We are all familiar with award ceremonies such as the Oscars, the Grammys and the Dove Awards, but have you heard of the Unity Awards? It is hosted by the United Catholic Music and Video Association (UCMVA), which was founded in the US in 2000.
Catholic musicians and video producers join together in an association of unity to support, encourage, and promote the development of all forms of Catholic-oriented Christian music and video. This includes liturgical, praise and worship, contemporary and instrumental compositions.
The first ever Unity Awards were held in November of 2000, and now, almost ten years later, T&T's own The Love Movement won three major awards at this year's event held in Calgary, Canada on August 28–International Album of the Year for I'm Forgiven; International Song of the Year for I will Carry You featuring soloist Lesley Lewis-Alleyne; and International Artist/Group of the Year.
The Love Movement was a finalist in 2008 for Group of the Year, and Album of The Year with their rosary CD, Pray, and the release of its last CD entitled, I'm Forgiven. This motivated the group to submit collection of inspirational songs in twelve categories of the Unity Awards.
One month prior to the awards, musical director and founder of the Love Movement, Bernadette Scott, was informed that the CD was a finalist in all 12 categories.It was the first time that a Caribbean group has won in three categories, and Scott said she felt humbled as it was all God's work.
"I'm Forgiven was certainly a work appointed and blessed by God.?All the members in The Love Movement put so much effort and heart into this album and we felt truly blessed and honoured to win against all the seasoned and popular artistes from so many countries, including Marilla Ness," Scott said, that her goal of touching hearts and souls with the songs chosen for this CD was achieved.
Catholic oriented music and video productions have grown and become diversified throughout the years, but their purpose and intention have remained consistent and focused on keeping the faith alive, and spreading God's message of unity, love and evangelisation.
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The purpose of the Unity Awards is to honour the achievements and excellence in various categories of music and video. The awards embrace entries from all over the world vying for forty-nine categories in music and video.
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The Love Movement has been invited to perform at Lincoln Centre in New York City this coming December in the fifth annual, Merry Christmas, New York City concert produced by Lynn Geyer. The group is presently raising funds to cover tour expenses, and is preparing for its annual fund-raising Christmas production, Reflections of Love, to be held at Queen's Hall from November 5 through 7. At this production, The Love Movement will release a new Christmas CD.