Shaback
Gospel ensemble Shaback, which recently celebrated the group's 20th anniversary in ministry has emerged as the top local nominee for this year's Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards. The group received nine nominations, including album of the year for its latest double disc live CD "The One Nation Project". Shaback has also been nominated for song of the year for its single "Secret Place", written by Chavone M. Butler, and which features a powerful performance by former Mt. Tabor worship leader Nadene Moss.
The group's other nominations include adapted recording of the year ("Island Medley"), choir/chorale recording of the year ("Stand in the Lord"), Junkanoo-rake 'n' scrape recording of the year ("Don't Wait Till The Battle is Over"), Junkanoo-rake 'n' scrape vocal performance of the year ("Don't Wait Till The Battle is Over") and traditional recording of the year ("Hallelujah"). They received an additional two nominations in the categories of calypso recording of the year and song of the year for their featured performance on the Nigel Lewis track "Big God".
Recording artist, songwriter and producer Kem Gardiner is the second highest local nominee this year with eight nominations including album of the year ("Captured"), contemporary recording of the year ("Eternity"), Junkanoo-rake'n' scrape recording of the year ("Join Da Praise Party"), Junkanoo-rake 'n' scrape vocal performance of the year ("Join Da Praise Party"), new artist of the year, pop recording of the year ("No Equal"), praise & worship recording of the year ("Here I Am") and song of the year ("Here I Am").
Gardiner is the younger brother of Zamar Group of Companies CEO Andy Gardiner and serves as senior pastor of End Time Harvest Church of God in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Contemporary Gospel recording artist and CEO of Elevation Media Group Vincent "V Mac" McDonald is the third-highest local nominated artist with seven nominations including one for dancehall recording of the year ("Party Tonight" feat. E-Man) and rock recording of the year for the title track of his latest album "The Declaration".
Hip-hop gospel recording artist Najie Dunn earned six nominations this year including one for hip-hop recording of the year ("Tryna Live" feat. E-Man), dance recording of the year and music video of the year-duo/group for the single "Addiction" featuring Halle, and album of the year for his latest CD "The Pursuit Continues".
Singer and producer Bishop Denczil Rolle along with his ensemble known as Denczil Rolle & Friends have secured five nominations including choir-chorale recording of the year ("Raw Church"), Junkanoo-rake 'n' scrape recording of the year ("Stretchin' Out Medley"), Junkanoo-rake 'n' scrape vocal performance of the year ("Raw Church"), traditional recording of the year and traditional vocal performance of the year ("Setting Up Medley").
Lion of Judah Sounds CEO Ramont "Monty G" Green was also nominated for five awards this year including dancehall recording of the year and DJ vocal performance of the year for "Valley of Evil", music video of the year-duo/group, reggae hip-hop recording of the year and song of the year for his hit single "Shot Ay Fiyah" featuring Tiko T.
Other Bahamian gospel artists nominated this year include contemporary/pop singer and songwriter Monique Terez, who received three nominations, including one for song of the year for her hit worship single "I Surrender."
Kingsley Chase, Minister Al Gibson, Tony Lowe, Vanessa Rolle-Clarke, Shaniqua Hanna-Thurston and Mother Rachael Mackey have each received two nominations.
Rounding out the list with one nomination each is Ronnie "DJ Frost" Cash, who was nominated for producer of the year; new hip-hop artist MCK, who was nominated for hip-hop vocal performance of the year ("Aesthetics"); Meliciana Bethell for Junkanoo-rake 'n' scrape vocal performance of the year ("Bubblin"); and gospel hip-hop artist and pastor elect Vanrico "Li'l G" Hanna who secured his first Marlin Award nomination for music video of the year (male) for his single "Still I Rise".
Joel "Positive" Murray from Trinidad and Tobago is once again the overall highest nominated artist this year with an outstanding 15 nominations including one for song of the year ("Mighty Healer") and album of the year ("Stand & Be Counted").
The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards will celebrate its 20th anniversary during Marlin Weekend 2016 December 1-3 in New Providence.
The weekend will include the hosting of Marlin Summit, Marlin Fest and the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards ceremony. Over 25 countries are participating in this year's Marlin Awards
The Marlin Awards were launched on March 16, 1996 and founded by former talk show host and media executive Kevin "Minister K" Harris who serves as president. The awards are produced bi-annually by Harris Media Group. For additional information contact Harris Media Group at 676-7979 or via email at themarlinawards@gmail.com, you can also visit the awards website for additional information and official nomination results at www.marlinawards.com.
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