Western Gospel Awards Category Definitions
1. Western Gospel Artiste of the Year
Recognizes the most outstanding gospel artiste from the Western region.
- At least 3 notable performances within the past year.
- Release of at least 1 gospel song or a full album/ EP.
- Significant impact on the gospel music scene through social media presence, community involvement, or media coverage.
2. Western Gospel Collaboration of the Year
Awards the best collaborative gospel song or performance by artistes from the Western region OR a collaboration between an artiste from the Western Region and an artiste outside the Western region.
- Release of 1 collaborative gospel song or project.
- Demonstrated synergy and creativity in the collaboration.
- Positive reception and impact, including chart performance and audience feedback.
3. Western New Gospel Artiste of the Year
Celebrates a new and emerging gospel artiste from the Western region.
- Must have debuted within the past 18 months.
- Release of at least 1 gospel song.
- Demonstrated potential through performances, social media presence, and audience engagement.
4. Western Female Gospel Artiste of the Year
Honors the most exceptional female gospel artiste from the Western region.
- At least 3 notable performances within the past year.
- Release of at least 1 gospel song or a full album/EP.
- Significant impact and contribution to the gospel music scene.
5. Western Male Gospel Artiste of the Year
Recognizes the most outstanding male gospel artiste from the Western region.
- At least 3 notable performances within the past year.
- Release of at least 1 gospel song or a full album/EP.
- Significant impact and contribution to the gospel music scene.
6. Western Gospel Song of the Year
Awards the best gospel song released by an artiste from the Western region.
- Released within the past year.
- High-quality production, lyrical depth, and positive reception.
- Significant airplay, streaming numbers, and chart performance.
7. Western Female Vocalist of the Year
Celebrates the female gospel singer from the Western region with the best vocal performance.
- Notable vocal performances in at least 2 different songs or live events.
- Demonstrated vocal range, control, and emotional delivery.
- Positive feedback from audiences and critics.
8. Western Male Vocalist of the Year
Recognizes the male gospel singer from the Western region with the best vocal performance.
- Notable vocal performances in at least 2 different songs or live events.
- Demonstrated vocal range, control, and emotional delivery.
- Positive feedback from audiences and critics.
9. Western Gospel Radio/TV Presenter of the Year
Awards the most outstanding radio or TV presenter in the Western region.
- Hosting a gospel-focused show for at least 6 months.
- Significant contribution to promoting gospel music and artistes.
- Positive audience engagement and feedback.
10. Western Gospel Radio/TV Show of the Year
Recognizes the best gospel-themed radio or TV show in the Western region.
- Consistent airing for at least 6 months.
- High-quality content, including interviews, music, and discussions.
- Significant reach and positive impact on the gospel community.
11. Western Choral Choir/Group of the Year
Celebrates the best traditional choral choir or group from the Western region.
- At least 3 notable performances or recorded songs.
- Demonstrated excellence in vocal harmony and arrangement.
- Positive reception from audiences and critics.
12. Western Contemporary Choir/Group of the Year
Honors the best contemporary gospel choir or group from the Western region.
- At least 3 notable performances or recorded songs.
- Demonstrated innovation in musical style and presentation.
- Positive reception from audiences and critics.
13. Western Urban/Contemporary Gospel Artiste of the Year
Awards the most outstanding urban or contemporary gospel artiste from the Western region.
- Release of at least 1 song or a full album/EP within the past year.
- Notable performances and significant impact on the contemporary gospel scene.
- Positive reception from audiences and media.
14. Western Best Lyrical Content of the Year
Recognizes the gospel song with the most profound, inspiring, and impactful lyrics.
- Release within the past year.
- Demonstrated depth, creativity, and message in the lyrics.
- Positive reception from audiences and critics.
15. Western Gospel Producer of the Year
Celebrates the producer from the Western region with the most significant contribution to gospel music.
- Producing at least 1 notable gospel song or project within the past year.
- Demonstrated excellence in production quality and innovation.
- Positive feedback from artistes and audiences.
16. Western Sound Engineer of the Year
Honors the best sound engineer from the Western region.
- Working on at least 1 notable gospel project or live event within the past year.
- Demonstrated technical expertise and contribution to high-quality sound production.
- Positive feedback from artistes and audiences.
17. Western Instrumentalist of the Year
Awards the most outstanding instrumentalist from the Western region.
- Notable performances in at least 3 gospel songs or live events within the past year.
- Demonstrated skill and versatility in playing an instrument.
- Positive reception from audiences and peers.
18. Western Best Blogger of the Year
Recognizes the best blogger from the Western region.
- Consistent blogging about gospel music and artistes for at least 6 months.
- Significant impact through content quality, audience engagement, and promotion.
- Positive feedback from readers and the gospel community.
19. Western Songwriter of the Year
Celebrates the songwriter from the Western region who has written the most impactful and inspiring gospel songs.
- Writing at least 1 notable gospel song within the past year.
- Demonstrated creativity and depth in songwriting.
- Positive reception from audiences and critics.
20. Western Gospel Music Video of the Year
Awards the best gospel music video produced by an artiste from the Western region.
- Release within the past year.
- High-quality production, creativity, and visual impact.
- Positive reception from audiences and media.
21. Western Best Gospel Artiste – DIASPORA
Recognizes the most outstanding gospel artiste originally from the Western region but currently residing abroad.
- At least 2 notable performances or releases within the past year.
- Significant impact on the gospel music scene in the diaspora.
- Positive reception from audiences and media.
22. Western Best Vocalist of the Year – DIASPORA
Honors the best vocal performance by a gospel singer originally from the Western region but currently residing abroad.
- Notable vocal performances in at least 2 different songs or live events within the past year.
- Demonstrated vocal excellence and impact.
- Positive feedback from audiences and critics.
23. Western Best Photographer of the Year
Celebrates the photographer from the Western region.
- Capturing at least 3 notable gospel events or promotional shoots within the past year.
- Demonstrated excellence in photography and contribution to the promotion of gospel music.
- Positive feedback from artistes and clients.
24. Western Best Backing Vocalist of the Year
Recognizes the best backing vocalist from the Western region.
- Contributing to at least 3 notable gospel performances or recordings within the past year.
- Demonstrated vocal harmony and support.
- Positive feedback from lead artistes and audiences.