Trinidad and Tobago's gospel singer, Russell Leonce is a winner in the gospel album category of the 9th Independent Music Awards (IMA). The announcement was made on January 26th by Music Resource Group (MRG), the creator of the IMA. Leonce is among the diverse mix of self-released and independent label talent in one of the most influential awards programs for independent bands and fans. The Winners in more than fifty (50) album, song, music-video and design categories were culled from thousands of submissions from around the globe and were determined by a panel of eighty (80) influential artists and industry pros that included American folk singer – Judy Collins. This means Leonce’s music really must have stood out.

Leonce’s debut album titled “Culture of Love” was released in Trinidad and Tobago on March 14, 2009 and features fourteen (14) tracks. Some of the more popular ones include “Trouble won’t last”, “Unchanging”, “Grateful” and “I Am”. Other album categories in the IMA include Alternative Country; Americana; Blues; Contemporary Christian; Contemporary Classical; and a myriad of others. In December 2009, he was one of the featured artistes in the Trinidad and Tobago Showcase at Miami Music Festival.

According to Martin Folkman, the Executive Director of the Awards, “the Awards celebrate artists who follow their own muse and the true music fans who support them.”  He adds that “the artists who’ve been honored by the IMAs create some of the best music you may never have heard”.  As part of this Award, the music is featured on the Independent Music Awards page at the iTunes Store and on the iTunes Indie Spotlight page.  In addition, year-long marketing and sales support plus performance opportunities are available to the winners.

T&T Ent spoke with a very modest Russell Leonce who, in his signature tranquil tone said “I didn’t expect it. Other people were more confident that I would win it than I was.” However the gospel crooner did say that he is elated at this achievement and that he is looking forward to future prospects where this may take him. When asked about sales of “Culture of Love”, Leonce said this debut album continues to receive considerable support locally and internationally. He gave thanks to God for the opportunities being created for this Album and for music from Trinidad, for his manager - Erica Ashton, the production team of Cleon Richardson and Keith Kirk and for the creativity and inspiration of Christophe Pierre”.