Times Of Swaziland: 6TH SABC CROWN GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS ARE HERE 6TH SABC CROWN GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS ARE HERE ================================================================================ BY NHLANHLA MATHUNJWA on 04/10/2013 22:59:00 Once again it is that time of the year where Southern African gospel artists celebrate their achievements in as far as the gospel music industry is concerned. The 6th SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards are scheduled for November 17, at the ICC in Durban. It is during the same awards that local gospel artist Bakhe Dlamini got recognition as the Best Newcomer. Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors is another group that gained recognition and received an award during this ceremony. Favourite Nominations for the awards are already open and the public can select their favourite artists. In the previous awards, Sipho ‘Big Fish’ Makhabane was awarded with the ‘Lifetime Achiever’ Award which was the bigges category in these awards. He was recognised for his giant strides in the gospel music industry. Behind the success of the awards is none other than Zanele Mbokazi wife to Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule of the Word of Hope Ministries at Sidwashini, Mbabane. Mbokazi says last year’s awards ceremony was a great success and state-of the-art as they were celebrating five years of grace. Glorious “The quality performances, standard of production, zeal and magnitude of the entire event indicated a glorious celebration. The biggest award, Lifetime Achiever, went to Sipho ‘Big Fish’ Makhabane for his giant strides in the gospel music Industry,” Mbokazi said. She said this year’s event may not be the celebration-style but, in a true World Gospel Powerhouse fashion. “This year’s event will get people talking as we are planning of making a different and amazing show. There’s always a new facet, different angle or a renewed awe. Nominations are now open and some categories will be judged and voted for. Gospel music players in South Africa and beyond borders artists including composers, engineers and producers are urged to be part of the nominees for these awards,” Mbokazi says. She is excited by the fact that the World Gospel Powerhouse is seeing an improvement in the awards each and every year. Excited “We are excited to see the growing trend of excellence within the gospel music industry which has been influenced by our national workshop programme - Iziko Gospel Music Convention as well as the previous SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards celebrations. We are looking forward to receiving nominations from the entire talented African continent and celebrating the continuous Godly excellence at this year’s awards” she says. Mbokazi assures gospel music lovers of a great time during the event scheduled for November 17, at the ICC in Durban. Assured “Rest assured it will be a night to remember. I invite all gospel music lovers to come in their numbers promising the best event ever.”