Metro Atlanta continues to become a hub for top music events.  En Sound Entertainment has announced the 2012 En Sound Music Awards, recognizing the talent of indie Christian and gospel artists around the world, will be held at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in the city of Decatur, Ga., a suburb of metro Atlanta.  The show will take place on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 5:30p.m., and it promises to be an evening packed with great performances and surprises.

Awards will be presented in 21 categories this year, with Atlanta’s Delra Harris leading the nominations with nine nods and South Africa’s Martin PK with eight nods including Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.  Harris will perform during the awards ceremony along with other nominees including Terea (NJ), C Sharp (South Africa), Andre Byrd (NY), Saxophonist Courtney Fadlin (JAM), Deanna Ransom (DE), Necie B. (LA), C.R.A.E.M (Bahamas), Chiquita Green (PA)…

“We are truly excited to bring the En Sound Music Awards to Atlanta this year,” said Delroy Souden, founder of En Sound Entertainment, producer of the En Sound Music Awards, and indie gospel recording artist himself.  “This awards show offers a platform for some of the finest indie Christian and gospel artists to be recognized, and to introduce music lovers to these incredibly talented artists.” Souden founded the En Sound Music Awards in 2006.  Since its inception, the show has created a buzz on all continents and has become one of the most talked-about events of its kind.

This year, the event will be hosted by Gerard Henry, formerly of BET’s “Lift Every Voice.”  Henry states, “I am always honored to be a part of special events that not only honors but identifies the Hidden Treasures within the body of Christ.  Music is an integral part of our daily experience and these artists have purposed to offer their gifts to enhance our experience with God. That must be celebrated!”

Nominee requirements for the En Sound Music Awards include, but not limited to artist visibility on the web; Internet/Terrestrial radio; press releases; blogs; interviews; album reviews; television appearances; and performance schedules. Nominees must also become a member of the Christian Internet Radio Association (www.1cira.org), membership is free. Award-winners have been determined by public votes online.

Prior to the event, guests can watch talent walk the Red Carpet beginning at 4:30 p.m.  The event will be streamed live on the internet at: www.ensoundmusicawards.org and will be offered as pay-per-view at a minimal cost.

Tickets for the 2012 En Sound Music Awards are on sale now through iTickets http://www.itickets.com/events/284707.html or by phone, 1-800-965-9324. Prices are $30, $25 until July 28 and $40 at the door.  A portion of the tickets sales will be donated to Keep a Child Alive, an organization founded by Alicia Keys that provides first class AIDS care, support, nutrition and love to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.