Local artists nominated for gospel awards

The Meropa Hotel Conference Centre was packed by musicians, representatives of the various provincial departments, sponsors, community and the media fraternity during the announcement of the final nominees for the Limpopo Gospel Awards a fortnight ago.

The organiser, Mr Augustine Nethononda, said that the event was a strategic platform created to celebrate, reward and recognise the rich heritage of gospel music in the province. He added that, over decades, Limpopo had always produced top artists in this genre who featured prominently on various national platforms.

“Given the diversity of our province, this legacy needs to be celebrated while we focus on bringing new talent to the fore,” he added.

Mr Gezani Mabunda, Chief Director: Cultural Affairs in the provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, said that government had limited resources, which made it almost impossible to reach all the artists. He expressed appreciation towards the project, because it collaborates with government policy.

“We would like to encourage all our local artists to continue working hard and produce quality music, so that we can see more artists from our province dominating at the national level,” he added

The nominees for the best gospel newcomers are: King Music Seasons, Mateam Love, Sandra Makokoka, Masana & Phathu and Tsakani Khani.

Best Amazon/Traditional gospel: Isaac Mbhedli, Naphy, TLT Apostolic group, Balatedi Ba Morena, Mynah rams and Mbavhalelo MMM.

Best gospel praise song: Glenda Koka, Kay Rali, Phuluso Thenga, Pastor Rudolph Mabasa, Secret of Worship.

Best gospel worship song: Kgaogelo Kekane, Masana & Phathu, Ndivhaleni Musetha, Phuluso Thenga and Thabelo Netshiunda.

Best gospel collaboration song: King D music featuring Takie, Thabelo Netshiunda featuring Phuluso, Kgaogelo Kekana featuring Takie, Itani featuring Tsiko and Jeremiah Mudau featuring Rofhiwa Manyanga.

Best male gospel artist: Pastor Rudolph Mabasa, Urban Matjila, Phuluso Thenga, Peter Labelo and Itani Venda Boy.

Best female gospel artist: Glenda Koka, Kgaogelo Kekana, Mmatema, Newie and Thabelo Netshiunda.

Best gospel album of the year: Mmatema, Glenda Koka, Kgaogelo Kekana, Phuluso Thenga and Pastor Rudolph Mabasa.

Best gospel artist of the year: Kgaogelo Kekana, Newie, Pastor Rudolph Mabasa, Thabelo Netshiunda and The Living Rock.

The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, 1 December 2018, in the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane. Tickets for the event are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers nationwide.

The 2018 Limpopo Gospel Music Awards is funded by the National Lotteries Commission of South Africa and sponsored by Limpopo Tourism Agency and the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Entertainment - Date: 26 November 2018

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Email: [email protected]