Local Gospel artistes wins Caribbean Gospel Marlin award

PRESS RELEASE: Gabrielle Denae is now the first British Virgin Islands Gospel artiste to receive eight nominations and a win in the category of ‘Inspirational Recording of the Year’ at the annual Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards (CGMA).

CGMA celebrated its 20th anniversary on February 23 to 25 in Nassau, Bahamas this year.

A number of songwriters, producers, engineers, managers, and other industry professionals attended the three-day weekend of events which included the Marlin summit, an industry workshop, Marlin Fest/Concert, and the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards ceremony.

With her first ever album entitled Through the Storm, Denae was nominated for the categories:

1. Album of the Year
2. New Artiste of the Year
3. Female Calypso/Soca Vocal Performance of the Year with the song, ‘Never Fail’
4. Inspirational Recording of the Year – ‘Pave the Way’
5. Pop Recording of the Year – ‘Grain of Sand’
6. Song of the Year – ‘Grain of Sand’
7. Traditional Recording of the Year – ‘Let Him In’
8. Traditional Vocal Performance of the Year – ‘Let Him In’

Judged against veterans in the industry as well as up-and-coming regional and international artistes, Denae and her team were overjoyed when she was named winner of Inspirational Recording of the Year category.

According to Gabrielle, “My initial reaction was ‘Yes! Thank you Jesus!’ It was becoming a little bit discouraging going through nomination after nomination and not hearing my name being called because I knew that I was representing my family and my country. I was grateful to God that He allowed me to be selected to win.”

She stated that winning the award is encouragement that what she is doing is not just locally recognized but is also making a mark in the regional and potentially international arenas.

It encourages her to not limit herself on what she does when it comes to ministry and reminds her that what God is asking her to do is not just for the Virgin Islands, but also for the world.

The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Award is considered the highest honour in Caribbean Gospel music. It was founded in 1996 by music and media executive Kevin ‘Minister K’ Harris.

Over the weekend, Denae was also able to minister her hit songs, ‘Never Fail’ and ‘Grain of Sand’ at both the Marlin Fest and the awards ceremony. Both performances were well received by attendees; some of whom did not know where Tortola, BVI was located. Some also had never heard of the country until now.

“It was a huge blessing to minister in Bahamas. I felt so at home on the stage. The experience helped to cement in my mind that this is what God is putting me on the earth to do and I should keep pursuing it, not give up, and continue to put in the work and watch Him open the doors for His ministry through me. The persons who were listening were actually listening and participating and I could see that they were being ministered to,” said Gabrielle.

Denae attended the Awards weekend with her brother and musical director, Brent Hoyte; and her long-time friend and manager, Darryl Flanders. She stated that the experience was unforgettable.

She said she feels very privileged to have met and networked with some of the greats in the industry.

She said the Marlin Awards presented her with the award but it was God who gave her the reward.

Everyone is encouraged to follow Denae on Facebook and join her ministry. Her next performance will be this weekend at Revival Time. The event will be held on March 4 at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall at 7pm.