Sterling Gospel Music Awards Celebrate Top Talent in Portmore

The 2025 Sterling Gospel Music Awards ceremony, held on October 4, 2025, in Portmore, St. Catherine, honored a diverse range of artists for their significant contributions to gospel music. Kevin Downswell was a major recipient, securing four awards, including Producer of the Year and Video of the Year. Despite his absence, his influence was recognized across multiple categories. Downswell, a prominent figure in Jamaican gospel music, has a history of accolades, including multiple Male Artiste of the Year awards and a role in mentoring emerging artists through Downswell Records.

Genesis Praise Squad was recognized with two awards: Breakthrough of the Year and Group of the Year, marking their rise as a significant force in gospel music. Chevelle Franklin received Album of the Year for "South Wind Vol 1" and was also named Female Artiste of the Year. Franklin's career, which transitioned from secular music to gospel ministry, is exemplified by "South Wind Vol. 1," recorded in South Africa with English and Zulu lyrics and received recognition for its unique combination of Jamaican rhythms with South African influences and sincere lyrics.

Johnmark Wiggan and Prince Saj shared the Collaboration of the Year award for their song "Nuh More Dan Wi." Prince Saj also earned the Male Artiste of the Year award. Wiggan, who led with eight nominations, also had his song "Champion," featuring Kevin Downswell, recognized. Sebastian Braham received EP of the Year for "Fight This Battle For Me," which was his first major release in 13 years, and Sherwin Gardner was honored as Caribbean Artiste of the Year. Gardner, a Trinidadian gospel artist, known for his unique style combining reggae, soca, and dancehall with gospel themes, had previously been a surprise performer at the 2024 Sterling Gospel Music Awards. His recent hit "Find Me Here (Blessings Fine Me)" garnered over 1.6 billion views on TikTok, demonstrating the global reach of Caribbean gospel music.

The ceremony also celebrated achievements in categories such as Gospel Personality of the Year, Virtual Gospel Series of the Year, and Gospel DJ of the Year, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the gospel music industry. Now in its ninth year, the Sterling Gospel Music Awards, with its 2025 theme of 'African Elegance,' continues to be a premier platform for gospel excellence in the Caribbean. The event, held in Portmore, a hub for gospel music, served as a celebration of faith and artistry, inspiring the dynamic and evolving spirit of gospel music across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.