Urban gospel artiste lands global award nomination

Urban contemporary gospel recording artiste Karlos Cobham is eyeing his first international win after being nominated for a global music award.

After participating in the voting round for consideration, the Barbados-born US-based artist won his nomination for the 11th Avidity Gospel Music Awards in the category of Gospel Rap Artiste of the Year.

Cobham, a Billboard #1 artiste, is now on the verge of potentially moving from nomination to securing his first international award.

After being considered for the Grammy nomination for his 2022 Billboard No 1 Christian hip-hop single Royalty, featuring Emcee N.I.C.E., Cobham is looking to make history this year.

The songwriter and producer, who is both chief executive officer and flagship artiste of his independently owned record label, KWEST Records, had been shortlisted for the 2026 Avidity Gospel Music Awards for Gospel Rap Artiste of the Year and Gospel R&B/Hip Hop Single of the Year for his 2025 hit Blessed.

The 11th annual Avidity Gospel Music Awards, to take place in Dallas, Texas, from November 6 to 9, is staged by the Avidity Recording Academy (ARA), which supports recording industry professionals and creative collaborators in the independent music industry.

Its mission encompasses recognition, education and advocacy — celebrating artistic excellence, raising industry standards and preparing the next generation of talent. The academy aims to empower independent artists to secure a lasting place within the wider music industry.

Cobham is thanking everyone who supported his bid, by voting before the first round closed on July 19, to secure his nomination.

(EJ)