The acclaimed minister and producer leads contenders as Jamaica’s premier gospel music awards shift to a televised format for the first time.
Gospel recording artiste, minister and producer Kevin Downswell has claimed the top spot in nominations for the 2026 Sterling Gospel Music Awards, securing six nods across multiple categories including Male Artiste of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Local Hit of the Year, and Local Hit Producer of the Year, according to the Jamaica Observer.
The full nominee list, revealed Monday via the awards’ official Instagram page, shows Johnmark Wiggan and Gilead Collective following closely with five nominations each, while Prince Saj earned four. Several other artists, including Trinidadian gospel and reggae performer Positive, Sherwin Gardner, Rhoda Isabella, and broadcasters Jucal Dyer and Mical Forsythe, each received two nominations.
For its tenth year, the Sterling Gospel Music Awards is making a significant format change. Rather than hosting a physical ceremony, the event will broadcast on Television Jamaica on Sunday, October 18 during the Heroes’ holiday weekend, with simultaneous streaming on TVJ’s YouTube platform and the Sterling YouTube channel. Basillia Barnaby Cuff, the awards’ organiser and founder, told the Jamaica Observer that the pivot aims to expose the Sterling brand to a much wider audience, extending reach regionally and internationally.
The 2026 edition introduces the Digital Impact Award, a new category voted on by the public. This honour recognises faith-based community members making an impact online through fashion, social media, comedy, or content creation. Nominees include Monique McLeggon, Samijo, Stephen The Christian, Kyleon Thomas, and Sheena Lyn Hanson. Cuff explained that the award reflects Sterling’s commitment to evolving with the times.
The Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League returns as a sponsor for the second consecutive year, while KFC, through its parent company Restaurants of Jamaica, continues its nine-year partnership with the awards. KFC will present the Big Deal Awards, honouring veteran broadcasters who have championed gospel music. The eligibility period for submissions spans January 1 to December 31, 2025.
The Sterling Gospel Music Awards have become Jamaica’s premier platform for recognising excellence in gospel music. Now in their tenth year, the awards have grown to include diverse categories spanning recordings, performances, digital content, and broadcasting contributions.
As Jamaica’s leading gospel music awards, the Sterling Awards celebrate the island’s vibrant faith-based music culture and its regional influence. The shift to televised broadcast with international streaming makes Jamaican gospel talent visible to Caribbean diaspora audiences worldwide.
Written & Edited by Orlyn Edwards. Published by Caribbean Air Force Media.
Category: Entertainment · Island routing: Jamaica