BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– A sad day indeed in the entertainment industry, both locally and internationally. A giant has fallen!
This morning, the world woke up to the news of the passing of the founder of the Crown Gospel Awards, Ukhozi FM radio host, motivational speaker, and businesswoman Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule (52).
She passed away this morning at Parklands Hospital in Durban; South Africa. She was diagnosed with Lung cancer in May this year. Her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, announced her death in a statement that was issued this morning.
Mbokazi played a huge role in promoting Gospel music in the SA and Eswatini with the introduction of Crown Gospel Music Awards, which has seen local artists being recognised internationally. We reached out to a few gospel artists who have worked with her to share their fond memories of her, and this is what they had to say;
Association of Christina Artists of Eswatini (ACAESWA) President Mcolisi Vilakati
The ACAESWA expresses our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Zanele Mbokazi Nkambule, a stalwart of the Gospel music industry in South Africa. She was an ardent supporter of Eswatini’s gospel artists, whose efforts helped to raise the profile of the genre on a continental scale.
Her contributions to the gospel community will be remembered for years to come, and we thank her for her unwavering support extended to us. We will forever cherish the support and opportunities that Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule provided our artists, from Phathwakahle, Shongwe ne Khuphuka’s, and many others’ first appearances at the Crown Gospel Music Awards. We also remember her personal conversations with the former President Phetsile Masilela talked about expanding the awards to southern and northern Africa. Mbokazi’s unwavering dedication to the development of gospel music across the continent was inspiring and her impact will be felt for years to come.
Art veteran Larry Mhlanga
A Giant Has Fallen. I am still reeling from the news of Zanele Mbokazi’s passing. She was not just my boss but a mother, mentor, and role model. I had the privilege of working with her for four years, and her influence on me is immeasurable. She was a force to be reckoned with. She was a guru in the public relations and events industry, and her attention to detail, speed, and efficiency were unmatched.
Gospel artist Nothando Dlamini
Noma kunje ukhona Nkulunkulu. To the Nkambule family,Mbokazi Family…To the Body of Christ… Sicela Nkulunkulu asidvudvute… It’s so painful… Our hearts are broken. Kuphela emagama.
Make Mbokazi bekangu muntfu wentfu… God used her to lift people’s lives… Ebebatsandza bantfu. Anemoya wa Nkulunkulu. Anenhlitiyo lenhle. What gives us peace is that she is with the Lord. Kunenhlokomo ekhaya e zulwini.Ngobe sonkh siyakhona siyendlula lamhlabeni…UKHONA.. NKULUNKULU…
Gospel artist Sphiwo Ndoni Ndlangamandla
We are so heartbroken by the passing of Mam Zanele. She’s done a lot for gospel music through the Crowns Gospel Music Awards. Our deepest condolences to Bishop Nkambule, the family, and the Gospel music community at large. May God comfort you even in such a sad time as this.
Gospel artist Bhelekazi Kunene
This is shocking and painful news to receive. We, as the music industry, have lost a great leader, a teacher, and a mother. Condolences to Bishop Nkambule, the entite Nkambule family, the Mbokazi family, gospel artists, and anyone who is affected by the loss of this woman. May we comfort each other, continue to love each other, and follow in her footsteps to push God’s work while we are still given the chance to live. RIP Msutfu
Eswatini TV Gospel Impact Presenter Mbali Simelane
AAI words fail me. She is one of the people I looked up to. I’m broken Wow. Umndeni awudvuvuteke silahlekelwe. Mat her beautiful soul rest.
Association of Christina Artists of Eswatini (ACAESWA) PRO Nhlanhla Mathunjwa
We would like to send our condolences to both the Nkambule and Mbokazi families. To the bishop, we pray that God helps him through this difficult time. I knew her personally; I got a personal invitation to their wedding, which was on another level. We worked on a number of projects together, and we had a great working relationship. She was very passionate about the Crown Gospel Awards; it was her baby. Her death is a huge loss to the industry.
Gospel artist Mpendulo Mzayoni Tsabedze
My sincerest condolences to the Nkambule and Mbokazi families. The impact Mam Zanele had on the South African gospel music industry had a ripple effect that poured into Eswatini. Sitamkhumbula.
