Siani and Jahaziel Grab Multiple Accolades at 2006 Oasis Awards

|PIC1|The 2006 Oasis Awards, the 'first ever UK Gospel Music and Church Awards', took place last night at the Hackney Empire in London, with gospel group Siani and rapper Jahaziel grabbing multiple awards.

Siani soared with four awards, including Best Gospel Group, Best Gospel Song, Best Songwriter (Simone Stewart), and Best British Album/EP.

As the group received their fourth award, lead singer/songwriter of Siani, Simone Stewart, expressed: “This is so funny... God is SO good! Thank you all for your love and support.”

Hosted by renowned radio presenters Muyiwa and Nikki Tapper, awards for 16 categories were distributed to the most celebrated gospel music artists and ministers in the UK.

The night opened up with a live performance by Andre ‘Saxman’ Brown, who stirred up the atmosphere with loud cheers and excitement.

|PIC2|Following the performance, awards were cordially presented by sponsors of the Oasis Awards to each artist, group, and minister.

Winners included Tim Hughes for Best Praise & Worship Song (“Here I am to Worship”) and Natalie Philips for Best Female Artist.

Phillips, while clutching her Oasis Award, expressed: “I want to thank God. Without Him I am nothing. I know it’s a corny thing to say- but it’s the truth. It’s my truth!”

Other noted winners included Jahaziel, who won three awards including Best Holy Hip-Hop Artist, and
Ni-cola for Best Newcomer.

Highlighted performances consisted of a funky rap by Sammy G, an intimate song sung by R&B group Sons of Light, and a ‘hand-lifting’ song presented by Roger Samuels and his choir. International performances were led by Leah and Olivier Cheuwa, from France and Canada respectively, and Lyric Sings and Antonio Neal from the U.S.

Roney Henderson, founder of the Oasis Awards commented, “The Oasis Awards has now reached a very exciting stage. The nominees reflect those artists, churches and ministries that are having a major impact on the lives and spiritual development of the Christian public.”

The Oasis Awards nominations reception & pre-Awards was held on 26 July, at the City Hall, London, prior to the main ceremony last night, where ten Oasis Awards were presented. A total of 26 Oasis Awards were presented, including Church/Community Awards.



|AD|Full list of 2006 Oasis Awards winners:

Best British Album/EP- Siani/ Love Is

Best Choir- David Daniel & The PCF Choir Praise Comes First

Best Female Artist - Natalie Phillips

Best Male Artist- Jahaziel

Best Holy Hip-Hop Artist- Jahaziel

Best Gospel Group – Siani /Love Is

Best Praise & Worship Artist- Mark Beswick & Power Praise

Best Newcomer- Ni-cola

Best Musician- Michael Brown

Best Producer - Ibe Otah (Siani)

Best Gospel Song- Love Is/ Siani

Best Praise & Worship Song- “Here I am to Worship”/ Tim Hughes

Best Radio Presenter - London & SE- Muyiwa Olaweraju / Premier Radio

Best Radio Presenter - Midlands & North- Nikki Tapper / BBC Radio WM

Best Reggae Artist- Witness

Best Reggae/Hip Hop Song- “No Shame In My Game”/ Jahaziel

Best Songwriter- Simone Stewart (Siani)/ “Love Is”

Best Website- www.ukgospel.com

Best Christian Channel- Revelation TV/Rmusic TV

Best Gospel Club Nite- United by One

Best Packaged CD- 4 Kornerz Clap Clap

Church Categories

Church of the year- Ruach Ministries/ Bishop John Francis

Community church of the year- Church of God of Prophecy/ Bishop Wilton Powell

Community Minister of the year- Pastor Nims Obunge/ Peace Alliance

Conference of the year- International Gathering of Champions/ Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo

Minister of the year- Bishop John Francis/ Ruach Ministries