GMA form Gospel Music Association of Australia and New Zealand

THE INFLUENTIAL Gospel Music Association has formed Gospel Music Association of Australia and New Zealand. Reporting on GMA ANZ trade magazine Billboard wrote, "Christian music has been a force in Australia since Sister Janet Mead's rocked up 'The Lord's Prayer' (Festival) peaked at number four on The Billboard Hot 100 for A&M in 1974. But inspiration for the GMA NAZ comes from more recent domestic successes for avowed Christian artists Guy Sebastian and Paulini Curuenavuli. The chart performances of Sebastian in particular have sent a clear message to the domestic gospel sector - big hits and strong faith needn't be mutually exclusive.

"In Australia and New Zealand, 'these acts [have] lifted an awareness of faith-based values and entertainment,' says GMA ANZ board member Anton Bekker. As a result, he suggests, secular audiences now seem more open to Christian music. Vocalists Sebastian and Curuenavuli emerged from reality TV show Australian Idol. Both have local church backgrounds and mix R&B, pop and Christian music. They are also both signed to Sony MBG Australia and marketed as pop, rather than Christian music. In April 2006, the GMA ANZ was inaugurated at the Australian Gospel Music Festival in Queensland, which annually attracts 30,000 fans. Its membership consists of 70 associations and individuals, including artists, labels, publishers and promoters."