Quick service food giant KFC Jamaica recognized ten veteran members of Jamaica’s gospel music fraternity, through the KFC Big Deal Award for Excellence for their vast contribution to the development of the genre.
The awards were presented at the recent staging of the 2022 Sterling Gospel Music Awards (SGMA) in Kingston. The recognition was part of KFC’s ongoing support for local gospel music as the longest-serving sponsor of the SGMA.
“Gospel music plays an essential role in Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage. KFC is proud to be a continued sponsor and supporter of such a trailblazing event like the Sterling Gospel Music Awards, which shines a spotlight on this very important genre.
KFC is also delighted to continue honouring veterans in the industry who have all made a significant contribution to the development of gospel music in Jamaica”, remarked the Brand Manager at Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), Andrei Roper.
The ten industry veterans recognised by KFC are:
1. Dr Noel Willis – Founder of the Grace Thrillers Ministries and holder of an Order of Distinction in the field of Gospel Music.
2. Jon Williams – Producer for local acts such as Carlene Davis & Kevin Downswell & has also shared the stage with Cece Winans and Sandi Patti.
3. Delroy Thomas – Renowned music producer and songwriter who played for bands such as Grace Thrillers, Birthright, and Celestial Gems.
4. Patrick Kitson – Jamaican Musical Icon, Guitarist Prolific Songwriter and Talented Artist.
5. Sam Wisdom – Founder of Love Singers, a gospel act fusing reggae, western R&B, country & hip hop.
6. Rhon Matthison – Musical Director with experience working with CeCe Winans, Byron Cage and others.
7. Paul Barclay – Founder of the Jamaica Gospel Music Network and Managing Director of the Katalys Crew.
8. Rohan Reid – Talented bassist and guitarist who played with Grace Thrillers, Insights Gospel Group, The Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Wyclef Jean and others.
9. Karl Gibson – Music Director for DJ Nicholas & On The Shout Band and Founder of the Real People Ministry.
10. Othniel Lewis – Vibrant keyboardist, music producer, musical director and arranger who has shared the stage with acts such as Papa San, Tessanne Chin and others.
All KFC Big Deal Award for Excellence recipients have served for decades in the industry and are considered pioneers in Jamaican gospel music and culture.
Amongst the awardees are talented musicians, artists, songwriters and producers who have worked locally and internationally to bring Jamaican gospel music to a global audience. They have also served in other capacities, including directors, band leaders and mentors for up-and-coming talents.
“KFC, who is our longest Sterling sponsor (5yrs), has also always been the sponsor of our Special Awards recognising excellence in the industry.
We are happy to have them as part of the Sterling Sponsorship family, as they continue to demonstrate why they, too, are a big deal, by continuously investing in the awards and rewarding those who work hard in the gospel music industry”, said Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, founder of SGMA.
