Zimbabwean Gospel Musician ‘Canaan Nyathi’ Crowned Best in South Africa!
Gospel musician Canaan Nyathi, who is based in Bulawayo, was named the best gospel artist on Sunday at the vibrant Crown Gospel Awards celebration in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
The Crown Gospel Music Awards honour outstanding work in the South African and international gospel music scenes.
The awards, which honour and promote gospel artists, were created by Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule.
Glodine Makapela, an awards representative, stated that Nyathi’s Best Gospel Artiste of the Year category, which she won with 13 880 votes, was the second most voted for category.
The awards event was held outside of KwaZulu-Natal, in Gauteng, for the first time in its existence.
Presenter Khaya Mthethwa made a comeback, co-hosting with media personality Rorisang Thandekiso.
Makapela stated in a statement that the awards ceremony was completely sold out and that the 8,000-seat dome was crammed to the gills.
“At the crown awards, performance after performance was lit up, and the audience roared and worshipped from the first note to the last. Makapela described the World Gospel Powerhouse’s presentation as a magnificent, star-studded event.
“To support their nations’ nominees, music enthusiasts went from all around the nation, and some even travelled as far as Swaziland, Botswana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. They travelled in large numbers from Botswana to cheer on Tsepo Lesola, the winner of the Best of Africa Gospel category.
On the gold carpet were celebrities including Mihlali Ndamase, Sophie Ndaba, and Shaun Mamkhize. Mamkhize presented prizes for two categories while making a dramatic entry in her diamond and silver ensemble that sparkled with tiny gems.
Famous for her red carpet gowns, Zanele Mbokazi looked gorgeous in a simple red evening gown.
“Khaya Mthethwa and Rorisang Thandekayo were an excellent combination. They kept the crowd inspired, entertained, informed and captivated with their catchy lingo, top tier television hosting skills and over five designer garments which left the audience in awe,” Makapela said.
Among the patrons who graced the ceremony were legendary Lindelani Mkhize, gospel music legend Rebecca Malope and Apostle Felix Okoh who all hailed the event organisers for a job well done.
Masibuyele kuJehova, a group of elderly women who have been in the music industry for 35 years, was honoured with the Lifetime achievement award. The group was overwhelmed and broke into a worship song.
Founder and executive producer of the awards Zanele Mbokazi said she hoped to expand the awards not only in South Africa, but also to African countries that have a gospel music following and the rest of the world especially the United States.
She said in America international gospel musicians could share the stage, perform and also be nominated for the awards in order to open them to all gospel musicians in the world who want to get recognised and celebrated for their beautiful music.
“The World Gospel PowerHouse is now taking gospel to the small and big screen through gospel films and documentaries. The first one will be the cost of the crown, telling the story and the journey of the Crown Gospel music awards,” she said.
“The inaugural winner of the Gospel Dreams talent hunt, which took place in Gauteng in September, was Sfiso Mabuza, who performed on the crown stage on Sunday and received a standing ovation.”
“We are prepared to launch Gospel Dreams as a full-fledged television production. Other African nations will be included in the talent hunt. Our goal is to make sure that the talent found via this procedure receives as much publicity and advancement as possible.
Xolly Mcwango, Ntokozo Ngongoma, Jumbo Nyangiwe, Nathi Sithole, Sipho Ngwenya, The Tshwane Gospel Choir, and DJ Happy Girl were among the performers that delighted the attendees of the awards event with their performances.
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