By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
The 10th celebration of the DunAmis Gospel Awards took place Saturday, November 11, 2023, amid the exuberant atmosphere of Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise in Greensboro, NC. The main show brought together a near-capacity congregation of gospel enthusiasts and luminaries for an unforgettable night in recognition of spiritual excellence. Billie M. Johnson and Yves T. McKenzie shared hosting duties, leading the audience through the program of praise, worship, and well-deserved accolades.
Mike Yelverton and the Disciples of Christ, The New JC Worshippers, and The Worship Collective of William McLaughlin, III, Jalessa Cade, Christian Anderson, and Kennethia Mason—who paid tribute in song to gospel music’s legendary Hawkins family—were among several of the evening’s performers who were also nominees. Special performances were rendered by the NC A&T Alumni Fellowship Gospel Choir, in salute to DunAmis honoree Ron Jones, and by the Bishop Rickey Hayes Mass Choir (Western NC Chapter of the GMWA), recipients of the Bishop John H. Heath Music of Excellence Award.
The DunAmis Gospel Awards is one of the fastest-growing awards shows in the Southeast, with a vision rooted in the desire to honor, recognize, and uplift area churches, pastors, artists, and other ministries that form the heartbeat of gospel expression. This year’s event celebrated finalists in nineteen categories along with seven honorees.
The complete list of DunAmis Gospel Awards recipients is below. Congratulations to all!
Female Pastor of the Year
Pastor Latoya Brewington
Rhema Word Christian Center
Male Pastor of the Year
Bishop Kevin Womack
St. Paul Apostle Church of Jesus Christ
First Lady of the Year
Pastor Leila Womack
St. Paul Apostle Church of Jesus Christ
Praise & Worship Team of the Year
New Jerusalem Cathedral Worshippers
Worship Leader of the Year
Christina Gaylor – Abundant Life Church International
Choir Director of the Year
Jerry Sadler
Church of the Year
Greater Praise Deliverance Church
Holy Hip Hop Artist/Group of the Year
Effram “Class” Winstead
Quartet of the Year
The Torain Family
Media Publication of the Year
Elite Business Women Magazine
Dance Ministry of the Year
Mikeal Barnes, II – Unspoken Triumph
Community Choir of the Year
Mitchell Johnson and Rehoboth Fellowship Chorale
Producer of the Year
E.J. Stewart
Female Musician of the Year
Pastor JaShawna Bellamy
Male Musician of the Year
Matthew Goldston
Songwriter of the Year
Prophetess Brandi Rojas
Female Vocalist of the Year
Elder Shamelah Luster
Male Vocalist of the Year
Johnathan Hodges
DunAmis Artist of the Year
Shanice Powell
Bishop Jerome O. Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award
Rev. Dr. James A. Webster (awarded posthumously)
Former Pastor of Oak Ridge Baptist Church
Living Legend Award
Apostle Alice J. Totten
Presiding Prelate, Solid Rock Ark of Safety True Holiness Churches of the Apostolic Faith
Doris C. Harbor Pioneer Award
Elder Cynthia Duncan-Nash
Preacher, Singer, and Founding Member of Sister Circle International
Trailblazer Award
Chief Apostle Timothy Warren
Founder and Visionary of The Victory Center and the Global Covenant Consortium
Humanitarian Award
Pastor Q. Anthony Knotts
Visionary, Founder, and Senior Pastor of M.O.R.E. Church
Bishop John H. Heath Music of Excellence Award
Bishop Rickey Hayes Mass Choir – Western NC Chapter of GMWA
DunAmis Special Tribute
Ron Jones
Musician, Songwriter, and Former Director of the NC A&T Fellowship Gospel Choir
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Congratulations