Kiokya Cruickshank Becomes First Vincentian to Win Marlin Award

By S.Browne. Updated 1:57 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Kiokya Cruickshank is the first Vincentian recipient of the Caribbean’s coveted Marlin Awards.

The event, which is in its 29th year, was held in Nassau, Bahamas, on Sunday, 27 July.

Kiokya won the category for Outstanding Traditional Recording (Female) for her single A Little More Fiya, beating the likes of Carlene Davis (Highway to Heaven) and Ingrid Woodstock (Don’t Doubt God) from Jamaica.

She was also nominated in two other categories: Outstanding Reggae Vocal Performance (Female) – Desperate for You and Outstanding Adapted Female Recording – A Little More Fiya in My Soul

A Little More Fiya is a single released in 2022 on the Gospel Reggae – Strictly Blessed Vol. 3: Life Giver Riddim (Female Edition) compilation. It was produced by Dr Delroy Lingo, Krista Gay Lingo, with music by Clifton “Johnny” Clarke of Jamaica. The lyrics were written by Kiokya Cruickshank and Joel C. Jack. Vocals were recorded at JR Studios and Incognito Records in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Kiokya is currently working on her new single My Jesus and I, which is scheduled for release on 15 August 2025.

The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards was launched on 16 March 1996 by recording artist, radio personality, and media executive Kevin Harris. The awards were initially known as the Bahamian Gospel Music Marlin Awards and were established to recognise outstanding achievement in Bahamian gospel music from 1996 to 2000.

In 2000, the awards expanded to include eight Caribbean gospel categories, and by 2002, they evolved further to incorporate other styles of Caribbean gospel music. The awards were subsequently rebranded by the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards.

Awards are distributed in over forty (40) categories, including New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. There are also a number of special awards, including the President’s Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The objective is to motivate Caribbean gospel recording artists, songwriters, producers, and other industry professionals to produce and create recordings, music videos, and other creative content in the spirit of excellence, towards the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

Nominees and winners are selected by a panel of industry professionals. The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards are produced by Bahamas-based marketing, media, and production firm Oracle Media Consultants (formerly Harris Media Group).

For more information on the 2025 Marlin Awards and the awards events, visit: https://marlinawards.com.