WHAT A NIGHT OF WORSHIP AT THE CROWN GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS

From the first note to the last, the audience worshipped and cheered as performance after performance was lit at the Crown awards that took place for the 1^st time in Gauteng. Last night, the World Gospel Power House presented a glorious star-studded event with Gospel music lovers packing the 80000 seater dome – as tickets were sold out.

FANS FROM OUTSIDE SA

Music fans travelled from across the country and others travelled as far as Swaziland, Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe to support their country’s nominees. Some traveled from Botswana and came in big numbers to support Tsepo Lesola who won the Best of Africa Gospel category.

Nigerian fans took it to social media that next year they will vote in big numbers for their own OV Prince and will make sure he brings the award home.

STUNNING FASHION AND CELEBRITIES

Celebrities like Shaun Mamkhize, Sophie Ndaba, Mihlali Ndamase all graced the gold carpet. Shauwn Mamkhize made a grand entrance in her diamond silver piece which lit the stage with tiny crystals as she presented 2 categories. Zanele Mbokazi, known for her red carpet dresses, looked stunning in a solid red evening gown.

KHAYA MTHETHWA AND RORISANG – ANCHOR PRESENTERS

Khaya Mthethwa and Rorisang Thandekayo were an excellent combination, keeping the crowd inspired, entertained, informed and captivated with their catchy lingo, top tier tv hosting skills and over 5 designer garments which left the audience in awe.

COMMENTS FROM PATRONS

“Thank you for a world class production” said the legendary Lindelani Mkhize.

“Thank you for being fair, and for elevating the Gospel music industry” said Rebecca Malope.

“We thank God for Zanele Mbokazi in the body of Christ.” Said Apostle Felix Okoh.

THE BIG WINS

Masibuyele kuJehova, the group of elderly women who have been in the music industry for 35 years, were honoured with the lifetime achievement award. They were overwhelmed and broke into a worship song.

THE 2 BIG CATERGORIES

BEST GOSPEL ARTIST

Canaan Nyati won the best Gospel artist of the year with 13 880, followed by 13 736, 8082, 7413 and 348.

JUMBO WINS BIG!

Jumbo won the best Gospel male award and the biggest award of the night – the best Gospel song – with his Makabongwe uJesu with an amazing 127 571 votes.

He was followed by the song who got 20 072, no 3 got 9821, no 4 – 7191.

FULL HOUSE

The tickets were sold out. There was a bit of a delay as security personnel stopped the guests from entering the marquee which caused a bit of agitation as the 80000-strong crowd were eager to go in.

THE TV BROADCAST

The awards will be on SABC2 on Sunday the 3^rd of November at 19h30.

Zanele says she hopes to expand the awards not only in South Africa, but also in African countries that have a gospel music following and the rest of the world especially in the USA where international gospel musicians can share the stage, perform and also be nominated for Crown Gospel awards in order to open the awards to all Gospel musicians in the world who want to get recognized and celebrated for their beautiful music.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Zanele Mbokazi, the founder and executive producer of the Crown Awards says they are expanding the Gospel footprint and empire with 2 new projects.

The Gospel music films and The Gospel Dreams talent search.

The World Gospel Power House is now taking Gospel into 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 (the cost of the crown: emotionally, spiritually, mentally, financially etc.).

The Gospel Dreams talent search was launched in September in Gauteng, and the first winner was Sfiso Mabuza who got a standing ovasion yesterday, after performing on the Crown stage. “We are ready to take Gospel Dreams talent search to TV, as a full production. The talent search will extend into other African countries. “We aim to ensure that the talent unearthed through this process gets maximum exposure and promotion”.

WINNERS OF 2023 CROWN GOSPEL AWARDS

Best Jazz song