BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SIDVOKODVO– Rising gospel sensation Hlob’sile Goodness Shongwe, popularly known as Hlobie Goodness, has been crowned Best Newcomer of the Year 2025 at the prestigious National Gospel Music Awards (NGMA), held yesterday at The Luke Commission in Sidvokodvo.
The awards ceremony drew gospel artists, government representatives, cultural organisations, strategic partners and hundreds of music lovers, all gathered to celebrate excellence and spiritual influence within Eswatini’s gospel music industry. Hosted by the Eswatini National Arts and Culture Council (ENACC) in partnership with the Association of Gospel Music in Eswatini, the event highlighted the artists whose work continues to uplift the nation.
Hlobie Goodness, originally from Mawelawela in Nkwene, has swiftly captured national attention with her soulful delivery and heartfelt worship style. Her rise is particularly remarkable given that her award-winning track is her debut single. She recalled that her musical journey began in church, where she sang in the youth choir and Praise Team.
“I started singing at a very early age in church, in the youth choir and the Praise Team,” she said. “I have been with many choirs before, including Courageous Choir, Inflame Choir and many others.”
Her talent has long been recognised; she once curtain-raised for South African gospel legend Benjamin Dube at Mavuso and previously won the Gospel category of T55 in 2015—a milestone she credits as a significant encouragement early in her career.
Accepting her award, an emotional Hlobie expressed deep gratitude to the public. “I am very humbled to win this award. This is my first single and already I was nominated for Best Songwriter,” she said. “Emaswati have really humbled me for voting for me. I am so emotional and overwhelmed.”
She extended heartfelt thanks to her supporters, adding, “I wish I could text each of you one by one and thank you for such unparalleled support. May God richly bless you. This award belongs to you—let us celebrate together.”
For Hlobie, the accolade represents more than recognition—it signals the beginning of greater possibilities. “This award has really encouraged me. I never knew I would break into the music industry and gain recognition so fast,” she reflected. “My main objective has always been winning souls through music and preaching God’s incorruptible word. But this award has opened doors I never knew existed.”
She explained that the win has connected her to key figures within the gospel industry, opportunities that previously seemed out of reach. “What I would struggle to do before will no longer be a problem,” she said. “I promise to continue worshipping my Lord through song because I see that I was born for such a purpose.”
Looking to the future, Hlobie shared her desire to uplift others using her new platform. “Above all, I wish to groom other upcoming artists and help them realise open doors,” she said.
With her humility, soaring vocals and unwavering devotion to her calling, Hlobie Goodness stands poised for an inspiring gospel journey, her Best Newcomer win serving as a powerful launchpad for what promises to be a remarkable career.
