Eighteen years into the game, the Unity Singers have been instrumental in spreading the gospel across the island.
The group has earned its second Sterling Gospel Music Awards nomination in the category Group of the Year. It’s an accolade that the outfit says signifies its commitment to the ministry.
“This is our second nomination in the Sterling Gospel Music Awards for Group of the Year. We were nominated in 2022, and to be recognized among other remarkable groups is truly an honor, and we are deeply grateful. Win or lose, this nomination reaffirms our commitment to the ministry, and it will not stop the progress of the work God has called us to do,” Shane Haslam, CEO of Unity Singers Ministry told Observer Online recently.
Aside from Haslam, the other members of The Unity Singers include sopranos Alisha Cole Smith, Kadine McKenzie, Tracey Hall Treasure, Rushel Smith Haslam, altos Rushene Smith, Stacey-Marie Burnett, Chudine Hodgson, Felecia Forde, Shanice Brown-Rose, tenors Johnoy Harrison, Kareem Mayne, Derron Davidson, keyboardists Kirkland Tulloch, Conroy Bryan, Joel Anderson, Dwayne Barnett, drummers Phillip Whynn, Adrian Barnett, Demoy Thomas and bass players Davian Barnett and Emilio Hall.
“The journey has truly been marked by the Glory of God. For 18 years, The Unity Singers have traveled the length and breadth of Jamaica, faithfully ministering in song. Our vision has always been to expand the territory that God has given us — both nationally and internationally — for His Kingdom. The group has remained a non-denominational body with members from various church backgrounds including Apostolic, Pentecostal, Church of God, and Tabernacle ministries. Despite a few changes in members over the years, our expectations have never been disappointed, and the ministry has continued to flourish under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” said Haslam.
The Unity Singers has ministered at major concerts, national events, parish galas, political rallies, and conferences. Some highlights include Kevin Downswell’s All the Way album tour, Jermaine Edwards’ Redemption Live Tour, Praise Fest with Bobby Jones in Montego Bay, and sharing stages with gospel acts including Rhoda Isabella and Marion Hall.
The Unity Singers have previously received awards, including Best Group of the Year (National) from Love Gospel Station in New York City (2014, 2015, 2016) and Best Gospel Group on the North Coast (2018, 2019)
Over the years, the act has released seven original songs, including Usher in Your Presence, The Name of Jesus, Find Myself in You, My God Never Fails, Rise Up and Live, Jordan Medley, and Redeem Praise Medley.
Asked what the idea was behind starting the Unity Singers, Haslam shared “The group was originally birthed in May 2005 out of a vision. Along with original members Kimola Brown (2008 JCDC Top 10 Finalist), Ruthann Scott, and Livingston Johnson, the group ministered at an event hosted by UTECH’s UCCF where they sang Silver & Gold by Kirk Franklin & Family. That night, after a powerful move of the Spirit, we encountered spiritual warfare that confirmed God’s call upon the group. Inspired by the unity in prayer and protection from God, I was led to name the group Unity,” Haslam disclosed.
He continued, “Although the group went dormant for a season as members pursued different paths, the vision never died. In February 2007, God revived the ministry, and The Unity Singers was reborn. Since then, through challenges and transitions, God has faithfully added members, and the ministry has grown stronger and wider in impact.”
Said Haslam, “The most fulfilling part of our ministry is witnessing lives transformed by the power of God — both saved and unsaved. We also treasure the fellowship, testimonies, and share life experiences within the group as we journey together.”
The Unity Singers’ most recent single is Redeem Praise Medley, produced by Phillip Whynn.
The other groups nominated in the Group of the Year category are Levy’s Heritage, Genesis Praise Squad, HUMBLE and Gilead Collective.
The Sterling Gospel Music Awards takes place this Saturday October 4 at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore.
Gospel artiste Johnmark Wiggan leads this year’s Sterling Gospel Music Awards nominations with a total of eight, including Male Artiste of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Local Hit of the Year, and Video of the Year. He is nominated in four categories.
Sebastian Braham and Prince Saj are runners-up with four nominations each, while Kevin Downswell and Petra Kaye tie with three nominations each.
Rhoda Isabella, Ryan Mark, Orville Sutherland, Levy’s Heritage, Chevelle Franklyn, LeoNell Teape, Jucal Dyer, Mical Forsythe, Sara Ann Edwards Miller, Ava Gay Blair Black, DJ Rebirth, Gilead Collective, and Genesis Praise Squad, all received two nominations each.