The Crown Gospel Music Awards, founded by the late Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, are forging ahead following her untimely death on 12 August 2024 at the age of 52. She succumbed to lung cancer.
The nominees for this year’s awards were announced on Wednesday, 30 October, in Midrand, a testament to the resilience and dedication of the awards team and a powerful tribute to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s enduring legacy.
The seamless transition of leadership, with Bishop Nkambule quickly assuming the reins, ensures the continuation of Zanele’s vision. At the nominees’ announcement, Bishop Nkambule expressed his gratitude to the awards team for their tireless efforts in the face of adversity.
“I want to take this time to express my appreciation to our team, which has made it possible. It’s been a challenging and difficult time, but with such a team, they worked tirelessly day and night. And let me tell you something, we’re going to have the best event this year,” he stated.
The remarkable achievement of receiving over 600 nominations this year speaks volumes about the awards' growing prestige and the vibrant state of the South African gospel music scene.
This year's high number of nominations presented a considerable challenge to the judging panel. Bishop Nkambule addressed this, acknowledging the difficulty of selecting nominees from such a large and talented pool.
"If you have over 600 entries, who do you leave or choose? So, it doesn’t mean that if someone is not nominated, they aren't good. It just means that we only needed a few in every category. So, those who are adjudicators worked for days and went through every song. It is tedious. They worked on it for days and nights,” he explained.
The rigorous selection process underscores the awards' commitment to recognising only the most exceptional talent in the gospel music industry.
The event also served as a poignant tribute to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, whose pioneering spirit and vision laid the foundation for the awards' success. Bishop Nkambule delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, celebrating her remarkable achievements and contributions.
“I want to acknowledge and appreciate our founder and president, my wife Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule. A visionary leader, a woman of excellence and class. A groundbreaker, an anointed businesswoman, someone with the grace to create something out of nothing. I proudly celebrated her when she was with us, and I proudly celebrate her even today when she’s no longer here. The legacy continues, and this year is a year to celebrate all our artists, but we also celebrate her,” he shared.
The nominees themselves represent a diverse and highly talented cross-section of South African gospel artists. The Best Female Gospel Artist category features Nomthie Sibisi, Sneziey Msomi, Xolly Mncwango, and Ncebekazi Msomi. Competing for Best Male Gospel Artist are Malusi Mbokazi, Kekeletso Phoofolo, Rofhiwa Manyaga, and Gershom Ntimane. Other notable nominees include Xolly Mncwango, Kekeletso Phoofolo, and Andile KaMajola for Best Gospel Artist; Legato, Fisani Masinga, Senziwe Group, and JTG Gospel Choir for Best A capella; Lejoe la Jasper, Full Gospel Holly Choir, and The New Jerusalem Gospel Choir for Best Clap and Tap; and Bheki M, Abantwan Be Zithunywa, Isiphiwo Samakretsu, Pastors Kids, and Imbewu Yethemba Mass Choir for Best AmaZion.
The Crown Gospel Music Awards, under the capable and decisive leadership of Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, are set to continue their tradition of celebrating excellence in South African gospel music.
