The Olive Gospel Music Awards 2012 were launched last Thursday at Serena Hotel amid pomp, jokes, praises and promises for a finale to remember.

Just upon arrival, you could easily sense the quality, excellence and class, which the organisers of the awards adopted last year. Superb arrangement, overfl owing cocktails and gorgeous and friendly ushers who lit up the event.

The live music by Aroma Band's Daisy Ejang and Shalma Mushaga,the rib-cracking jokes of Big Sam and Ronnie Habasa also fl avoured the evening. South African gospel artiste Promise Malindi, Sister Price and Hannah Mugyenyi, who sang the awards' anthem, also wowed the crowd.

The chairman of the awards, Pastor Edwin Musiime, promised a grandiose, red carpet experience on November 10 when the awards will climax. American recording/music host Anthony Faulkner will also be in attendance.

With this year's awards, the overall winner, the best male and female artistes, will get cash-prizes.

The winners will also be nominated and voted for both online and by SMS.

"The media rated us highly last year. This year we are setting higher standards," Musiime said.

He also announced this year's theme: Celebrating Life and revealed that the proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of a maternity hospital in Nebbi.