The first ever Marlin Online Voting was organized and managed by veteran Jamaican radio personality and media consultant Arnold Kelly and his Caribbean Hour organization. Kristine beat out an impressive list of nominees that included Gotee Recording artist Ayiesha, Christian Massive, Monty G, Nigel Lewis, Stitchie, Omari, St.Matthew and Isaac Blackman.

The Bahamian Praise Team, the Mount Tabor Praise & Worship team won the second online award, this time for ‘Record of the Year’. The team won the award for ‘Don’t Do It without Me’, an original composition that features the vocal contribution of world-renowned singer, author and pastor, Bishop Paul. S. Morton. Their home church based in Nassau, Bahamas, Mount Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church is a member of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International and their senior pastor Bishop Neil C. Ellis serves as the second Presiding Bishop.

Another Jamaican recording artist also received an award posthumously. Sister Sharon Dyer-Sharpe won the award for Traditional Vocal Performance of the Year-Female for her rendition of the gospel classic “Can’t Even Walk” at this year’s Marlin Awards. This would make her second Marlin Award. She won in the same category during the 2006 Marlin Awards for her version of the traditional classic “Because He Lives”. The award was accepted by one of her long time friends and fellow recording artist Michael Reid. She had moved to US for sometime and was living in the New York Area. She died in 2007 of a Heart Attack.

Bahamian hip/hop recording artist Rashad ‘Mista’ Green who was a member of the Lion of Judah Sounds hip/hop outfit Da Squad, also won a posthumous Marlin Award this year for Hip/Hop Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo or Group for their remake of the James Cleveland classic “No Wayz Tired”. The song was a testimony of Rashad’s faith and strength during his illness and he was only able by the grace of God to record the first verse and the ad lips of the song several months before his death in 2007. His mother Mrs. Maria Green accepted the award along with other members of Da Squad. He was also a founding member of the Marlin nominated hip/hop duo Double D. Rashad’s brother, Monty G was also on hand during the ceremony.

Isaac Blackman

Trinidad

Song of the Year

To The Ceiling

Isaac Blackman

Songwriter/s: Isaac Blackman

Track From: To The Ceiling

Trinidad

Artist of the Year

Kristine Alicia

Jamaica

Record of the Year

Don’t Do It Without Me

Bishop Neil C.Ellis Presents The Mount Tabor Praise & Worship Ministry (featuring Bishop Paul Morton).

Track From: Wave of Glory

Bahamas

Producer of the Year

Monty G & DJ Frost

Production Credits: Dano Rolle (The Way I Praise) / Fire Kid (Mind Over Matter) / Troy Anthony (Rise Up) / Monty G (No Stopping Mixtape) / Monty G (Along Life’s Road) / Monty G Presents (The Lion’s Pride: Soundcheck) / DJ Frost Presents (Da Movement: More Than Music) / DJ Frost Presents (The Street Light Mixtape) / Avalanchee (Hard 2 Da Core)

Bahamas

Packaging of the Year

Real Life Story

Stitchie

Photography: Andrew Grey

Layout & Design: Andrew Grey

Jamaica

Album of the Year

Songs from My Midnight-The Break of Day

The Prodigal Son

Producer/s: Dannie Brownie

Jamaica

Compilation Album of the Year

YOW Reggae Street Gospel 4

Main Street Records

Producer: Dannie Brownie

Jamaica

Engineered Recording of the Year

Soulectric

Four Kornerz

Engineer & Mixer: Darryl LaVictoire

Africa

Live CD Recording of the Year

Live in London

Roger & Sam Grandison

Engineers: Nick Hunt / Jonathan Shakhovskoy /Alan Emptage / Jason Howes / Neil Costello

Leroy “Pablo” Knight

Mixer/s: Darryl LaVictoire

London

International Collaboration of the Year

Triumphal Entry

Christafari featuring Sherwin Gardner & Mr.Lynx

To The Foundation

USA/Trinidad/Bahamas

Special Event Recording of the Year

Silent Night

JoAnn Callender

Songwriter/s: Joseph Mohr / Franz Gruber

Track From: Christmas Joy

Bahamas

Music Video of the Year-Solo

To The Ceiling

Isaac Blackman

Track From: To The Ceiling

Director/s: Remy

Trinidad

Music Video of the Year-Duo/Group

Brand New World

Vision

Track From: Introspection

Director/s: Will Harper

Bahamas

Junkanoo Recording of the Year

Create

Christian Massive

Songwriter/s: Kent Johnson

Track From: Di Hook

Bahamas

Rake & Scrape Recording of the Year

Revolution

Demetrius Stubbs

Songwriter/s: Demetrius Stubbs

Track From: Revolution

Bahamas

Calypso Recording of the Year

He Is

Nigel Lewis

Songwriter/s: Nigel Lewis

Track From: Unlock The Block

Trinidad

Soca Recording of the Year

De Real Ting

Sean Daniel

Songwriter/s: Sean Daniel & Judah Bharrat

Track From: Arise O Lord

Trinidad

Reggae Recording of the Year

Help

Omari

Songwriter/s: A. Edwards / H. Browne

Track From: YOW Reggae Street Gospel 4

Jamaica

Reggae Hip/Hop Recording of the Year

Hold On Strong

Avalanchee

Songwriter/s: Marco Gibson / Mario Gibson

Track From: Return of the Overcomers Soundtrack

Bahamas

Dancehall Recording of the Year

Back 2 D Owner

DJ Nicholas

Songwriter/s: N. Eccleston / H. Brownie

Track From: YOW Reggae Street Gospel 4

Jamaica

Dub Recording of the Year

Bongo Town

The Prodigal Son

Songwriter/s: C. Whilby / H. Brownie

Track From: Songs From My Midnight-The Break of Day

Jamaica

Culture Recording of the Year

Feels It Knows It

Moses

Songwriter/s: K.Grant

Track From: Testify

Jamaica

Praise & Worship Recording of the Year

Don’t Do It Without Me

Bishop Neil C.Ellis Presents The Mount Tabor Praise & Worship Ministry (featuring Bishop Paul Morton). Songwriter/s: Bishop Neil C.Ellis / Chavone King / Rod Lumpkin 11 / Campbrell Poitier /Nadine T.Moss

Track From: Wave of Glory

Bahamas

Contemporary Recording of the Year

Gonna Make It

Four Kornerz

Songwriter/s: C.Juba / A. Juba / A. Juba / A. Juba / Jahaziel

Track From: Soulectric

Africa

Inspirational Recording of the Year

All In All

Vessels of Honor

Songwriter/s: Richardson “Chewo” H.Ferrol

Track From: You’re All In All

Dominica

Traditional Recording of the Year

Thank You

Simeon Outten

Songwriter/s: Simeon Outten

Track From: Reflections

Bahamas

Pop/Rock Recording of the Year

Happy

Ayiesha Woods

Songwriter/s: Ayiesha Woods / Jamie Moore / David Mullen

Track From: Introducing Ayiesha Woods

Bermuda

Hip/Hop Recording of the Year

I Shall Rise

Manifest featuring JoAnn Callender

Songwriter/s: Lavard Parks

Track From: Return of the Overcomers Soundtrack

Bahamas

Jazz Recording of the Year

I See Love

CJ

Songwriter/s: Ilinita Johnson-Mack

Track From: C of Love

St.Maarten

Choir/Chorale Recording of the Year

Our Worship (Live in Nassau)

Minister Denczil Rolle Presents COGIBINC Mass Youth Choir

Bahamas

Adapted Reggae Recording of the Year

I Need You to Survive

Dano Rolle

Track From: The Way I Praise

Bahamas

Adapted Calypso / Soca Recording of the Year

Heaven Medley

Toronto Mass Choir

Track From: Going Home

Canada

Adapted Contemporary Recording of the Year

Heaven Help Us All

Chris Fox

Track From: Highest Levels of Praise

Bahamas

Adapted Traditional Recording of the Year

Grace Grace

Brendalee Petty

Track From: Eleuthera

Bahamas

Adapted Praise & Worship Recording of the Year

Amazed

Bishop Neil C. Ellis Presents The Mount Tabor Praise & Worship Ministry

Track From: Wave of Glory

Bahamas

Adapted Junkanoo/Rake & Scrape Recording of the Year

We Acknowledge You

CMA

Track From: Sound of The Saints

Bahamas

Instrumental Recording of the Year

Then You Look At Me

Chris Fox

Track From: Highest Levels of Praise

Bahamas

Foreign Language Recording of the Year

Kotutu (Go Uproot)

Kenneth Appiah & The Soul Winners

Track From: Keep On

Africa

Ethnic Recording of the Year

Isaac Blackman

To The Ceiling

Track From: To The Ceiling

Trinidad

Junkanoo Vocal Performance of the Year

Tamika Smith

Junka-Praise

Track From: All I Need

Bahamas

Rake & Scrape Vocal Performance of the Year

Simeon Outten

Higher Ground

Track From: Reflections

Bahamas

Calypso/Soca Vocal Performance of the Year-Female

Marvia Providence

Rock of Ages

Track From: Thank You

Jamaica

Calypso/Soca Vocal Performance of the Year-Male

Nigel Lewis

He Is

Track From: Unlock the Block

Trinidad

Calypso/Soca Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

Jadee featuring Larry Pear & Divine Virtue

Hallelujah

Track From: Altar Call

Trinidad

Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year-Female

Kristine Alicia

We See You

Track From: Get Ready

Jamaica

Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year-Male

Troy Anthony

Rise Up

Track From: Rise Up

Bermuda

Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo<

Monty G featuring Positive

I Want to Know

Track From: Along Life’s Road

Bahamas/Trinidad

Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year-Group

Vizion

Agape Mix

Track From: Deep Within

Dominica

Deejay Vocal Performance of the Year-Solo

Stitchie

Lord Almighty

Track From: Real Life Story

Jamaica

Deejay Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

The Prodigal Son featuring Jason Mighty

Ketch A Fire

Track From: Songs from My Midnight-The Break of Day

Jamaica

Hip/Hop Vocal Performance of the Year- Solo

Prophessa

Back Up Off Me

Track From: DJ Frost Presents Da Movement: More Than Music

Bahamas

Hip/Hop Vocal Performance of the Year- Duo/Group

Da Squad

No Wayz Tired

Track From: DJ Frost Presents Da Movement: More Than Music

Bahamas

Hip/Hop Sung Collaboration

Manifest featuring JoAnn Callender

I Shall Rise

Track From: Return of the Overcomers Soundtrack

Bahamas

Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year-Female

Mellisa ‘Precious’ Brouwn

Manifest Your Love

Track From: Conqueror: Lifestyle of A True Worshiper

Trinidad

Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year-Male

Vago

Take Me Higher

Track From: Testify

Bahamas

Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

Vision

Evidence

Track From: Introspection

Bahamas

Traditional Vocal Performance of the Year-Female

Sister Sharon Dyer-Sharpe

Can’t Even Walk

Track From: Jesus I Want To Get Close

Jamaica

Traditional Vocal Performance of the Year-Male

Hubert McIntosh

Restored

Track From: Restored

Bahamas

Traditional Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

The Rahming Brothers

Bring Them In

Track From: Keep On Walking

Bahamas

2008 Marlin Award Nominations

2008 Marlin Nominees by Category

2008 Marlin Nominees by Artist

2008 Marlin Industry Nominees

Also according to reports Moses was not a licensed firearm holder and apparently fled the scene following the shooting. His body was found hours later with his right hand and leg broken. According to the website www.go-jamaica.com ” There is still uncertainty as to whether he fell while running or jumped to his death”. The site also indicated that “The police say no bullet wounds were found on his body” and that “A post mortem is to be conducted on February 10^th to determine the cause of death”. Moses wife was also expected to give a formal statement to investigators on matters relating to her husband’s death.

According to Marlin Awards President Kevin Harris ” We were all shocked to learn of the death of Moses who was just beginning to ignite a creative spark in the world of dancehall gospel. Moses contribution in both the secular and gospel music industry was invaluable. Though many may consider his time in the music ministry short, I believe that beyond his death and through his lyrics and music, he will continue to touch lives with the gospel of Christ.

On behalf of the Executive Board and Committee of the Marlin Awards as well as all of our nominees, speakers and presenters, I would like to officially offer our condolence to the family of the late Kasim ‘Moses’ Grant”.

Moses was nominated for three (3) Marlin Awards last year including Culture Recording of the Year for “Feels It Knows It”, Deejay Vocal Performance of the Year-Solo for “Thunder Roll” and for Pop/Rock Recording of the Year for “I Ain’t Scared (with Jai).

Winners will be announced during this year’s Marlin Awards, which will serve as the final event during Marlin Weekend 2009, scheduled to be held March 26-29 in Nassau, Bahamas under the banner “Gospel in Paradise”. This event is expected to attract hundreds of recording artists, songwriters, producers, managers, retailers, radio announcers and music fans from throughout the Caribbean as well as from the United States, Africa, Canada and Europe.

For additional information contact Harris Communications at 242-327-1251. You can also email us at marlinawards@gmail.com or visit us online at www.marlinawards.com or www.myspace.com/marlinawards.

Nassau, Bahamas. (Jan.12, 2009) The Executive Board of the Marlin Awards officially announced the introduction of two (2) new categories, Artist of the Year and Record of the Year. The inclusion of these two new awards will increase the total amount of award categories this year from fifty-eight (58) to Sixty (60). However unlike most award categories, the two newest categories will also serve as the first ever online Marlin Awards. For the first time in Marlin history, consumers and lovers of Caribbean Gospel will have a chance to vote for the Artist and Record of their choice.

The Marlin Awards has partnered with Jamaican radio personality and media executive Arnold Kelly and his firm Caribbean Hour to create this first ever online opportunity. Caribbean Hour will design and facilitate the voting process on their website www.caribbeanhour.com with visitors to the site being allowed to see photos of all nominees as well listen to audio clips of their nominated singles. Voting will commence on Saturday February 1^st, 2009 and will be closed at midnight on Saturday February 28^th, 2009. There will be only one vote per person.

The Executive Board of the Marlin Award is now pleased to announce the official nominees for the first ever online categories. Lion of Judah Sounds CEO and reggae gospel recording artist Monty G has received an additional two (2) nominations, one for Artist of the Year and the other for Record of the Year for his international hit “I Want to Know” featuring Trinidad & Tobago newcomer Positive. This increases Monty’s overall nomination count from eleven (11) to thirteen (13), allowing him to maintain his position as this years top nominee.

Jamaican gospel dancehall artist The Prodigal Son also secured an additional two (2) nominations for Artist of the Year and Record of the Year for his mega hit “Ketch A Fire” featuring his younger brother and recording artist Jason Mighty. This increases Prodigal’s overall nominations from Ten (10) to Twelve (12). Also securing an additional two (2) nominations is Stitchie who emerged as the 2006 overall top award recipient. Dancehall newcomer Omari also scored big, adding two (2) more nominations to his current three (3) for Artist and Record of the Year for this worldwide smash “Help”, which recently enjoyed several weeks as the top music video on the Caribbean television channel Tempo.

Trinidad offspring Isaac Blackman has also walked away with two (2) more nominations including Record of the Year for his chart topping global sensation “To the Ceiling”. Also from Trinidad, Soca maestro Nigel Lewis also earned two (2) additional nominations including Record of the Year for his cross cultural anthem “He Is”.

Picking up an additional one (1) nomination apiece in the Artist of the Year category is Jamaican songbird Kristine Alicia, Bahamian reggae duo Christian Massive, gospel dancehall artist St.Matthew and Gotee Records recording artist and Grammy Nominee Ayiesha.

In the Record of the Year category several artists emerged with one (1) nomination each including Bahamian classical singer JoAnn Callendar and Dunamus Soundz Records CEO Manifest for their opera meets hip-hop smash “I Shall Rise” as well as Bahamian choir, The Mount Tabor Praise & Worship Team with their passionate worship single “Don’t Do It Without Me” featuring world renowned pastor and singer Bishop Paul S.Morton. Rounding out this category is Trinidad & Tobago’s female artist Ayanna who snatched another nomination for her female inspired anthem “Kingdom Woman” and dancehall ghetto priest Minister Goddy Goddy who secured another nomination for his sensational hit “Chaka Chi”, which increases his overall nominations from one (1) to two (2).

The Marlin Awards will serve as the final event during Marlin Weekend 2009 which is scheduled to be held March 26-29, 2009 in Nassau, Bahamas under the banner “Gospel in Paradise”. This event is expected to attract hundreds of recording artists, songwriters, producers, managers, retailers, radio announcers and music fans from throughout the Caribbean as well as from the United States, Africa, Canada and Europe.

Nominations were recently announced in the remaining fifty-eight (58) categories including Song and Album of the Year. This highly anticipated event will be taped for re-broadcast and will also feature performances by some of the regions top gospel artists. There are over two hundred (200) artists participating in the Marlin Awards this year representing seventeen (17) countries including Africa, Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Dominica, Fiji, Jamaica, London, Trinidad, Tortola BVI, St.Croix, St.Maarten, St.Vincent and the United States

For additional information contact Harris Communications at 242-327-1251. You can also email us at marlinawards@gmail.com or visit us online at www.marlinawards.com or www.myspace.com/marlinawards.

Here is a complete list of all nominees in the Artist of the Year and Record of the Year categories:

Artist of the Year

Record of the Year

Voting is scheduled to begin January 2009 and is expected to close Sunday March 15th 2009. Individuals will be able to log onto the Caribbean hour website and look at album covers as well as listen to audio clips of each of the nominees in these two categories. Individuals will only be able to vote once in each category.

“We are extremely excited about teaming up with Arnold Kelly and Caribbean Hour to launch this new and exciting aspect of the Marlin Awards. The vision of online voting has been burning within my heart for sometime now and the executive board and committee including myself are just overjoyed that we will finally experience the realization of this dream” according to Marlin Awards President Kevin Harris.

The new categories that are being introduced are “Artist of the Year” and “Record of the Year”. This will serve as the first time in Marlin history that lovers and supporters of Caribbean Gospel artists and their music will have a direct opportunity to cast their ballot for the artist and song of their choice. All other awards will be distributed for “Outstanding” achievement and are determined by a select panel of judges comprised of recording artists and other industry professionals.

The Marlin Awards is encouraging all Caribbean Gospel artists including all nominees to spread the word to as many people as possible about this new voting opportunity and wish all nominees all the best.

Voting for Artist of the Year and Record of the Year will be done at www.caribbeanhour.com.

For a complete list of the first ever online nominees Click Here.

New Artist of the Year

DJ Nicholas

Jamaica

Category 2

Song of the Year

We Need Peace

Landlord feat Luciano / Solo / Alkatraz

Songwriter/s: Orlando Francis & Trevor Bonnick

Track From: We Need Peace

Jamaica/Bahamas

Category 3

Producer of the Year

Cleve Laing

Album: Kingdom Ambassador

Artist: Stitchie

Jamaica

Category 4

Packaging of the Year

Onyinye

Avion Blackman

Photography: Jeferson Applegate (The Image Catcher)

Layout & Design: Amy Jefferson (Whispering Dog Design)

Trinidad

Category 5

Album of the Year

Onyinyee

Avion Blackman

Producer/s: Mark Mohr / Solomon Jabby / Avion Blackman

Trinidad

Category 6

Compilation Album of the Year

Riddim Invasion 4-Three The Hard Way

Lion of Judah

Producer/s: Ramont “Monty G” Green / Ronnie “DJ Frost” Cash

Bahamas

Category 7

Engineered Recording of the Year

A New Dawn

Dawn Sands

Engineer: Mark Capps

Bahamas

Category 8

International Caribbean Recording of the Year - Solo

Heaven

Jah Pickney

Track From: Ghetto Redemption

Producer/s: Tim “Jah Pickney” Linnard

Label: Jah Youth Productions

Canada

Category 9

International Caribbean Recording of the Year - Duo/Group

Not Forgotten

Israel & New Breed

Track From: Alive From South Africa

Producer/s: Israel Houghton & Aaron Lindsey

Label: Integrity Gospel

USA

Category 10

International Caribbean Collaboration of the Year

Grits featuring Syntyst

Hittin Curve

Track From: Dichotomy A

Producer/s: Otto Price

Label: Gotee Records

USA/Bahamas

Category 11

Special Event Album of the Year

Go Tell It- Christmas in the Bahamas

Tracy Tracy

Producer/s: Tracy Knowles

Bahamas

Category 12

Music Video of the Year

Fast & Pray

Stitchie

Kingdom Ambassador

Director: Billy Yapp

Video Production Company: Snap 1 Productions

Jamaica

Category 13

Junkanoo Recording of the Year

Party Time (Remix)

Divinity

Songwriter/s: William Godet

Track From: Bahama Praise Party

Bahamas

Category 14

Rake & Scrape Recording of The Year

I Come Here to Worship

Christian Massive

Songwriter/s: Kent Johnson

Track From: Bahama Praise Party

Bahamas

Category 15

Calypso/Soca Recording of the Year

Hoorah For Jesus

Judah Praise

Songwriter/s: Julie Merrifield

Track From: Pass Over

St.Thomas USVI

Category 16

Reggae Recording of the Year

God Is By Our Side

Kerron Ennis

Songwriter/s: Clifton “Johnny” Clarke, Margaret Green Clarke

& Kerron Ennis

Track From: Kerron Ennis

Jamaica

Category 17

Dancehall Recording of the Year

Fast & Pray

Stitchie

Songwriter/s: Cleve Laing

Track From: Kingdom Ambassador

Jamaica

Category 18

Dub/Culture Recording of the Year

We Need Peace

Landlord feat Luciano / Alkatraz & Solo

Songwriter/s: Orlando Francis & Trevor Bonnick

Track From: We Need Peace

Bahamas

Category 19

Praise & Worship Recording of the Year

We Lift Our Hands

Adrian Edgecombe & the Bahamas Harvest Church Choir

Songwriter/s: Devon Rolle

Track From: Rejoice

Bahamas

Category 20

Contemporary Recording of the Year

Down to the River

Mizpah Bethel

Songwriter/s: Mizpah A. Bethel

Track From: Healing

Bahamas

Category 21

Inspirational Recording of the Year

Living the Dream

Talbert Williams

Songwriter/s: Terneille Burrows

Track From: Living the Dream

Bahamas

Category 22

Traditional Recording of the Year

Heaven

Second Coming

Songwriter/s: Grafton Lee

Track From: Beyond Time

Barbados

Category 23

Pop/Rock Recording of the Year

Survivor

Glacia Robinson

Songwriter/s: Glacia Robinson

Track From: Survivor

Jamaica

Category 24

Hip/Hop Recording of the Year

Head Bangers (The Bang Mix)- The Finale

The Head Banger Crew

Songwriter/s: Lavard Parks, W.Dawkins, R. Forbes & V. Knowles

Track From: The Dunamus Ball

Bahamas

Category 25

Jazz Recording of the Year

If Any Man

Aloa Harris

Songwriter/s: Rod Harris

Track From: By The Book

Bahamas

Category 26

Choir/Chorale Recording of the Year

Jesus I Love You

Shaback feat. Vanessa C.Rolle

Track From: Live At Trinity City of Praise

Bahamas

Category 27

Adapted Reggae Recording of the Year

Traditional Medley

Minister Goddy Goddy

Track From: Warfare

Jamaica

Category 28

Adapted Calypso/Soca Recording of the Year

Firm Foundation

Cora Williamson

Track From: Let Him Be

Guyana

Category 29

Adapted Contemporary Recording of the Year

My Jesus I Love Thee

Belinda

Track From: He Loves Me

St.Thomas USVI

Category 30

Adapted Traditional Recording of the Year

I Love To Praise Him (Old)

Tabernacle Concert Choir

Track From: TCC

Bahamas

Category 31

Adapted Praise & Worship Recording of the Year

This is the Air I Breathe

Landlord

Track From: We Need Peace

Bahamas

Category 32

Instrumental Recording of the Year

Rejoice

Dawn Sands

Track From: A New Dawn

Bahamas

Category 33

Foreign Language Recording of the Year

Le Ve Yo

Judith Montperous

Songwriter/s: Judith Montperous & Dernst Emile

Track From: My Spiritual Journey

Haiti

Category 34

Ethnic Recording of the Year

Catch it on Jah

Gitta Dan

Songwriter/s: Denton Peschier

Track From: Reggaematic Worship

Trinidad

Category 35

Junkanoo / Rake & Scrape Vocal Performance of the Year - Solo

Kenyatta Taylor

Shout Hallelujah

Track From: Bahama Praise Party

Bahamas

Category 36

Junkanoo/Rake & Scrape Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

Da Fam

Hold On To Jesus

Track From: Bahama Praise Party

Bahamas

Category 37

Calypso/Soca Vocal Performance of the Year-Female

Cora Williamson

Firm Foundation

Track From: Let Him Be

Guyana

Category 38

Calypso/Soca Vocal Performance of the Year-Male

Paul Fleming

Sing Hallelujah

Track From: Rain of Peace

St.Maarten

Category 39

Calypso/Soca Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

Sherwin Gardner feat Jadee

Under We Feet

Track From: Who I AM

Trinidad

Category 40

Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year-Female

Chevelle Franklyn

Each Time

Track From: His Way

Jamaica

Category 41

Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year-Male

Mr. Lynx

Shine Ya Light

Track From: Prophetic Fire

Bahamas

Category 42

Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

DJ Nicholas featuring Kerron Ennis

Holy Ghost Church

Track From: On The Shout

Jamaica

Category 43

Dee-Jay Vocal Performance of the Year-Solo

Stitchie

Fast & Pray

Track From: Kingdom Ambassador

Jamaica

Category 44

Dee-Jay Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

Avalanchee

Blow Out

Track From: Riddim Invasion 4

Bahamas

Category 45

Hip/Hop Vocal Performance of the Year-Solo

Richie Righteous

Throw Ya Hand Up

Track From: Censorship

Guyana

Category 46

Hip/Hop Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

Manifest feat. DJ Frost

We’ve Only Just Begun

Track From: Parables The Silent Struggles

Bahamas

Category 47

Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year-Female

Avion Blackman

Marvelous Beauty

Track From: Onyinye

Trinidad

Category 48

Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year-Male

Mr.Lynx

Hold Me In Your Arms

Track From: Prophetic Fire

Bahamas

Category 49

Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year-Duo/Group

Harmonious Praise

Due Season

Track From: Due Season

Bahamas

Category 50

Traditional Vocal Performance of the Year-Female

Sister Sharon Dyer

Because He Lives

Track From: Lord I Believe

Jamaica

Category 51

Traditional Vocal Performance of the Year-Male Master Travis Finlay

Many Rivers to CrossTrack From: Everybody Needs Jesus

Jamaica

Category 52

Traditional Vocal Performance of The Year-Duo/Group

Tabernacle Concert Choir

I Love to Praise Him (Old)

Track From: TCC

Bahamas

Kevin Harris has worked in the music business for over twenty years, getting his start in 1987 when he launched a Bahamian rap duo named PD Rappers. Kevin wrote and produced the group’s debut single “True Christmas” which was released in December 1987. Several months later in 1988, PD Rappers disbanded and Kevin formed another hip/hop group named System 3. As the leader of System 3, Kevin traveled throughout The United States, The Caribbean and throughout The Bahamas Family of Islands ministering the gospel in song. The trio recorded and released several singles and albums and was featured on the first gospel album ever recorded by the historic Motown Records label called, “Motown Comes Home”.

The “Motown Comes Home” album also featured legendary singers like Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Boyz II Men. Bahamian gospel history was made when the album was nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award in 1996, making System 3 the first Bahamian gospel group to ever receive such a nomination.

Also In 1996, Kevin launched another successful project, The Bahamian Gospel Music Marlin Awards, a locally based award ceremony designed to honor outstanding achievement in Bahamian gospel music. In the year 2000 the Marlin Awards expanded to include other Caribbean styles of gospel music and in 2002 after fully integrating all Bahamian and Caribbean styles of gospel music, the award was officially renamed The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards of which Kevin currently serves as President.

From 1996-1998 he served as Marketing Assistant for Western Union and British American Bank and in May of 1997 he was ordained a Minister of the gospel and served as a full time Assistant Youth Pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries from 1998-2002.

Through his production company Harris Communications he has had the opportunity to produce, coordinate and promote events featuring many local and international gospel music artists and personalities including civil rights icon the late Rosa Parks; television personality Oprah Winfrey; Grammy Award winners Be Be Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Quincy Jones, Natalie Cole, Michael Jackson, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Byron Cage, Natalie Cole and Pastor Shirley Caesar.

He is the CEO of the Harris Group of Companies which includes Harris Communications, a Christian entertainment and production company which produces The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards and Creative Soul Entertainment, a recording and distribution label.

Kevin launched a career in radio in 1995 as a radio announcer with the Bahamas top secular radio station 100 Jamz, where he hosted the gospel morning show “100 Gospel Jamz” every Sunday from 6am-10am. In 2003 he joined the team at one of The Bahamas’ newest radio stations, 101.9 Joy FM as the host of the morning drive show “Joy in the Morning”, where thousands wake up every day to the music and words of inspiration from Kevin or better known to his listeners as “Minister K”.

As a radio announcer he has interviewed many local, regional and international artists and personalities including Ce Ce Winans, Fred Hammond, Ben Tankard, Be Be Winans, Dr. Myles Munroe, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Stitchie, Commissioned, Byron Cage, Dr. Richard Roberts and the Rt. Hon Perry G. Christie, former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

He holds a Bachelors Degree in Theology and is currently working towards his Masters. He and his wife, Quetell, reside in The Bahamas with their two sons Kevin Joshua and Jonathon Micah.

The Marlin Awards recognize and honor outstanding achievement in Caribbean Gospel Music. The awards seek to reward excellence in Caribbean Gospel recordings and are neither designed to foster a competitive or envious spirit among participants nor is it designed to place value on one artist above the other.

The Marlin Awards is an original concept and was inspired by the Blue Marlin, the national fish of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Additionally, the Blue Marlin graces the one hundred dollar note, the highest Bahamian currency which serves as the spirit behind the awards-the highest honor globally-for outstanding achievement in Caribbean Gospel music.

The Marlin Awards are produced by Harris Communications, a subsidiary of the Harris Group of Companies based in Nassau, Bahamas. The awards are governed by an executive board and executed by an executive committee.

Vision

The vision of the Marlin Awards is to create a platform for the advancement of Caribbean Gospel Music globally. The Marin Awards intend to utilize all entertainment channels and opportunities to advance the music and ministry of Caribbean Gospel artists.

Mission Statement

To Encourage Excellence and Growth in Caribbean Gospel Music (Romans 12:10)

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