BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Local Gospel artists will be happy to learn that the Eswatini Gospel Awards will be hosted this year in October.
The awards make a comeback following a break last year. This was confirmed by the Association of Christian Artist in Eswatini (ACESWA) President Mxolisi Vilakati today.
The last Gospel wards were held on December 3, 2022 at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, where several local artists were awarded for their work.
Vilakati said, “We are happy to announce that this year the Eswatini Gospel Awards will make a comeback. We have proposed for October to host the awards so far. The exact date will be announced soon as we work on other logistics,” shared Vilakati.
The president said that this year’s awards have more categories, which will also be announced soon, but for now he can name the two additions. “This year, we will award the Best Media that has supported us in Gospel. We have also added an International Gospel Artist category”. He went on to add that they are also excited that this year the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) will host their awards, which will cater to all categories. The date however, has not yet been revealed.
The Eswatini Gospel Awards seek to celebrate local Gospel artists and their achievements. The previous awards were held in 2020 but were halted in 2021.At the last Gospel awards two years ago, Nothando Dlamini scooped the Song of the Year Award.
It is worth mentioning the awards in 2022 had 12 categories namely;
1. Best Gospel Song
2. Best Gospel Artist/ Group
3. Best Contemporary Gospel Song
4. Best Traditional Song
5. Gospel Artist/ Group of All Times
6. Best Male Gospel Artist
7. Best Female Gospel artist
8. Best New Gospel Artist
9. Best Mass Choir
10. Best Zion Group
11. Best Album
12. Best Producer
