Calledout Music, Philippa Hanna, Asha Elia win awards

A GROUNDBREAKING annual scheme celebrating British gospel and Christian music was launched in November. Unlike the American award organisations which run separate award ceremonies for black and white musicians, Britain's AStepFwd website, responding to the streaming era of music and the need to address the divisions that have plagued black and white churches, launched the first of what will be annual awards at St Paul's Church, Hammersmith, on 27th November.

The 2021 winners of the awards were: Contemporary Worship: Philippa Hanna - "You're Still God"; Contemporary Gospel: The Spirituals Choir - "Wade In The Water"; R&B/Soul: Mark Asari - "Jesus"; Electronic/Dance: Sarah Téibo ftg Lou Fellingham, Zahyón, Tom Endersby - "Victory"; Indie/Folk/Acoustic: Marizu - "Stay Here"; Pop: The Kingdom Choir - "Real Love"; Rock/Metal: Amongst Wolves - "Voices"; Afrobeat: Stevie Valentine - "Yahweh"; Rap: Still Shadey - "Heaven"; Reggae: Joshua Kesler - "Rock I Stand"; Chillhop/Lo-Fi: Jonathan Ogden - "Love That Never Ends"; Poetry/Spoken Word: Phil Knox - "Lament"; Male Artist Of The Year: Calledout Music; Female Artist Of The Year: Asha Elia ; Duo/Group Of The Year: Gas Street Music; New Artist Of The Year: Grace Tena; Collaboration Of The Year: Licc Ft. Noel Robinson, Lou Fellingham, Andy Flannagan, Donna Akodu, TKC - "We Seek Your Kingdom"; Choir Of The Year: Spirituals Choir; Songwriter Of The Year: Nick Herbert; Music Video Of The Year: Lucy Grimble - "Clean"; Media Platform Of The Year: TBN UK; International Artist Of The Year: CeCe Winans; International Duo/Group Of The Year: Maverick City Music. Outstanding Contribution winners included: Karen Gibson (leader of The Kingdom Choir); Howard Francis (pianist, artist); Ken Burton (choral and orchestral conductor, songwriter, artist); Beresford Dawkins (artist, TV producer); Roy Francis (TV producer); Andrea Encinas (choir leader); Bishop Delroy Powell (Pastor); and Dave Paul (deejay).