Times Of Swaziland: ESWATINI GOSPEL ARTISTS KEEN ON CROWN AWARDS 2018 ESWATINI GOSPEL ARTISTS KEEN ON CROWN AWARDS 2018 ================================================================================ BY NHLANHLA MATHUNJWA on 14/06/2018 01:22:00 MBABANE – The annual Crown Gospel Music Awards 2018 will see five of Eswatini’s best gospel stars vying for an award. Scheduled for October 2018 on a date yet to be announced, the local artists have shown keen interest in participating this year, and have already registered for consideration. These artists are Linda Dlamini, Frans Dlamini, Nduduzo Matse, Phathwakahle Mabuza and Shongwe & Khuphuka Saved Group. The awards are hosted by Zanele Mbokazi, with her husband Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule. The five artists have confirmed that they have submitted their names and tracks to be considered for this year’s categories. The final list of nominees who will be selected by a panel of judges will then be announced in August, after which voting begins. Local artists were encouraged by Mbokazi during a visit to Eswatini in January to produce good quality music that would allow them to compete in international awards. Last year, Nduduzo Matse scooped the Best of Africa Award during the main event held in Durban. “This win by Matse seems to have encouraged more Swazi artists to participate. This is encouraging and I urge EmaSwati to vote for those who will be nominated,” said Mbokazi. One of the artists trying his luck this year is Linda Dlamini, who said the time had come for him to participate on an international platform. “This year, I will try my luck for the first time and I hope to be nominated and make the final cut to be voted for. After that I am sure my fans will help me bring the award home,” he said.