Zenoyise Madikwa

Zenoyise Madikwa

South Africa's first gospel awards will be launched soon.

Crown Gospel Music Awards will recognise the most outstanding talents and contributions made in gospel music, one of the best- selling genres in the country.

The awards are the brainchild of former radio and TV personality, Zanele Mbokazi.

An excited Mbokazi told Sowetan that the awards will serve as a platform for all gospel artists to showcase their God-given talent and also prove who is the best in the game. Mbokazi said through the awards they hope to put back the 'Gospel' in gospel music.

"We aim to bring back the Gospel of Jesus to the genre, and to pay homage to the talented men and women of gospel. That is why there is direct reference to the Crown that metaphorically represents the crown and the glory that we all hope to receive in the after-life," she said.

All eyes will be on the multiaward-winning divas Rebecca Malope, her nemesis Deborah Fraser, Hlengiwe Mhlaba and Lusanda to see who walks away with the best female gospel singer award.

And the contenders to the king's crown would be between the likes of veteran Vuyo Mokoena, the controversial Lundi Tyamara, new kid on the block Sechaba and doyens Sipho Makhabane and Benjamin Dube.

Groups such as Joyous Celebration, Amadodana AseWesile, Barorisi Bamorena and House of Worship will fight it out to prove which is the hottest gospel outfit in the country today.

The winner of the award will be flown to the US to attend the acclaimed Dove Awards.