Several Nigerian Artistes have begun to react to the African Gospel Music Awards’ list of nominations released earlier this month by the nomination panel of the Africa Gospel Awards, after an extensive period of scrutiny of material from African gospel artistes and organizations.
In exclusive interviews granted to Praiseworld Radio, gospel top notch-artistes Eben, Onos Ariyo, Gaise, Psalm Ebube, Joe Praize and Frank Edwards reacted to the their nominations in several categories of the awards.
Eben, whose album Phenomenon was nominated in the Album Of The Year category, said it was a great and awesome feeling to be nominated, especially as he did not expect it.
“It feels great to be nominated at the Africa Gospel Music Awards. I was busy sending broadcast messages on behalf of Frank Edwards my brother who got three nominations and I didn’t care to check if I was nominated until someone brought it to my attention.”
“It feels awesome, im in the UK right now, it’s amazing to know that what we do back home in Nigeria is celebrated around the world, even in Europe. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Meanwhile, Joe Praize described his nomination as something God did, rather than his own efforts as he just enjoys worshiping and praising God while awards pursue him.
“I think this basically what God is doing, it’s nothing from our efforts, we just love praising and worshiping God. Imagine you praising and worshiping God, and awards just pursuing you from everywhere, it’s amazing you know, but we thank God.”
“You know, awards are beautiful, I always tell people, they are nice and encouraging, but the point is not the awards. The point is we are working for our master, and our reward is from Him and Him alone.”
Frank Edwards, who is nominated in three categories including Artiste Of The Year said he felt encouraged and humbled and the nominations has inspired him to do more.
“Well I feel honoured, encouraged and humbled. It makes me want to do more, even though the reason I do what I do is not for the awards. But when you get nominated like this, it means people appreciate what you do. Thumbs up to the awards’ body.”
When asked how he feels about being the only Nigerian, apart from Joe Praize in the Artiste Of The Year category,
“Yeah, well….i’m currently holding the award and I just may take it again”, he said
Gospel rapper Gaise who has been nominated for Artiste of the Year (West Africa) as well as Afro Rap Artiste of the Year said he was really happy that his music was getting attention on a larger platform.
“It’s an awesome feeling you know. I’m really happy, it shows we are making progress [and] getting attention on a larger platform. I’ve had nominations and awards around Nigeria, but this is on a bigger level.”
“AGMA is an international award recognising artistes of African descent so to be honoured with two nominations on this level, it’s definitely a good feeling, it’s definitely an awesome feeling. I thank God, I’m really happy and grateful.”
Nigerian gospel diva Onos Ariyo who has been nominated in 3 categories: Artiste of the Year (West Africa), Song of the Year and Female Artiste of the Year, described her feeling as one of excitement and gratitude to God for being recognised.
“I’m very excited, I’m very grateful to God for being recognised in those 3 categories, I feel excited and really really honoured. [There are] so many great things happening [to me] this year, Thanks be to God.”
Psalm Ebube, of the Kabio Osi fame described his nomination as a result of God’s favour he also said that it was good that gospel music of Nigerian origin was gaining recognition across the world.
“Well this is Kabio’ Osi (Almighty God) at work. I sincerely wasn’t expecting the AGMA nomination. I just got messages on Facebook and Twitter that I had been nominated for the Artiste of the Year (West Africa) category.”
Did your favourite artiste make the cut? Visit www.praiseworldradio.com for a full list of all the nominees for the Africa Gospel Music Awards 2013.
The awards event is scheduled to be held at the prestigious Queen Mary’s University of London in the trendy and vibrant part of East end of London, on Saturday July 5 this year.
Remember, you can vote for your favourite artiste on www.africagospelawards.com Stay tuned to Praiseworld Radio for all updates on the AGMA 2013.
