BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE– From years of serving through gospel music to becoming one of Eswatini’s recognised worship voices, Sphiwo Ndoni’s ministry is reaching another continental milestone after he was nominated for Best of Africa Male Artist of the Year at the 2026 Crown Gospel Music Awards.
The nomination adds another chapter to a journey that has seen Ndoni build a catalogue of worship music while using his ministry to create spaces for people to encounter God.
With more than 20 years in ministry and six albums to his name, Ndoni has established himself as a familiar voice in Eswatini’s gospel scene. His music includes popular worship songs such as “Tive Temhlaba”, “Waze Wetsembeka”, “Insindiso Iyangisebenzela” and “Jesu Msindisi”, songs that have continued to connect with worshippers locally and beyond.
His 2020 release “Tive Temhlaba Tikubone” has been particularly significant in his journey, with the song also featuring in regional gospel performances and collaborations.
Beyond his music, Ndoni is also the visionary behind the Mount Zion Experience, a worship gathering that has grown into a notable platform for gospel music and worship in Eswatini. The event has brought together local and regional gospel ministers, further reflecting his commitment to creating spaces centred on worship.
Now, his ministry has received another continental nod.
For Ndoni, the nomination came with a mixture of emotions.
“It was actually a lot; mixed feelings, excitement, joy and gratitude because it’s a big one and I really thank God for this opportunity and recognition again,” he said.
The recognition, he said, speaks to the wider reach of the ministry he has built through music.
“It means my ministry and work is noticed out there. It’s always our prayer that whatever we are doing to the glory of the Lord may have impact locally and internationally, so such nominations are one of the signs that it’s working,” he said.
Ndoni believes his journey has been shaped by his decision to remain faithful to his calling and develop a sound that connects with different listeners.
“I think my journey has contributed in the sense that I kept on believing that the Lord has given me something to serve Him and this generation. He’s proving that each and every day,” he said.
“My sound also contributes greatly because its uniqueness touches many.”
The Best of Africa Male Artist of the Year nomination therefore places Ndoni in a continental conversation while giving his music another opportunity to reach audiences beyond Eswatini.
For the gospel artist, winning would carry significance beyond the award itself.
“Winning the Best of Africa would mean a lot. It would mean growth, a call to even greater heights in my career,” he said.
As he continues the journey, Ndoni remains grateful to those who have supported his ministry and music.
“I appreciate everyone who’s been supporting me in many ways. I pray that the Lord never cease to bless them,” he said.
From “Tive Temhlaba” to his growing catalogue and the Mount Zion Experience, Ndoni’s journey continues to show how a calling rooted in worship can extend beyond borders.
His latest nomination adds another milestone to that journey, placing an Eswatini gospel voice among artists recognised on a continental platform.
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(Courtesy Pic)
