NOMINATED in categories for most gifted dance and Afro-pop videos for Live my life, Winnie Khumalo will also be performing a tribute to Brenda Fassie at the Channel O Awards on Thursday night.

Speaking to Sowetan about her nominations, she said: "It's great. I am so excited. It tells me that I am doing something right and everyone is recognising it.

"Live my life has put me on top of the world. Nobody stands a chance - everyone else is releasing albums but they don't match mine. It is my time to shine," Khumalo said .

"It would be awesome to take both (awards) home but if I had to choose just one, then it would be the best dance award," Khumalo said, as she danced and giggled in her seat.

Speaking about her energetic movements on the stage, 36-year-old Khumalo said: "I'm on fire - I still feel like I'm 15. My energy is a gift from God. I used to be a dancer when I was young and I still have all that strength. I don't know where it comes from.

"I don't want to reveal which Brenda Fassie song I am going to be singing, but it is going to be really special.

"Brenda was my mentor. She was a friend. She was everything to me.

"When I was growing up I used to look up to her and I told myself that one day I am going to be like her.

"I was fortunate to have worked with her once. I learnt everything I know from following Brenda's career.

"I have my chance now and am taking full advantage of all the opportunities."

This is the second time Khumalo will be performing a Brenda Fassie tribute. She sang at the 2004 South African Music Awards with Lebo Mathosa, Thembi Seete and Swazi Dlamini.

"It was an awesome performance. I was not expecting to be asked to do it as I was not well-known at the time."

Before her success with Live my life, Khumalo admitted; "I used to feel less of myself as a person."

She said: "But now I have made my mark and I am here to stay. No one is going to take that away from me. I am going to rock 'till I drop."

The Channel O Awards take place at Carnival City in Brakpan.