TRUMPET AFRICA GOSPEL AWARDS FOR SWAZILAND

MBABANE – As local gospel artists continue to take centre stage in the African region, Swaziland stands to host one of the biggest gospel awards shows next year.

A request to host the second edition of the prestigious Trumpet Africa Gospel Music Awards in the country has been revealed. The founder of the awards popularly known as the TAGMA’s, is South African Crown Gospel Awards founder Zanele Mbokazi, wife to Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule of the Word of Hope Ministries.

Mbokazi has already approached the Swaziland National Council of Arts and Culture (SNCAC) with the view of having the awards hosted in the country in 2017. The first inaugural event was held at the State Theatre in Pretoria in May this year. This is where Shongwe and Khuphuka  Saved Group scooped one of the prestigious African awards for best  traditional group. Stanley Dlamini, SNCAC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has already informed the Association of Christian Artists in Swaziland (ACASWA) about the request from Mbokazi.  The  CEO said he  believes that ACASWA has to be the association behind the success of these awards, as they focus on all local gospel artists.
Dlamini confirmed that they have been approached by Mbokazi and her committee who informed them of their interest of hosting the second edition of the Trumpets in Swaziland. 

“This just shows how other people value local production. The country’s gospel industry has grown and as we speak, it has proven to be one of the best. We are excited about the request and as a council we are considering it,” he said.
He noted that the country has the potential of hosting the awards, and he believes that it was one of the reasons why the name Swaziland came up.

“This is one opportunity which we as a country should make sure we grab with both hands. We will soon be meeting with the relevant people so as to check the possibilities of having this concept initiated as early as possible,” he said.
During the inauguration of the awards, Mbokazi said in the country, gospel music was one of the most popular and  loved genres of music, adding that it was growing in numbers every day. She added that gospel dominates  in almost every event hosted, be it a  government or State  event, social events and also in terms of revenue when it comes to sales.

 “TAGMA’s are more than just an award bestowed on deserving artists. The awards are about development of gospel talent, exposing the underdogs of the gospel industry to the world. It’s about flying the African flag high,” she said.
She mentioned that the TAGMA awards will be hosted in various African countries as it is aimed at honouring gospel music in the continent, and will be held annually every month of May to commemorate Africa month. The over 20 categories in the TAGMA’s  will include best gospel song in Africa, the best gospel producer in Africa, best female gospel artist, best male gospel artist and also the different genres like best pray song and best hip pop rap gospel song.

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