
Only surviving members of the Royal Routes - Everett Dyce (left) and wife, Heather. The group is best known for their song "Got to be dreaming".
FROM AS early as the 1970s gospel icons such as Adina Edwards, Rev Vivian "VB" Burke, and the Jamaica Youth for Christ have worked towards bringing more Jamaicans into the Kingdom of God through the sacrificing of their talent to develop the local gospel industry.
Two persons benefiting from their lifestyle and contributions, Cheryl Neufville-Crooks and Patrick Kitson of Nu Imaje Ncourage Music, thought to openly recognise such persons. Hence after consultation with the Jamaica Federation of Musicians and a few other individuals, the Honey Comb Awards was conceptualised.
The first ceremony of the Honey Comb Awards, was held at the Hilton Hotel. Thirty persons were awarded and upcoming artistes were among those who performed for the almost 500 guests.
Some persons have argued that there are at least five other persons that were worthy of an award for their contribution to the gospel industry, some for over thirty years.
Patrick Kitson said that the 30 awarded are the first from a long list of over 100 names. A source close to the organisers has further suggested that the lifestyle was one factor that determined who received awards this year.
The evening's proceedings were kept lively by emcees Nadine Blair and Nigel Wilkinson. The highlight was an outstanding performance by the graceful Glacia Robinson. With two partners she danced her way into the hearts of the crowd as she sang her testimony "It's Not Over".
Other notable performances included award-recipients, Adina Edwards by request and 'Psalm 5' by the New Creation, Martins Heritage, and Edwin Myers.
The thirty who received were;
Radio personalities: Rev Vivian "VB" Burke, Hector Wheeler, Tony Young
Producers (show and recording): Fitz Major, Ken Nelson & Mikey White, Jamaica Youth for Christ, Rev Herro Blair, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission
Singers: Otis White, Claudelle Clarke, Adina Edwards, Lester Lewis, Royal Routes
Bands/Groups: Insights Gospel Group, Don Sam Singers, The Grace Thrillers, Gospel Belles, David Keane & Sonshine Singers, Maranatha Affair, New Creation, Gospel Light Band
Instrumentalists: Lennox Gordon, Anthony Hutton
Personalities: Sam Wisdom, Stephenson Samuels, Rev Al Miller
Journalism: Cecelia Legister, Cecelia Campbell
Queen Bee Award Jamaica Federation of Musicians.
A surprise award was also handed to Patrick Kitson.
- A.McG