Candi Staton, Adrian Snell, Inspirational Choir win awards at DM

THE DMI (Deliverance Ministries International) Gospel Music Awards held at the Cafe Royal in London on 28th May, paid tribute to many outstanding contributions to the British gospel industry. The annual awards were established in 1987 by the Reverend Charles J Buckman. Originally the awards concentrated on the black gospel scene, but recently the categories have broadened to include a British rock gospel (CCM) award and guests this year included a wide gamut of Christian musicians and industry personnel. Reverend Buckman told Cross Rhythms how he had a personal vision to weave the different cultural strands of British Christian music together. "My heartbeat is to integrate," said Rev Buckman. "I wish to delete the word 'black' from gospel. Integration will add a new dimension to our faith." The award for Outstanding Work In International Gospel Music went to Candi Staton, who, on a video link from the US, stated her disappointment at not being in Britain to receive her award. The Best British Rock Gospel Singer award went to Adrian Snell, in recognition of his long history of service to British Christian music.

The Gospel Choir Of The Year award went to the Inspirational Choir. The award was collected by founder and director John Francis, whose brother Roy was also rewarded for Commitment And Dedication To The Gospel Industry as producer of People Get Ready on television. The full list of awards were: Gospel Event Of The Year - Spring Harvest '92; Outstanding Gospel Radio Personality - Benny King (Choice FM, London) Gospel Choir Of The year - The Inspirational Choir; Outstanding Work In Gospel Jazz Music - Bernard Wright; Outstanding Work In International Television Production - GTV (Atlanta, Georgia); Outstanding Work In International Gospel Music - Candi Staton; DMi Award For Commitment And Dedication To The Gospel Industry -Roy Francis (People Get Ready); Outstanding Work In Gospel Reggae -Liquid Light; Outstanding British Rock Gospel Singer - Adrian Snell; Outstanding Student Of The Creative School Of Ministry - Sandra Bensburg.