News Update from the Black Music Association (BMA) of America. Thousands attend the REJOICE! Gospel Music Awards Show in Sacramento at the Radisson Hotel on Sunday, June 7, 2009. The sun was shining and atmosphere was perfect for over 1,000 people to jam pack the Radisson Grove outdoor amphitheater for the REJOICE Gospel Music Awards presented by KRJY 1240 AM radio show (http://www.rejoice1240.com/) and the Black Music Association (BMA). See all the beautiful and fabulous photos of men, women, and children and all the celebrities who attended the awards show. >>see over 100 photos posted in the Sac Hub Photo Gallery
"Tonex just brought tears to my eyes, this event was more than an awards show it was a blessing from God," said one attendee. From the very beginning when over 200 people began arriving to walk the red carpet, the show was bound for success. "People just kept coming and coming, we ran out of seats," said Rick Warren, president and founder of the BMA.
Tremaine Hawkins received the Living Legend Award along with recording artist Dorothy Love Thornton and Precious Craft. "This is such a beautiful occasion for all of you to come out to honor me and I appreciate all of you and love you all," said an emotional "Lady" Tremaine Hawkins. "I have a lot of awards,but this is the most beautiful," she said.
Amar Kahlil of Tone!Toni!Tony! introduced his latest gospel song and won the audience over with his silky smooth voice.
Dooney Da Priest who has the fastest rising hip hop song called "Pull Your Pants Up," was a favorite for the young people in the audience.
"Pull Your Pants Up is more than a regular song it’s how we need to speak to our young people so they can project a better image for themselves. But the song is funky", said Dooney.
Still the show stopper was Tonex. His show was flawless and sent chills throughout the audience that he quickly turned into his congregation. Tears of joy and humility filled the outdoor grove as Tonex sang, preached and cried himself. "I’ve been to a lot of shows," said the eight time Stellar Award winning artist, "But this show… this was the best. Please keep it up, keep it real and keep it gospel," said Tonex.
Las Vegas is the next stop for the BMA Gospel "Jubilee Awards." The BMA will host the Los Angeles Verge Awards on July 29; and then the Detroit Black Music Awards on August 2; followed by the Las Vegas Black Music Awards on August 23rd (hosted by Ane).
"Hope to see you all at each of the events and at the Las Vegas Gospel Jubilee Awards next month (date tba)."
Submitted by Rick Warren, Contributing Writer
