Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE MAJA AWARDS GALA, CANADA’S FIRST EVER RED CARPET, BLACK TIE PREMIERE GOSPEL AWARDS A HUGE SUCCESS

TORONTO – October 25, 2003. The Maja Awards Gala, Toronto’s first ever Red Carpet, Black Tie Gospel Awards was held on October 25, 2003 at Faith Sanctuary, 1901 Jane Street, Toronto. This gala, hosted by CTV’s Scott Laurie and Steve Chao, created the glamour and excitement of a first class event complete with limousines, red carpet, and press interviews of arriving guests and performers. The thrill was not only felt by the awardees, but by the thousands of supporters from across Canada and the United States of America. It was a delight to see hardworking Canadian Christians receive recognition for their contribution to the Canadian Gospel Music industry. This event emphasized the fact that the Canadian Gospel Music industry is reaching new standards of excellence.

The highlight of the evening’s program was the final showdown between the top twelve finalists to choose Canada’s First Gospel Star (Canada’s answer to American Idol) and Canada’s first ever Gospel Song of the Year.

The Duo, Sonz of Thunder walked away with the coveted Canadian Gospel Star 2003 Award, and later earned the award for first runner up in the Canadian National Gospel Song category. The song “Rise Above” written and performed by Ottawa’s Jamaican born Kathy Grant-Mahon received the Award for Canadian National Gospel Song. Young singing sensation Matthew McIntosh was crowned the Junior Gospel Star.

Other awardees in the Canadian Gospel Star category were Nicola Nwosu - 1st runner- up for her stinging rendition of “How Great Thou Art”, Cassidy Parlane - 2nd runner-up and J-Oshawa Praise Choir - 3rd runner-up. In the Canadian National Gospel Song category, Sonz of Thunder received the award for first runner up for the song “The Blood of Jesus”, One Accord -2nd runner up for their song “Lord You are Life” and Jimmy Lee Howard -3rd runner up for his song “My God is Able”.

The big winner in the Recording Category was George Banton who walked away with three trophies, namely Male Artist of the Year Award, the Artist of the Year Award as well as the Favourite Inspiration Song Award for his song “Next in Line for Your Blessings”. Alberta’s “Jannell” also scored well with winning Female Artist of the Year and Best New Artist Awards.

Heart to Heart received the award for Group of the Year, Instrumental Recording Award went to Harvey Palmer, Young Performer Award went to Campbell Sisters, and Southern Gospel Award went to Marlene O’Neill.

Alberta’s Mark Mallet’s Song “Without the Pain” received the award for Best Recording Song, the Award for Best Choir went to Toronto Mass, Producer of the Year Award went to Ken Kennell & Richard Picart, Best Urban Gospel Award went to Promise D’Apostle, and Best Reggae/Soca recording went to Kay Morris & the Jewels.
Promoter of the Year Award went to Keith Baker; Favourite Gospel Media Personality Award went to Ron Mainse and Rhonda Glenn of 100 Huntley Street. Favourite Choir Director of the Year went to Sharon Riley of Faith Chorale; Gospel Program Radio/TV went to Gospel Music Machine CIUT 89.5 FM. Award of Courage (someone who has overcome great odds) went to CTV’s Karlene Nation, Erlyn Alexander received the Award for Long Service and Dedication to Gospel Music and the Humanitarian Award went to Christian Blind Mission International (CBMI).

Apart from winning trophies, performers received other gifts including a recording contract to the Canadian Gospel Star Winner, Studio Time to the Winner of the Canadian National Gospel Song, as well as Studio Time for the Junior Gospel Star Winner. All of the artists received coverage in a national gospel magazine, Cell Phones, Artwork, and many other valuable gifts.

Presenting the awards were Dwayne John, Host of CHRY’s Higher Praise, Angella Blackwood-Williams and Denise Stern from “Heart to Heart”, Gospel Music Promoter Howard Mahoney and Recording Artist Gratiela, Founder and Owner of Shine TV, Chris and Janice Findlay, Alberta’s Recording Artists Mark and Lea Mallet, Glenda Bowen and Gary Williams of the Toronto Mass Choir, Host of Joy 1250 Gospel Praise – Davina Japaul, Sherma Falandy & Soul Chorale from Montreal, Recording Artist and Maja Award Winner, Marlene O’Neil, Canadian Gospel Recording Group, Kay Morris & the Jewels, President of Cross Roads Ministries and 100 Huntley Street, Ron and Kathy Mainse, President and CEO of Maja Awards, Fitzroy Gordon, Artist Manager and President of Industry Black, Richard Picart, President of Locus 3, Web Designer, Del Miller, Ottawa Recording Artist and Urban Recording Artist, Kathy Graht-Mahon and Promise D’Apostle, G-Rated production Manager, Gospel Week Coordinator and Recording Artist, Natalie Carpenter and the Campbell Sisters, Alberta’s Rising Star, Janelle, Steel Pan Recording Artist and Jazz Recording Artist, Winston Dayal and Dawson Phillips, Lead Singer and Choir Director, Sharon Riley, Courtney Williams, Richard Gordon and Clairmont Humphrey – Host of Gospel Music Machine, CIUT 89.5, Mini Miss Canada, Deovena Beckford, Renowned Choir Director, Manager of R.G. Mitchell Family Bookstore, Ken MacDonald, Gospel Music Artist and Composer and Manager for Steve’s Music – Paul Lau and Shelly Altman.

Several performers produced unforgettable moments for the Annual Maja Awards Gala. Among them were: Recording Artist Gratiela as she performed her rendition of The Lord’s Prayer - Maja’s National Anthem, followed by Praise Troop, a number of brightly coloured children and the Joy Dancers as they vigorously danced on stage for a thankful audience. George Banton, Praising Hands, Promise D’Apostle, Janelle and Pape Avenue Brass -an instrumental group comprised of horns and a rhythm section, who, after four decades, still causes a stir among many.

“This was an amazing night of Gospel Music” says Fitzroy Gordon, founder and president of Maja Awards. “I can’t remember a more exciting show with so many stand-out performances, and with so many different artistes being honoured with Maja trophies. We’ve always been proud of our diversity; tonight we truly celebrated it”.

Founded in 1985, the Maja Awards Organization is committed to the proclamation of the message of Jesus Christ through music. They view educating the industry and public on the mission and role of Gospel Music and the promotion and encouragement of Canadian Christian Artistes as a means of achieving that goal.

Maja Awards Organization would like to thank all the participants, attendees, sponsors volunteers, and supporters throughout Canada and the United States, for making this event a huge success. Please note that the 2004 Maja Awards Gala is scheduled for September 18, 2004 in Toronto. Look forward to seeing you there.

For more information at http://www.majaawards.com and/or email us at info@majaawards.com.

Theresa Prescott
Executive Coordinator Maja Awards
tprescott@majaawards.com
905-855-8611

THE PAPE AVENUE BRASS REUNITES FOR ENCORE PERFORMANCE AT 2003 MAJA AWARDS GALA

October 21, 2003 – During the 1980s and 90s they were Canada’s #1 gospel band. Now, after more than a decade, the members of the Pape Avenue Brass will reunite to perform a one-time only encore performance at the 2003 Maja Award Gala, taking place Saturday October 25th at 6:30pm at Faith Sanctuary Tabernacle, 1901 Jane Street in Toronto.

Pape Avenue Brass, an instrumental group comprised of horns and a rhythm section, was one of the first recipients to receive Maja Awards given out back in 1985 for Outstanding Instrumentalist, followed by the people’s choice for Favorite Male Group and Best Instrumentalist. They went on to be recipient of the Golden Note Awards two consecutive years and continued to wow audiences throughout North America.

Pape Avenue Brass made its first public appearance in February of 1979 as a group of inexperienced but talented teenage boys thrust together by the prayer of their then pastor, Bishop A.R. Morrison. Their first performance coupled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit left many with the realization that something special was born that night. Since then, Pape Avenue Brass has traveled extensively throughout the USA and Canada being tremendous blessing to many different Church communities and events, leaving a trail of lasting memories. The name still causes a stir among many.

Pape Avenue Brass have played at places such as Detention centers, Nursing homes, Banquets, Weddings, Camps, Churches, Conventions and wherever the opportunity presents itself, even Funerals. In 1981 through to 1984, Pape Avenue Brass won four consecutive International Teen Talent Competitions, thus making them a household name in various Church communities around the world and giving them the privilege of being on two compilation albums.

Pape Avenue Brass is one of the few that can claim to have played in four different decades. In February of 2004 they will perhaps claim to have played for 25 years as Pape Avenue Brass.

Tickets to see the Pape Avenue Brass at the 2003 Maja Awards Gala can be purchased through Ticket Master (416-870-8000) and R.G. Mitchell’s Family Books stores in Willowdale (416-499-2029) and Etobicoke (416-913-4604). Cost is $25 in advance and $28 at the door (pending available seating)

For further information, visit our website at http://www.majaawards.com or call the Maja Awards office at 905-855-8611.

All media are welcome to attend.

Media Contact:

Cheryle Blackwood
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Maja Awards
905-855-8611
www.majaawards.com

OVER 40 OF CANADA’S BEST GOSPEL RECORDING ARTISTS NOMINATED FOR MAJA AWARDS
2003

October 18, 2003 – Who will be dubbed Canada’s Best New Artist, Best Choir, or Artist of the Year? Find out this week as over 40 of Canada’s finest Gospel recording artists vie for top honors at the 2003 Maja Awards Gala. Awards will be presented Saturday October 25, 2003, commencing 6:30pm at Faith Sanctuary Tabernacle, 1901 Jane Street in Toronto.

Gaining the most nominations for this year’s Gala are Toronto’s own George Banton, otherwise known as “Mr. Soul”, and gospel hip-hop sensation Promise D’Apostle, both nominated in five award categories including “Male Artist of the Year”, “Best Album” “Performer of the Year”. Other top nominees include Kay Morris & the Jewels, Brett Russell, Alberta’s own Christian Country artist Mark Mallett, world renowned choirs Montreal Jubilation and Toronto Mass Choir, and Alberta’s newest gospel darling, Janelle, who sang for the Pope in his last visit to Toronto. All Canadian recording artist nominees will be converging in Toronto for the 2003 Maja Awards Gala this Saturday, October 25th, where the final awards will be presented. (To see a full list of the nominees, see attached or visit www.majaawards.com.)

“Gospel music is taking Canada by storm”, says Founder & CEO Fitzroy Gordon. “Our purpose is to properly acknowledge, encourage and award the musical excellence coming forth.”

Gospel music lovers can vote for their favorite recording artists online between now and October 24th by visiting www.majaawards.com, and can further support their favorite artists by attending the Maja Awards Gala, Saturday October 25th at Faith Sanctuary Tabernacle beginning at 6:30pm. Tickets for this first class (black tie red carpet) affair may be purchased in advance through Ticket Master (416-870-8000) and R.G. Mitchell’s Family Books stores in Willowdale (416-499-2029) and Etobicoke (416-913-4604). Cost is $25 ($28 at the door pending available seating).

For more information, contact the Maja Awards office at 905-855-8611 or email
info@majaawards.com.

Media contact:

Cheryle Blackwood
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Maja Awards
Phone: 905.855.8611
Email: cblackwood@majaawards.com
http://www.majaawards.com

PRESS CONFERENCE CALLED FOR OCTOBER 4, 2003, ALL ARE INVITED. MAYOR MEL LASTMAN DECLARES MAJA GOSPEL MUSIC WEEK IN TORONTO.

September 25, 2003 - One of the last things City of Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman has done prior to leaving office is to sign a proclamation declaring the week of October 19th through to October 25th as Maja Gospel Music Week in the city of Toronto. A special press conference has been scheduled for 6:15 p.m., October 4, 2003 at R.G. Mitchell Family Books store, 1020 Islington Ave, Etobicoke ON (two lights north of The Queensway).

The topics to be covered at the press conference will include details of this historic proclamation, the effect it is having on the gospel music community in Canada, and the response from the Christian population.

Several exciting activities have been planned for Maja Gospel Music Week, including
An official Proclamation Ceremony, Sunday October 19th
Several concerts
Marches
Discussion Forums
Youth and Senior programs
Theatre productions
And more…

The week’s activities will end with the big Maja Awards Gala (Gospel Music’s Grammy Awards) to honor the best in Canadian Gospel Music. The ceremony will commence at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday October 25, 2003, at Faith Sanctuary, 1901 Jane St. Toronto ON, and will include special appearances from artists such as Canada’s Gospel darling Jannell who serenaded the Pope on his last visit to Toronto, the world renowned Montreal Jubilation Choir, Toronto Mass Choir (back from their tour of Italy), Marlene O’Neill (fresh from her African tour), Kay Morris (back from a Caribbean tour), George Banton (back from his U.S. tour), Alberta’s Mark Mallett, Newfoundland’s Jimmy Lee Howard, Ottawa’s gospel diva Kathy Grant Mahon, and others. This will be a great opportunity for all media to come and observe the great impact gospel music is having on millions of Canadians in the GTA and across the nation.

The October 4th press conference will provide opportunity for all media to meet some of the top finalists in both the “Gospel Star” (Gospel’s answer to “American Idol”) and the Canadian National Gospel Song Competition, as well as some of this year’s nominees in several recording categories. Maja Awards Founder & CEO, Fitzroy Gordon, and executives will be present to provide details and answer all questions.

All media are invited to attend the press conference. Please R.S.V.P. by contacting the Maja Awards office via phone at 905-855-8611 or via email at info@majaawards.com.

All media requests should be directed to,

Cheryle Blackwood
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Maja Awards
P: 905-855-8611
E: cblackwood@majaawards.com
W: www.majaawards.com

Maja Gospel Music Week Itinerary

ALL WEEK FOOD DRIVE COLLECTION @ EACH EVENT

(S) October 19, 2003- Official Proclamation Ceremony

Everyone is invited to a special presentation featuring Artists from the First Nation, Asian, African, European & Quebecquois cultures in Toronto’s Gospel Music Community.
Revival Time Tabernacle (4340 Dufferin St.) @ 3:00pm

(M) October 20, 2003- Purpose by Design

University & College students get-together at Tehillah Toronto
50 Gervais Dr (Don Mills & Eglinton) @ 7:35pm
(admission: 3 non perishable food items)

(T) October 21, 2003- Modern & Visual Arts

Semi-formal eclectic night displaying forms of music, visual art & spoken word
Yorkwoods Theatre, 1785 Finch Ave W (Keele & Finch) @ 7:00pm
(admission: 3 non perishable food items)

(W) CANCELLED October 22, 2003- Outdoor Concert CANCELLED
Friday will be twice as exciting now!

Featuring Choirs, Instrumentalists, Bands, Rock/Alternative & Urban music
Mel Lastman Square 5100 Yonge St. @ 6:30pm
(admission: 3 non perishable food items)

(Th) October 23, 2003 – Music/Media/Arts Conference & Networking

Professional Artist/Industry networking after Conference
North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St. Council Chambers @ 7:00pm
(admission: 3 non perishable food items)

(F) October 24, 2003 – Pre-Awards Concert

Pre-Awards “Throw Down” Concert. Featuring nominated Recording Artists from across the country @ 7:00pm
Living Faith Church, 80 Eddystone Ave (4 lights south of Finch, off of Jane St)
(admission: $7)

(S) October 25, 2003 – Maja Awards Presentation

A Black tie affair, rewarding recipients of the National Canadian Gospel Song Competition, Gospel Star, Community and Music Awards.
Faith Sanctuary, 1901 Jane St. Toronto ON
Time: 6:30pm
(admission: Advance Tickets: $25)


For more information contact:

Phone: 647.225.6300
Email: info@majaawards.com
Site: www.majaawards.com

Toronto mayor Mel Lastman proclaims October 19 -25 Maja Gospel Week in Toronto.

Toronto ON, September 16, 2003 – Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman presented in writing a proclamation stating that October 19 - 25, 2003 will be officially declared Maja Gospel Music Week in the city of Toronto.

“This is a phenomenal moment in history for Canadian Gospel Music,” states Fitzroy Gordon, Founder & CEO of the Maja Awards. “It marks the beginning of a new era in spreading the good news through gospel music. All Christians should seize the opportunity to participate."

Churches and Christian organizations are encouraged to mobilize and get involved to make this historic week a success. Contact 905-855-8611 or email info@majaawards.com with your ideas of activities you would like to see during this historic Maja Gospel Music Week.

Toronto’s first official Maja Gospel Music Week will end by rolling the red carpet for over 60 established and emerging gospel artists from all across Canada who will be vying for over 20 prestigious music awards being presented at the Maja Awards Gala Ceremony. It will commence at 6:00 p.m. sharp on October 25, 2003, at Faith Sanctuary Tabernacle, 1901 Jane Street in Toronto.

All are welcome to join in the festivities.

Tickets for the Maja Awards Gala can be purchased in advance through RG Mitchell’s Family Books stores in Etobicoke & Willowdale, and all TicketMaster outlets. Cost is $25 in advance ($28 at the door pending available seating).

For more information, visit www.majaawards.com.

All media, contact

Cheryle Blackwood
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Maja Awards
P: 905-855-8611
E: cblackwood@majaawards.com

MAJA GOSPEL AWARDS GALA SET FOR OCTOBER 25th in TORONTO

Amongst the myriad of musical genres in Toronto and Canada as a whole, gospel music has become a force to recon with, producing many local talents some of whom have gone on to do well for themselves internationally winning Grammy awards and nominations in recent years. The Toronto based Maja Awards Organization, Led by its founder, Fitzroy Gordon, has recognized the need to continue the promoting of gospel talents not only of recording artistes but also young emerging talents.

This year the Maja Awards Ceremony, Toronto’s only Gospel Awards will be held on October 25th at Faith Sanctuary Tabernacle, 1901 Jane Street, commencing at 6pm.

The Maja Awards will not only award recording artistes and emerging talents but will also honour those who have contributed tremendous humanitarian service in the city of Toronto.

Among those nominated to receive awards is one of Canada’s rising gospel recording artist Jannell, a young lady who serenaded the Pope at his last visit to Toronto. Others include the world renown Montreal Jubilation Choir, Mark Mallett from Alberta, Newfoundland’s Jimmy Lee Howard, Cathy Grant Mahon from Ottawa, Juno Award Winner, Toronto Mass Choir and many other Toronto based singers.

Another highlight of this evening’s program will be the final showdown between the top twelve finalists of emerging artistes to choose Canada First Gospel Star (Canada’s Answer to American Idol). In addition Canada’s first ever gospel song of the year will be chosen from among twelve finalists.

This annual Gala event is expected to attract hundreds of people to Toronto from cities across Canada and the United States of America.

Tickets are $25 in Advance and 28 at the door. Tickets can be purchased through Ticket Master -416-870-8000, Mitchell’s Book Stores (Willodale: 416- 499-2029 and Etobicoke Locations: 4169134604) or tickets can be reserved at info@majaawards.com.

For Further information visit our website at http://www.majaawards.com or call our business line at 905-855-8611.

CANADA’S TOP “GOSPEL STAR” AND SONG COMPETITION FINALISTS CONVERGE ON TORONTO
“GOSPEL STAR”(Gospel’s Answer to “American Idol”)

Toronto ON, July 30, 2003 – The countdown begins as the top 20 candidates in each of the “Gospel Star” (Gospel’s answer to “American Idol”) and Canadian National Gospel Song Competition categories converge in Toronto to perform live in concert August 23rd and August 24th, 2003. Of these 40 candidates, 10 in each category will be nominated to proceed to the finals, which will be held in Toronto October 4, 2003. Nominees will be announced on August 24, 2003 at the big Nomination Weekend Concert, taking place at Trinity Temple Church of God, 46 Denison Road E., Toronto (two lights north of Weston Rd and Jane St. on the west side).

“Gospel Star” features non-recording and immerging gospel artists from across Canada. The Canadian National Gospel Song Competition features original songs written and performed by Canadian artists only. This year’s winners will be crowned Canada’s first “Gospel Star” and “National Gospel Song of the Year” respectively.

Over 40 choirs, groups and soloists, will be vying to become Canada’s “Reuben Stoddard”, who himself has been rooted in gospel music and has become an inspiration to up and coming gospel stars. Judges will be looking for originality, vocal ability, performance quality, and audience response. The general pubic is welcomed to come out and support their favorite performers.

“This event is more than just a gospel concert,” says Maja Awards Founder and CEO, Fitzroy Gordon. “This is the Gospel Community's contribution to helping Toronto’s economy recover from the backlash of SARS.” Visitors from all across Canada and the United States are expected to turn up at this event, as well as the semi-final concert on October 4, 2003, where the top 20 finalists will have another opportunity to showcase their musical talent before judges and a live audience. A huge crowd is also expected to arrive for the Maja Award 'Grand Gala' Event on October 25, 2003, where all awards in each of the “Gospel Star”, “Canadian National Gospel Song Competition” and “Recording Artist” categories will be presented.

The Question still remains....
- Who will be the next Canadian Gospel Star (Gospel’s answer to “American Idol”)?
- Which original Canadian gospel song will be chosen as Canada’s first national gospel song of the year?
- Who will win the esteemed titles of Recording Artist/Album of the year?

The answer will begin to unfold on Nomination Weekend, Saturday August 23, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 24, 2003 at 6:00 p.m.!

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. To reserve your tickets, call 905-855-8611 or email info@majaawards.com.

All media please contact:

Cheryle Blackwood
Communications and Public Relations Director
Maja Awards
P: 416-706-3245
E: cblackwood@majaawards.com

MAJA AWARDS dates and programs are as follows:

August 23-24: NOMINATION WEEKEND CONCERT
50 of Canada's best non-recording performers will be live on stage over the two days. On the final day the top 15 performers in Gospel Star's Non-Recording category and the top 10 in Canada's National Gospel Song Competition along with all the nominees in the Recording category will be announced. Location: Trinity Temple Church of God, 46 Denison Rd. E. Time: 7:00pm

October 25: MAJA AWARDS GALA (Faith Sanctuary) 1901 Jane Street,Toronto.
The finalists from Gospel Star, the Canadian National Gospel Song Competition and Recording Artist categories will be presented with awards. Additional award presentations will include recipients of the Maja's Humanitarian, Media and Industry awards. Location: Faith Sanctuary Tabernacle, 1901 Jane St (Hwy 401 W & Jane St).

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CANADIAN GOSPEL ARTISTS TO BE HONOURED AT GALA AWARDS!
Competition heating up for Album/Artists of the Year Titles.

Toronto, ON June 2, 2003 – The eagerly awaited Maja Awards makes its return to the Canadian Gospel Music scene this year with 3 Major Categories and over 40 awards to be won.

One of the features of this year’s presentation is *Gospel Star* - Gospel Music’s answer to American Idol. This portion of the Maja Awards will give Non-Recording & Emerging Artists the opportunity to vie for the title of Canadian Gospel Star 2003. Thousands of would be Gospel Stars are ecstatic at the possibility of showcasing their talent to millions of Canadians and have shown even greater interest since Ruben Studdard whose background is rooted in Gospel music, was crowned American Idol.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this year’s awards presentation. I believe its going to be a fantastic event as we’re already fielding calls from across the nation, including Alberta, Montreal, Ottawa and other cities in Ontario,” says, Maja’s Executive Director, Natalie Carpenter.

Auditions for the 2003 Gospel Star Search will be held in Toronto on July 18 & 19 respectively. All interested vocalists must book their auditions by June 30, 2003 by emailing info@majaawards.com.

Another interesting aspect to this year’s awards production is the inception of the Canadian National Gospel Song Competition. “This is to encourage Canadian’s to write original music and lyrics. Often times in attending concerts you will find 2 or more artists singing the same song (usually a popular American tune). We’ve seen the demise of many talented artists, while others feel the need to head south of the border, because of the lack of incentives and opportunities to build their ministries here in Canada.” states, Maja Awards Founder Fitzroy Gordon. Gordon stated that the goal is to raise the bar in Canadian Gospel Music, encourage originality and bring together many emerging, professional and veteran gospel artists from all across Canada.

The final category in this year’s awards highlights the achievements of Canada’s top Gospel Recording Artists and is expected to be a hotly contested one. With Nationally acclaimed choirs such as Juno-Award winners and nominees Montreal Jubilation, Toronto Mass Choir, Faith Chorale and others vying for top spots Judges are sure to have a difficult task reaching decisions.

The cut off date for the submission of albums, demos and for open auditions (registration) is June 30th, 2003. We urge all Canadian Gospel Artists to register before the June 30th deadline to ensure that their work will be showcased in this year’s awards. Artists, composers, promoters and volunteers are encouraged to visit the Maja website at www.majaawards.com . All queries must be directed to info@majaawards.com or by telephone to 905.855.8611 . ( view flyer --- http://www.majaawards.com/IMAGES/maja_flyer103.gif ).

Special thanks to the current sponsors: ONE Magazine (www.onemag.net), Locus3.com, Crossspot.com, Selebrations Event Coordinators, WilMac Enterprises Inc. & G-RatedProductions.com

The Maja Awards: Highlighting excellence in Canada's Gospel Industry!
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April 11, 2003

Rules & Regulations Clarification: the winner of the Canadian National Gospel Song Competition will be awarded the Song of the Year Award at the Maja Awards Presentation along with the other Maja Awards categories

April 7, 2003

There is NO registration fee to participate in the 2003 Maja Awards.

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ATTENTION CANADIAN GOSPEL ARTISTS

NATIONAL GOSPEL AWARDS HITS TORONTO!
The Maja Awards Are Ready for Submissions

Toronto, ON March 28, 2003 -- The Maja Awards, home of Canada's National Gospel Song Competition and Awards presentation are currently accepting submissions from Canadian Artists until June 6th, 2003. The Nominee Showcases will begin in August 2003 and conclude with a Grand Gala in Toronto, ON in December 2003.

Produced by GCI, this year's Maja Awards has launched the 'Canadian National Gospel Song Competition', to inspire aspiring Canadian Gospel Artists to write and produce their own music! "Gospel Music in Canada is a growing niche market. What used to be solely viewed as Church music is pricking the hearts of a Nation. By producing an event of this stature we will equip Children, Non-Recording & Recording Artists with a national platform to minister and grow in the arts." states, Fitzroy Gordon, Founder of the Maja Awards.

The mandate of Maja Awards Organization is very strong, to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ through Gospel music and help edify the young, professional and veteran artists in the Canadian Gospel Community. All artists and composers are encouraged to visit the Maja website for more information at http://www.majaawards.com and or email them at info@majaawards.com .

Special thanks to the current sponsors: ONE Magazine (www.onemag.net), Locus3.com, Crossspot.com, Selebrations Event Coordinators & G-RatedProductions.com

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The Maja Awards: Highlighting excellence in Canada's Gospel Industry!

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The Maja’s are Back!

Toronto, Ontario, February 2003 — After a 10 year hiatus the Maja Awards, ‘Home of the Canadian National Gospel Song Competition and Awards Presentation’, is in full swing for 2003.

The Maja Awards presentation was founded in 1985 by former Patriots singer, now radio personality Fitzroy Gordon. From 1985-1989 these Gospel Awards were held in Toronto, highlighting excellence in Gospel Music and ministry. “The Lord laid it on my heart to birth the Maja’s in the mid 80’s to help bring Gospel music to the forefront in the Christian Community and the General Public,’ Fitzroy Gordon, Founder, Maja Awards. ‘After 1989, I had to put the Maja’s on hold to complete my broadcasting education. The time I spent away from the Maja’s, I have grown individually and the Gospel Music Industry in Canada has gone through positive transformations too!’ states Gordon.

Along with this year’s Maja Awards presentation, is the inception of the Canadian National Gospel Song Competition. ‘The vision behind the CNGSC is to encourage Canadian’s to write original music and lyrics. Often times in attending concerts you will find 2 artists singing the same song (usually a popular American song). We’ve seen the demise of many talented artists, while others feel the need to head south of the border, because of the lack of incentives and opportunities to build their ministries here in Canada.’ states Gordon. ‘Our goal is to raise the bar in Canadian Gospel Music, encourage originality and to see as many emerging, professional and veteran gospel artists from all over the country come out and participate in the 2003 Maja’s.’

‘It is time that we begin to make a conscious effort to support the talents this side of the border,’ says Gordon. ‘As an organization we have a very strong mandate to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ through Gospel music and help edify the young artists in the Canadian Gospel Community.’ The Maja Awards Organization is currently taking submissions for the 2003 Maja Award presentation until Friday June 6, 2003. All artists and composers are encouraged to visit the Maja website for more information at http://www.majaawards.com and or email them at info@majaawards.com.