It was a long time in the making but after a two year absence, the Premier Gospel Awards returned in fine style. Taking place at the swanky London Hilton on Park Lane, this year’s awards was very much a celebration of the present and future of UK Gospel Music.

Still Shadey was the big winner at this iteration of the awards, bagging Best Male and Best Album. Limoblaze made history by winning Best International artist for the second consecutive time. Although the Afrogospel artist, who now lives in the UK, declared himself a UK artist. He’s already been working with some of the scene’s top stars from Blighty.

Elsewhere, Sharyn won Best Female, and Guvna B continued his winning ways from 2019 by picking up the award for Best Video for Very Original featuring D Double E. In a shocking turn of events, CalledOut Music who was nominated for the most awards and was one of the biggest winners in 2019 went home empty handed. 

The UK also crowned its favourite new rising star. Former winner of The Voice UK Annatoria won the prize for Best Newcomer.

Annatoria was also one of people to perform on the evening. A section of gospel  stars from TV singing contests – Wes & Jordan (The Voice UK), Niella (Sunday Best on BET) and the aforementioned Annatoria – all performed together. Another special segment saw the future of UK gospel take to the stage. They were Ryan Hylton, Michael Oyo, Efua B, Grace Tena and Anna Efah. We also got to see Volney Morgan & New-Ye, Minister Taf, and Triple O take to the stage in what was a packed night of live music.

But it was Tab Worship who topped the bill. Their performance that ended the night didn’t feel like a performance at all. It was heartfelt worship that resonated with the crowd and sent them home praising.

This was an event that should have been held in 2020 but we don’t need to tell you why it was postponed. The key thing now is that live music is back. This was our first event since the pandemic and we were chomping at the bit to experience a live crowd again. Boy did we miss it. The Premier Gospel Awards was a welcome return for us.

And the winners are…

Best Group: Salient Sound

Best Female: Sharyn

Best Video: Guvna B – Very Original featuring D Double E

Best Male: Still Shadey

Best Newcomer: Annatoria 

Best Song: The Spirituals – Wade In The Water

Best Album: Still Shadey – How To Kill A Catterpillar

Best International: Limoblaze

Best Choir: Volney Morgan & New-Ye