Patience Bambalele

Patience Bambalele

South Africa has spoken - Lungisani Ntuli is the new gospel star.

After months of extensive research Ntuli, who comes from Nanda in KwaZulu-Natal, was last night named the winner of SABC2's music reality show I Want to Sing Gospel.

Three weeks agohe was booted off the show by the judges but the public votes kept him in the competition.

And yesterday the people made sure he won the top prize. His competitors watched as he walked away with the R100000 prize and a recording deal with Lindelani Mkhize Entertainment.

Ntuli almost collapsed when his name was called out by presenter Thabo Mdluli.

Mzoxolo Rafani and Charisma Hanekam each took home R25 000.

"I am excited," Ntuli said. "The love and support people showed me has made me strong."

Ntuli thought people voted for him because of his disadvantaged background. He said he would use the R100000 to refurbish his home.

Hanekam, who was tipped to win the competition, said she was happy with her achievement.

"It has been journey for me," she said. "It has been hard work and I learnt a lot in the process."

Rafani, who received the most viewer votes, was shocked but gracious in defeat.

"I never thought I would reach this stage because I was competing with the best," he said.

Lindelani Mkhize, one of the judges, said the focus would now be on producing Ntuli's first CD before the year ends.

The competition started two months ago with auditions all over the country. Thirty aspiring gospel singers were selected to come to Johannesburg.