Gospel artist Karlos Cobham eyes global breakthrough with Avidity nod push

From a Billboard-topping single to the cusp of another international accolade, US-based Barbados-born contemporary gospel artist Karlos Cobham is once again drawing global attention—this time with a call for homegrown support to help carry him to the next stage of a major US awards platform.

US-based contemporary gospel artist Karlos Cobham. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

After being considered for a 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 artist of his independently owned record label, KWEST Records, has been shortlisted for the 2026 Avidity Gospel Music Awards. He is up for Gospel Rap Artist 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 artists, industry professionals and creative collaborators in the independent music industry.

Its stated mission encompasses recognition, education and advocacy—celebrating artistic excellence, raising industry standards and preparing the next generation of talent. Through its commitment to innovation in music creation, production, education and technology, the academy aims to empower independent artists to secure a lasting place within the wider music industry.

Cobham is now calling on fellow Barbadians to support his bid by voting before the first round closes on Sunday. They can help cement the island’s presence on the global music stage by voting at aviditygospelawards.com/vote, he said.

“I am all for advancing God’s Kingdom and serving him,” he told Barbados TODAY in a telephone interview from New York on Tuesday.

“To be honest, I find it hard to promote myself. I spend a lot of time promoting other artistes on my radio show. I know marketing is important, so I may have to get an agent to do that for me,” he said.

The Billboard hit-maker said that, just as he did not actively campaign to be considered for a Grammy nomination — aside from Royalty reaching No. 1 — his name appeared on the Avidity awards ballot without any promotion on his part.

He also noted that some artistes pay to be considered for nominations, adding that he had been approached to do so but declined.

Cobham has performed internationally, including Jamaica, Canada, the UK and the US, sharing the stage with Grammy-winner Tasha Cobbs Leonard and collaborating with gospel reggae artist DJ Nicholas, Grammy-nominated singer and producer Canton Jones, and rapper Dee-1.

Cobham is also the founder of KWEST International Inc, a non-profit creative and visual arts organisation.

The official nominees will be announced on Tuesday,  August 4 at 8 p.m. Barbados time via a livestream on the Avidity Gospel Awards Facebook page. The first round of voting is open to the public, with the final round reserved for Avidity Recording Academy members.

During this stage, the public votes on candidates under consideration for nomination, with results determining who advances to the next phase.

Only one vote per person is permitted. Multiple votes from the same person or device/IP address will be discarded, according to the organisers.
(EJ)