On the warm night of July 10, gospel music fans reverberated to the new sound of African gospel music.

Held at the New Zanzibar Banqueting Suite in Sydenham, London, the night took off on time despite the closing of the Blackwall tunnel which paralysed London with heavy traffic.

Guests were ushered into the presence of God with music by Wole Awolola and his team, followed by performances by Andrew Bello, Diana Hamilton, Esther, DTWG, Rebecca, Gabriel Eziashi, Uche ‘Double Double’ Agu, and Sonnie Badu, interspersed with the awards.

The icing on the cake was a performance by giants of African gospel music, namely Sonnie Badu, Gabriel Eziashi and Uche Agu joining hearts, minds and voices together on stage as they led the guests in a time of worship; it was a sight, sound and atmosphere to behold.

The night made a real statement and has set the tone for the growth of African gospel music internationally. Roll on next year’s awards!

Winners in the various categories were as follows,

BEST CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTISTE
Sonnie Badu,
BEST CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTISTE
Shola Victor-Sajowa
BEST SONG
Covenant Keeping God- Sonnie Badu
GOSPEL CHOIR/BAND OF THE YEAR
KICC Choir
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Baba- Sonnie Badu (Produced by Uvi Orogun)
BEST URBAN GOSPEL
Faith Child
BEST ALBUM
Intimate Moments- Gabriel Eziashi
BEST GOSPEL RADIO/TV PROGRAM
Gospel Tonight with Muyiwa-Premier Radio
BEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF GOSPEL MUSIC
Sam Blankson -Afrika Rising (OHTV SKY199)– Video Director
IMPACT/NEXT BIG ACT
Michael ‘Lyrical Soldier’ Adjei
BEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF GOSPEL MUSIC (MEDIA)
Premier Gospel Radio
BEST NON UK BASED ARTISTE/GROUP
Midnight Crew-Nigeria
BEST NON UK BASED SONG
Igwe- Midnight Crew (Nigeria)