Trinidad and Tobago gospel reggae artist Joel "Positive" Murray with 13 nominations is this year's top Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards nominee. Lion of Judah Chief Executive Officer Monty G and Lynn Terez Davis-Nixon are this year's top Bahamian nominees with seven nominations each.
In addition to being nominated for album of the year for his latest album "King's Highway", Monty G also was also nominated for producer of the year and song of the year for his hit "Plead My Cause".
Davis-Nixon, who is also known for her alter ego character and personality Dynamite Daisy, has secured a nomination for the inspirational recording of the year for "I Believe". She has also been nominated for the Junkanoo recording of the year for "Sing Hallelujah", and the title track of her debut album "Beautiful" has earned her a nomination for pop vocal performance of the year.
Newcomer and local hip-hop artist Barz Noble has received six nods, including one for new artist of the year and another for album of the year for his debut disc, "Symphonic Signatures".
Well-known praise teams and choirs have also been nominated, including Bishop J. Rodney Roberts and The Apostolic Mass Choir, who have received five nominations, and Adrian Edgecombe and Harvest Generation, who have received four nominations.
The late Kevan "Kevi Kev" McKenzie has been nominated for five awards this year, making him the first posthumous nominated artist in Marlin Awards history.
Manifest, Sammi Starr, Chesternique and Jonathan Farrington have each received four nominations.
Lyrically Blessed, Colyn Major, Shanique Thurston and Avalanchee have each received three nominations.
The nominees and groups with two nominations each consist of the following: Mount Tabor Church's praise team leaders Nadene Moss and Nehemiah Hield as well as Lavern Stewart; Terrance Forbes; Landlord; The Rahming Brothers and gospel legend Pastor Simeon Outten; hip hop artist and Calvary Temple Youth pastor, Bruce "Hyppe" Rusell out of Grand Bahama; TJ Cross; WD-D4; Young Reverend; Stacs and Keith "Halle" Grey Jr. and Anglican Archdeacon James Palacious.
Palacious has been nominated for the traditional vocal performance of the year (male category) for "I Come to the Garden Alone" as well as the traditional vocal performance of the year (duo/group category) for his single "A Wonderful Savior is Jesus My Lord", which was recorded as a duet with Marvin Henfield.
The 2014 Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards winners will be named on Saturday, July 26, at Bahamas Faith Ministries (BFM) Diplomat Center, Carmichael Road. The show kicks off at 7 p.m.
The Marlin Awards is considered a leader in the arena of Caribbean Gospel Music.
Positive, Lynn Terez Davis-Nixon, Isaac Blackman, Nadene Moss, Sherwin Gardner, Halle featuring Stacs, Kezie Peters, Terrance Forbes, Kevin Downswell, Nigel Lewis, Colyn Major, Monty G featuring Bruce Hyppe, Sammi Starr, Jonathan Farrington, Shanique Thurston, Lytie, Lyrically Blessed and Archdeacon James Palacious are all scheduled to perform during the show.
Teen sensation Angelique Sabrina and Edison Sumner and Voices of Praise will perform the national anthem.
Legendary contemporary gospel group Touched will receive this year's Reverend Arthur "Preacher" Rolle Lifetime Achievement Award for the group's outstanding contribution toward the development and advancement of Bahamian and Caribbean Gospel Music.
Trinidad and Tobago's gospel radio personality, film director and Tempo TV host Jamie Thomas will receive the 2014 President's Award for his years of contribution toward the advancement and development of the Caribbean Gospel Music industry.
The Marlin Awards will also honor several individuals who have passed since the hosting of the last awards in 2010. The posthumous nominees include Bahamian gospel legend, the late Kevan "Kevi Kev" McKenzie, co-founder of the gospel hip-hop group United; Renardo Bethell; Lorna Joy Simmons and Dr. Mark Anthony Bethel. Jamaican gospel reggae artist Collin "Craig C" Chambers will also be honored.
The Marlin Awards, founded by Kevin Harris in 1996, celebrates its 18th anniversary this year. The first award show was held on March 16, 1996 in the Le Cabaret Theatre (Atlantis Theatre) on Paradise Island.
The awards ceremony, which started out with only 16 categories, now offers awards in some 50-plus categories, with over 400 artists and industry professionals participating, representing over 20 countries.
Tickets for the awards are $35 general admission and $40 VIP. Tickets can be purchased at Bucks Gospel, Faith Life Book & Music Center, Logos Bookstore and The Bible Book & Gift Center.
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