The Selection Process
The process begins with board members and record companies submitting entries, which are then screened for eligibility and category placement. The National and Independent Gospel Awards (N.I.G.M.A.) voting members, all involved in various areas of media, creative and technical processes of recording, then participate in (1) the nominating process that determines the seven finalists in each category; and (2) the final voting process which determines the Rhythm Of Gospel Award winners.
Submission
Board members and record companies enter recordings and music videos released during the eligibility year (May 2008-September 2009) which they consider worthy of recognition in the 2009 Rhythm Of Gospel Awards process.
Screening
Reviewing sessions are made possible by experts in various fields to ensure all entered recordings meet specific qualifications and have been placed in appropriate fields such as Traditional, Contemporary, and Urban Gospel, Praise and Worship, Holy-Hip Hop, Quartet, Ensemble etc. The purpose of screenings is not to make artistic or technical judgments about the recordings, but rather to make sure that each entry is eligible and placed in its proper category.
Nominating/Selection
First-round ballots with lists of eligible recordings in all fields, except those voted on by special nominating committees, are sent to voting members who return their ballots to the N.I.G.M.A selection panel. Before any name is released to media, or the final voting/ selection panel, the nominee MUST accept their nomination by or before the required due date. After the nominee has accepted their nomination, the name is then released to the media and the selection panel for the final voting process.
To help ensure the quality of the voting, members are directed to vote only in their fields of expertise.
Lists of the finalists are sent to voting members in ballot format. In this final round, N.I.G.M.A. members deliberate and make all finalized selections based upon submitted, verified and researched material.
Internet Voting
This process will allow internet voters to vote on their favorite independent artist. This method of voting will only serve as ¼ of the finalize selection process. This process also helps the voting panel make accurate decisions on the final selections of potential winners.
Final Voting
Lists of the finalists are sent to voting members in ballot format. In this final round, N.I.G.M.A. members deliberate and make all finalized selections based upon submitted, verified and researched material.
Results
Results of members voting are not known until the Rhythm Of Gospel Awards presentation ceremony when names of the winners are delivered by Deloitte in sealed envelopes. All Award winners are revealed during the Rhythm Of Gospel Awards telecast.
The Rhythm Of Gospel Awards is a event Designed to be an evening of entertainment and recognition, hosted by The National & Independent Gospel Music Association but Produced by Founder and Executive Director Mr. Mark Rogers and Co Produced by Trenton Ware, and Maurice Cheairs.
This Televised Award Show recognizes outstanding churches/pastors, choirs and independent gospel music artist of all genres, for their outstanding contributions toward the betterment and advancement of their communities.
The Rhythm of Gospel Award Show, offers a platform for “Independent Gospel Artist” and gives them the opportunity to network formally while congratulating trailblazers of various sectors in all communities in a positive collaboration towards bringing all ethnicities together.
The festivities hosted at the Rhythm Of Gospel Award Show will features over 100 different local, regional and national musical acts from Alternative Christian Rock, Southern Gospel, Traditional, Contemporary, Gospel Hip Hop, Urban, and Folk to Cool Jazz and Hot Tejano Rhythms. Dedicated to enhancing the full experience for thousands of tourist, our organization. increases revenue for restaurants, hotels, shopping facilities, churches, and on-site vendors.
OUR MISSION
As gospel music move ahead in an ever-changing environment, The National and Independent Music Association (N.I.G.M.A) looks forward to the new opportunities of a growing organization to increase growth in all areas of gospel music.
N.I.G.M.A. strives through positive goals from the important work of recognizing the best in music through establishing itself as the preeminent arts advocacy and outreach organization in the country.
N.I.G.M.A. mission statement is simple, but represents the heart and soul of the organization's efforts to positively impact the lives of musicians, soloist, choirs, groups and our gospel industry at large.
N.I.G.M.A. aims to provide scholarships to any youth pursing a degree in all areas of Fine Arts, Marketing, Public Relations, Music, Entertainment and Business.
N.I.GMA is composed of Top Executives, Record Label Owners, Radio Announcers, Pastors, Community Leaders, Gospel & Special Event Promoters, & Gospel Artist
