While setting stages alight in the US with his brothers, Loyiso Bala scored the most nominations for the Mzansi Gospel Music Awards at Saturday night's launch, with six.

Bala left the country with his brothers Zwai and Phelo earlier this month to promote their new self-titled album, Bala Brothers, which they released in March, following their PBS special concert broadcast there in February.

The album went to number one on music site Amazon and made it to Billboard's World Charts, peaking at number eight.

The trio of brothers have been sharing their experiences in the US on the streets of New York and outside the White House in Washington DC and attending interviews draped in designer suits.

Bala's nominations include for best contemporary song of the year for Phambili, which he performed with Sfiso Ncwane at this year's SA Music Awards. He fights it out for best male artist with Ncwane, who received three nominations.

The Mzansi Gospel Music Awards are organised by Edzani 'Eezy' Raaloe of Raaloe Media.

He said the awards were not in competition with other gospel awards but that they are there to compliment them.

Sipho Kaleni, spokesperson of SABC Crown Gospel Awards, welcomed the newbies.

"We haven't met the visionary or organisers of the Mzansi Gospel Awards but we give God all the glory for more platforms that award excellence in the gospel music industry," he said in a statement.

The Mzansi Gospel Awards, launched at Mosaiek Theatre in Johannesburg, are dedicated to honouring urban contemporary and unconventional gospel artists.

The launch was hosted by young comedian Lihle Msimang, who managed to keep the laughs going with her style of Christian comedy.

SAMA winner Winnie Mashaba, who was in attendance, scored one nomination in the best traditional category.

The awards are set to take place on June 30 and will be broadcast on the Faith Broadcasting Channel, formerly known as TBN.

Voting for the awards officially opens today.

tiwaneb@timesmedia.co.za