Local music artist Septimus is in talks for gigs in the US, UK and the Caribbean after sweeping to victory in the Caribbean Gospel Music industry awards in the Bahamas.

The 36-year-old chef who works at the Jamaica Grill in Paget won the Outstanding Dub/Culture Recording of the Year for "War Against the Devil" from his album of the same name. The fiery performer got strong support from the crowd at the sixth Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards.

He said: "I feel great, I didn't want to come back without it. It was a really nice atmosphere down there. I am looking forward to taking it to another level."

He has been offered bookings in the Bahamas, St. Thomas, the US and England. He said: "I am celebrating with my people in Bermuda and am looking forward to touring right now."

Septimus is now talking to his pastor at the Better Covenant Christian Fellowship about setting up a celebration performance. The Pembroke resident, who has lived in Bermuda for seven years after moving from Jamaica, is often seen performing at the prisons, in schools and churches.

Septimus is now working on his third album "Role Model", due out in July.

Septimus was also nominated for Outstanding Traditional Male Vocal Performance of the Year, Outstanding Producer of the Year, Outstanding Traditional Recording of the Year.

Two other local artists were nominated for awards but were less fortunate.

Jamba was nominated for four awards including Outstanding Dub/Culture Recording of the Year, Outstanding Male Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year and Outstanding Calypso/Soca Vocal Performance of the Year. Junior C was nominated for outstanding Dancehall recording of the Year.