The nominees for the 6th Annual StepFWD Awards have been revealed, with 57 nominations across eight categories. This year’s list sees some familiar faces returning for another shot at an award, while several new names join the line-up.

Among those returning is IMRHAN, who took home Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 ceremony. He is nominated in the same category again, this time alongside Limoblaze, Sondae, JERUB, CalledOut Music, Jonathan Ogden, Y Shadey and DC3.

Elle Limebear, who won Female Artist of the Year last year, is also back in the running, alongside fellow returning nominee Philippa Hanna. Another interesting name is DC3, who won New Artist of the Year in 2025 and is now competing for Male Artist of the Year.

The Duo/Group of the Year category also has some returning names. Rend Collective, last year’s winners, are nominated again, while KXC and Gas Street Music return to the shortlist.

In the Global Talent of the Year category, Sweden’s LIN D returns after being nominated last year, when Nigeria’s Gaise Baba took home the award. This year, LIN D is joined by Josiah Queen, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi, RUA YOUNG and Red Worship.

The producers have not been left out either. ScottyC Beats and Tbabz are back in the Producer of the Year category, having both been nominated last year when Jonny Bird emerged as the winner.

One artist whose name keeps appearing is Limoblaze. He is nominated for Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and twice in Music Video of the Year. Having won Music Video of the Year last year with ‘Calling (Bless Me)’, he returns with ‘Cole Palmer’ alongside Andy Mineo and DC3, and ‘Joy’ with Elle Limebear.

There are also some new faces to look out for, particularly in the New Artist of the Year category. Jakes and Mates, DuBetter, MIN.ADEOLUWA, Nikela, Chosen Sounds, In House Worship and Saint Music are all in contention for the award previously won by DC3.

With returning winners hoping to hold on to their titles and other nominees looking to take home an award, there is plenty to look forward to at this year’s ceremony.

Here is the full list of nominees.

New Artist of the Year

1. Jakes and Mates
2. DuBetter
3. MIN.ADEOLUWA
4. Nikela
5. Chosen Sounds
6. In House Worship
7. Saint Music

Male Artist of the Year

1. IMRHAN
2. DC3
3. Jonathan Ogden
4. Y Shadey
5. Limoblaze
6. JERUB
7. CalledOut Music
8. Sondae

Female Artist of the Year

1. Praise Lubangu
2. Natalie Okri
3. Chantelle Rutendo
4. Laura Ehio
5. Elle Limebear
6. Esther Durin
7. Philippa Hanna

Duo/Group of the Year

1. Celtic Worship
2. Chosen Sounds
3. KXC
4. Rend Collective
5. Gas Street Music
6. Sold Out Collective
7. New Wine Worship

Global Talent of the Year

1. Josiah Queen (USA)
2. Kaestrings (Nigeria)
3. Sunmisola Agbebi (Nigeria)
4. RUA YOUNG (Korea/USA)
5. Red Worship (USA)
6. LIN D (Sweden)

Producer of the Year

1. ProdByCamz
2. ScottyC Beats
3. Samuel Jinadu
4. Dylan Page
5. Tbabz
6. Joshua Fraser

Album of the Year

1. ‘Harvest’ – Celtic Worship
2. ‘NIGHT’ – Jonathan Ogden
3. ‘BOY’ – Sondae
4. ‘Solid Ground’ – Limoblaze
5. ‘Magnificent’ – Philippa Hanna & Israel Houghton
6. ‘To My Friend and My King’ – Chantelle Rutendo
7. ‘When I See Him’ – Chosen Sounds
8. ‘When Faith Feels Far’ – Faith Child
9. ‘At Your Feet Live’ – KXC & Rich & Lydia Dicas

Music Video of the Year

1. ‘Keep It Sweet’ – Yourboywonder & Stylo G
2. ‘Kumbaya’ – JERUB
3. ‘Look Up’ – Sophia Thakur & Annatoria
4. ‘Rise Up’ – LIN D & Marizu
5. ‘Cole Palmer’ – Limoblaze, Andy Mineo & DC3
6. ‘Joy’ – Limoblaze & Elle Limebear
7. ‘SHADOW’ – Sondae

You’ve seen the nominees, but who will take home the awards? With familiar winners returning and new faces hoping to make their mark, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Be there when the winners are announced at the 6th Annual StepFWD Awards on 21 November 2026!

Yet to get your ticket? What are you waiting for? Secure your place now at https://stepfwdawards.com.