‘The UK’s definitive Christian & Gospel Music Awards’
The first annual Step FWD Awards, hosted by Faith Child and Jennifer Lee Moon, which was billed as a ‘Dove meets Stellar’ and ‘Best of British’ event certainly did not disappoint.
Outstanding live performances from artists including Graham Kendrick, Sarah Teibo, Philippa Hanna and Noel Robinson filled the spectacular venue at St Paul’s, Hammersmith and set the tone for a stunning evening of honouring the industry’s brightest and best talent.
The red carpet was literally rolled out for the VIP reception where finalists from each category mingled and spoke to the press before the awards ceremony began.
Bazil Meade MBE, Graham Kendrick, Lurine Cato MBE, and Roger Moore won the top honours of the night, amid rapturous applause from an energetic audience. Lurine spoke of her “total shock” at receiving The Lavine Hudson Award for Vocal Excellence and said, “it was the first award that made me cry, this meant so much!” Lurine’s performance with The Voice finalist Jason Nicholson-Porter at the awards was a true highlight of the evening. They both hit some notes that only angels could reach during their beautiful rendition of ‘Keep Fighting’.
Co-host Jennifer Lee Moon said after the event, “It was incredible seeing Gospel and CCM artists come together to celebrate and encourage each other!”
Noel Robinson, winner of two awards on the night said, “Great night last night at the Step FWD Awards. It was so good to see so many people who make up the UK Christian music scene! I think we all won last night!”
Ryan Ofei from Maverick City Music shared a video on their Instagram stories to show their appreciation at winning International Group of the Year and thanked the team at Maverick City and A Step FWD for the honour.
The evening was closed by VM and New-Ye’s electrifying performance which was a fitting end to a very special night.
