The Tribune

BAHAMIAN gospel legend, the late Kevan McKenzie, has made Marlin Awards history as the first artist to be nominated posthumously.

Mr McKenzie, who died on July 15, 2013 was nominated for five 2014 Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards for songs featured on his double disc compilation album “From My Heart to Yours –The Greatest Hits of Kevan “Kevi Kev” McKenzie”.

His nominations include Compilation, Mixtape or Special Event Recording of the Year (“From My Heart to Yours-The Greatest Hits of Kevan “Kevi Kev” McKenzie”), Junkanoo Recording of the Year (“Junkanoo is Mine”), Junkanoo/Rake and Scrape Vocal Performance of the Year (“Till Ya Dead”), Packaging of the Year (“From My Heart to Yours”) and Junkanoo Recording of the Year (“Don’t Complain”).

When the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards are staged this weekend, two other late greats of the industry will also be honoured – Lorna Joy Simmons and Pastor Renardo V Bethell.

Minister Lorna Joy Simmons (1961-2014) served as national minister of music for the Church of God of Prophecy in England for five years, conducting music workshops and directing the 500-member mass choir, which ministered nationally and internationally. After returning to the Bahamas in 1990, her passion for music continued as she inspired many local choirs and worship teams.

Mrs Simmons was best known as the co-director of the Tabernacle Concert Choir (TCC).

She contributed to various ministries at the Baillou Hill Road Community Church of God of Prophecy where she worshipped for 16 years. Before her death, Mrs Simmons worshipped at the East Street Tabernacle with her husband and associate pastor, Kendal Simmons, and their two children, Kendal Joshua and Kalei Jadyn.

Bahamian recording artist and songwriter Renardo V Bethell (1980-2012) will be honoured for his outstanding contribution towards the advancement and development of Caribbean gospel music.

The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards are being held this Saturday starting at 7pm at the Diplomat Centre on Carmichael Road.