Gospel music fans from across the country descended on Birmingham this weekend for the annual Gospel Entertainment Music Awards 2005, or GEM Awards as they are alternatively known.

|TOP|The most prestigious event in the UK’s Gospel music scene, which took place at Birmingham’s Bethel Convention Centre, was co-hosted by David and Carrie Grant, best known for their part in training wannabe superstars in the hit BBC show Fame Academy.

This year’s winners included man of the moment Freddie Kofi for Best Male, Niki Carless for Best Female and Kingdom Choir for Best Album.

Performing artists included The Band With No Name, Blessed Voices, Freddie Kofi, Julie Hall and the Kingdom Choir.

Sandra Godley went on to win Best Female Newcomer, with Brian Martin voted Best Male Newcomer. GK Real are the ones to watch out for in the future, scooping Best Group Newcomer.

Now in its 3rd year, the GEM Awards began out of a need to recognise the many unsung talents in Britain’s Gospel music scene and has continued to grow in popularity, along with Gospel music in general in the UK, despite lack of support from the music industry and mainstream media networks.

London Adventist Chorale, Blessed Voices, Dulcie Dixon and 29th Chapter were among the other artists taking home Awards Saturday night.