Jamar Esaw has almost 20 years of professional experience in the gospel music industry, including service as the music director of two churches, membership in two gospel groups, and numerous live performances with nationally recognized gospel singers. Currently, he serves as music director for Triad:4Christ, a gospel choir of over 30 members that he founded in 2006. Under Jamar Esaw’s direction, Triad:4Christ has recorded two albums and won six Rhythm of Gospel Awards.
The annual Rhythm of Gospel Awards Show honors independent gospel music artists, choirs, and churches and their leaders for their achievements in the industry. The televised awards show is the largest recognition event for independent gospel music artists in the country. Honorees are recognized in 60 categories covering various genres of gospel music, including praise and worship, alternative Christian, contemporary, traditional, and holy hip-hop.
The selection process for a Rhythm of Gospel Award is initiated when record companies or board members submit their artists’ records and music videos for consideration. Members of the National and Independent Gospel Music Association (NIGMA) review the submissions and narrow the contenders down to the top seven nominees in each category.
Once the deadline passes for nominees to accept their nominations, the NIGMA selection panel, along with the public via the Internet, determines the winners. Internet voting accounts for one-fourth of the selection process. The winners are not revealed until the envelopes are opened at the awards show.
In addition to the televised awards presentation, the five-day Rhythm of Gospel Awards celebration includes a pageant, a choir competition, and commemorative events, with gospel performances throughout. On June 21-25, 2017, the ninth annual Rhythm of Gospel Awards brought in over 6,500 people to enjoy the festivities in Jacksonville, Florida.
