Sherwin Gardner Honored At Caribbean Music Awards

Caribbean gospel artist, Sherwin Gardner, was has honored at the second annual Caribbean Gospel Music Awards at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY on August 29, 2024. Gardner was honored for his contributions to the Caribbean gospel music community over the last 30 years. However, the first nine months of this year have been the biggest of Gardner’s career to date. His January release, “Find Me Here (Blessings Fine Me),” has amassed over 1.6 billion TikTok views, over 3 million user-generated creations, and 18 million digital streams.

Legendary performers such as Marcia Griffiths, Alison Hinds, and Cedella Marley were among the night’s biggest honorees, and artists such as Shaggy were presenters. “Being honored alongside icons like Marcia Griffiths and Cedella Marley is beyond humbling,” Gardner says. “To be recognized as the first Caribbean gospel artist at this event is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the power and reach of gospel music from our region. I am grateful for the opportunity to carry the mantle forward and continue leading the charge to take Caribbean gospel music to the world.”

Gardner attended the show with his wife Dr. Kristen Darville-Gardner and his manager, Indigo Grant. His award was presented by the Queen of Dancehall, Spice. She called it a universal anthem and said, “If that’s not a proud moment for the Caribbean people, I don’t know what is.” After Gardner came to the stage, he sang a few lines of “Find Me Here (Blessings Find Me)” a cappella before giving a heartfelt acceptance speech.  “This award is only the beginning of what I believe will be a new era for Caribbean gospel music,” Gardner says. “The success of ‘Blessings Find Me Here’ is a clear indication that there is a global hunger for the message we carry. I am committed to continuing this journey, spreading the gospel through music, and ensuring that Caribbean gospel music has its rightful place on the world stage.”

During the festivities, Gardner met a roomful of the who’s who in the Caribbean music community. Among the luminaries he was photographed with were DJ Cassidy of “Kill the Lights” fame. Teddyson John, and Mojo and Gramps of the family band, Morgan Heritage. Next up for Gardner is a September tour in the United Kingdom.