24 Songs, One Crown: StepFWD Awards Put Rend Collective, Limoblaze and Elle Limebear in the Spotlight

The StepFWD Awards celebrate excellence in UK Christian and gospel music, recognising outstanding songs, artists and albums alongside the pioneers whose contributions have shaped the industry. Returning for its sixth annual ceremony on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at The Lighthouse Theatre in Camberwell, London, the event will combine live performances, red-carpet arrivals and awards under the theme "For HIS Glory."

This year, one major change is raising the stakes: 24 nominees will compete for a single overall Song of the Year award, replacing the previous format of 12 genre-specific winners. Selected from more than 1,500 songs considered, the shortlist brings worship, gospel rap, Afro-gospel, R&B and contemporary Christian music into one closely watched category.

Rend Collective, CalledOut Music, Elle Limebear, Limoblaze, Philippa Hanna and Israel Houghton are among the contenders. Chantelle Rutendo has three appearances on the shortlist, with "There's This King That I Know," "Psalm 51" and her collaboration with CNNCT SOUNDS and DuBetter, "Guide Me II."

The awards also recognise achievements beyond individual songs, with announced categories including Male Artist, Female Artist, Album, New Artist and Global Talent of the Year. Special honours celebrate lifetime achievement, vocal excellence and work that has helped develop the Christian music industry.

Onstage, announced performers include Elle Limebear, Chantelle Rutendo, Folabi Nuel, YourBoyWonder and BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir. The line-up reflects the event's commitment to bringing different generations and musical expressions together in a shared celebration of faith.

Song of the Year: the nominees

• CalledOut Music - "Ancient of Days"
  

• Philippa Hanna & Israel Houghton - "'Til The Whole World Knows"
  

• JERUB - "Kumbaya"
  

• IMRHAN & Leostaytrill - "Finished Business"
  

• Chantelle Rutendo - "There's This King That I Know"
  

• Elle Limebear - "Give Me Joy"
  

• Obed - "Holy Water"
  

• Thiago & DC3 - "Valley"
  

• House of Worship, Martin Smith & George Boudouris - "I Can Sing of Your Love Forever"
  

• Limoblaze & DC3 - "Cole Palmer"
  

• CNNCT SOUNDS, DuBetter & Chantelle Rutendo - "Guide Me II"
  

• YourBoyWonder - "Keep It Sweet"
  

• Rend Collective - "Do It All Alone"
  

• Chantelle Rutendo - "Psalm 51"
  

• Folabi Nuel - "Beauty Exchange"
  

• Guvna B - "Rest My Head"
  

• Sondae - "I Only Want What God Can Give"
  

• MIN.ADEOLUWA - "THIS GOD"
  

• Deca OTA & Hunnid2Hebron - "Hallelujah"
  

• IMRHAN - "What Can Man Do"
  

• KXC - "I Believe (Live)"
  

• Y Shadey - "Do It With Jesus"
  

• Ms Debola ft. MIN.ADEOLUWA - "SOG (Song of Gratitude)"
  

• MARIZU - "Joy"
  

Fans can help determine the winner by selecting their top three songs once per day at stepfwdawards.com/vote. Public votes will be combined with judges' votes, with the voting page listing a deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, without specifying a timezone.

When, where and how to watch

The event is scheduled for November 21, from 5-10 p.m. GMT, at The Lighthouse Theatre, Camberwell, London. VIP doors open at 5 p.m.; the official listing does not separately confirm the ceremony's start time.

Tickets and event updates are available at stepfwdawards.com. Guests are encouraged to embrace formal attire and creative fashion for the red-carpet evening.

A 2026 livestream or television broadcast has not been verified as of October 30. Those planning to watch from home should check the official website for announcements; the previously advertised CastRooms broadcast was for the 2025 ceremony.