Memphis, TN, – The nominees have been announced, and the date for the annual celebration honoring excellence in independent Gospel music has been set! The 7th Annual Avidity Awards is coming to Memphis, Tennessee, for the show’s live taping on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education.  The exciting weekend of events will include an emphasis on mental health awareness in the Black community and the forthcoming launch of Avidity TV. The Avidity Awards celebrate the accomplishments of independent artists and artists signed to an independent record label. This night of excellence boasts a production that has a reach extending to non-traditional Gospel audiences.  The Avidity Awards will assemble an array of independent Gospel music artists, groups, and spiritual leaders on one stage for an explosive evening of great performances and excitement! 

Leading this year’s nominations is award-winning choirmaster Zak Williams (& 1AKORD) of Philadelphia, PA.  Williams has five nominations - Community Choir of the Year, Choir Director of the Year, and Artist of the Year, all stemming from his Billboard chart-topping single, “Jehovah Jireh,” which is also in the running for Song of the Year.

Kim Person, a multiple 2021 Avidity Award nominee, has received four nominations this year, for Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year, all derived from her #1 Billboard Gospel Indicator Chart single, “Wonderful.”  Other artists with several nominations for this year’s Avidity Awards are Cardell Booker and Michael Dixon, who received three nominations each. For the complete list of the 2022 nominees, click here. 

The 7th Annual Avidity Awards will feature performances by Robyn McGhee, Dr. James Mable, Jr, Kim Person, Cardell Booker, Gia Wyre, Lamont Sanders, The Exciting Holy Sons, and others to be announced at a later date.

“There’s very little doubt that Gospel music has been tremendously influenced and enhanced by the creative genius of independent artists," says Derrick Huggins, Founder and CEO of The Elite Gospel Music & Ministry Academy (TEGMMA) and Avidity TV.   "This has especially been the case since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Avidity Awards will continue to amplify the Gospel through musical expressions emanating from our outstanding community of independent artists.” 

The hosts for the show are Aldren McClullar, social media influencer of "The Aldren Brand", and social media influencer Marquis Jelks of "Church Stuff".  In addition to the main awards show event, attendees can enjoy the official Pre-Show Indie Artist Showcase with hosts Hasan James (Root Magazine), and recording artists Michelle Prather and Dr. James Mable, Jr., and the Indie Artist Help Desk. The Avidity Awards are presented by Avidity TV in conjunction with Avidity Media Group. For a complete schedule, tickets, vendor, and sponsorship opportunities visit TheAvidityAwards.com.