
Outstanding Album – ‘The Greatest Love’ by The Elm Project
Outstanding Song – ‘THIS GOD’ by MIN.ADEOLUWA
The Prestige Award – David & Natalie Hall
Outstanding Church Leader – Bishop John Francis & Pastor Penny Francis
Outstanding Christian Business – Keep The Faith Magazine
Outstanding Community/Event – Savannah Hanson
International Radio Presenter – Queen Temi-T
Outstanding International Radio Station – Spin Awards Radio
Outstanding International Artist – CeCe Winans
Lifetime Achievement Award – Angie La Mar
