Survey says! With the Gospel Music Association making great strides towards incorporating more styles of gospel music including many of the categories listed above, the question has been raised as to whether or not there is a need for two awards ceremonies that cover so many of the same categories.
What do our readers think? Is there a need for both the Dove Awards and the Stellar Awards? Is the Gospel Music Association doing enough to recognize all forms of gospel music, including music that represents African American artists? Is there a need for two platforms for black gospel artists? Do the Stellar Awards inadvertently promote racial division by limiting their awards to predominantly black artists or are they providing a needed platform these artists are not getting anywhere else?
The following are the only three responses we received. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Christian Activities Magazine or our staff.
Our thanks go to those who participated.
RESPONSE TO SURVEY
Music is a universal language! As with any genre of art forms, people have their preferences. I enjoy a variety of Christian music ranging from
traditional hymns to the urban rhythm and blues sound to the acoustic guitar sound of contemporary praise and worship.
As far as awards are
concerned, competing against other brothers and sisters over who is the best in this or that is interesting to me. The bible speaks of No One
greater than anyone or no one seeing themselves higher than they ought. I know others are voting for persons and nominating persons, but
should there even be AWARDS acknowledging whose song was appreciated or enjoyed more than someone else’s IN THE CHRISTIAN
COMMUNITY?
Every song that is sang, every song that is written, every video that is ministered, every word that is spoken should
acknowledge God, not the person. He is the one that SHOULD receive the glory, not man. It is He who gave all of us our talents and gifts to
do what we do (singing, writing, etc…) Awards give man the glory and we try to make it right by receiving the award and say, “I would like to
thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ….” .
I know this will not change because we are in this world!!! I know this seems like an unrealistic
view. It really is in THIS world. I enjoy the awards programs (the performances, ministering, etc.) . It would be great to see an annual
program that just showcases God’s talent in the same way, but awards not given out. Just talk about what the artist is doing and what he/she
has done . Just call it Stellar Showcase or Dove Showcase! Then each year we can look forward to a night of ministering and entertainment
WITHOUT the competition!!!
And no, there should be one ceremony, but there is such a variety of music that it’s difficult to compare one
with another in one night. Those voting do not listen to the same music. If there was an objective group of people with God’s integrity,
THEN maybe there could be a reasonable awards ceremony. I believe ALL of the music is wonderful because we are giving God praise and
acknowledging what He has done and will do in other’s lives. I truly believe the only day we will come together as one will be the day Christ
comes for us!
Thank you for taking the time to read my opinion!
Angelic Berry, TN
I BELIEVE THAT THE ONE AWARD SHOULD INCOPORATE BOTH THE DOVE AND THE STELLAR AWARDS. I DO NOT BELIEVE
THAT SHOULD BE A SEPARATE AWARD FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST SHOULD HAVE TO BE GIVEN. WHETHER IT
BE THE STELLAR OR THE DOVE, THE ONE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF ALL.
David L.
Thanks for giving me a chance to express my opinion.
This is a tough question. While it is important that all forms of Christian music are given representation, isn’t that what the Gospel Music Association does with the Dove Awards? I usually try to watch it and it seems to me it covers all forms of music pretty fairly. I don’t see that there is a need for two awards — and I have heard there may be Latino Christian Awards. I have seen Jaci Velasquez win awards. Maybe there are other forms of Latino Christian music not covered yet or something, but that should be covered by the Doves and not require a seaparate awards ceremony for one segment of society.
The simple truth is there would be boycotting and bad press if anyone EVER tried to start “The White Christian Awards” or the “Caucasian awards.” There SHOULD be protests if this were to occur. But why is it OK for blacks and Latinos to have their own exclusive awards?
To me it is not just an issue of enough coverage for everyone, but I personally think we are getting into the area of reverse racism.
I hope you will run my comments, but I can see why you wouldn’t. I am sure my views are “politically incorrect.” Often times the truth is…
Kay T., Tennessee
