BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MANZINI – Ebukhoneni Benkosi Church in Zion Crowned 2025 Champions!
The spirit of unity, praise, and musical excellence was alive and thriving this past Saturday as the Buhle Beziyoni Gospel Association successfully hosted the grand finale of its 2nd Edition Music Competition at Zion Bible College.
The event brought together six Zion choirs from across the country in a vibrant celebration of gospel music. Hundreds of music lovers, aspiring artists, and church supporters filled the hall to witness a day of soul-stirring performances in both prescribed and own-choice categories.
Participating choirs included:
Isisekelo Church in Zion
Voice of Worship
Joyous Praise
Philip No. 2 Church in Zion
Ebukhoneni Benkosi Church in Zion
Power of Christ
Each choir showcased their musicality, vocal strength, and devotion, creating an electric atmosphere that kept the audience fully engaged. The highlight of the day was the guest performance by Harmony in Christ, whose dynamic repertoire kept spirits high between competition rounds.
The distinguished guests included notable gospel figures and church leaders such as Bishop Gcina Masuku, Mathokoza Sibiya, Bishop Ntenteza, and President Thabo Banda of River of Mercy Ministries, Nelspruit, South Africa. Banda also served as Programme Director for the event.
Adjudicating the competition were seasoned music professionals Mbuso Bongani Maseko and Sanele Simelane, whose combined expertise spans over a decade of performing, studying, and judging choral music, particularly in the Zion genre. Association treasurer Njabulo Ginindza emphasized their credibility, noting their extensive experience in prestigious competitions.
After a full day of powerful performances, the moment of truth arrived as the winners were announced:
Overall Results:
1st Place – Ebukhoneni Benkosi Church in Zion – 163 points
2nd Place – Isisekelo Church in Zion – 149 points
3rd Place – Philip No. 2 Church in Zion – 146 points
Ebukhoneni Benkosi Church in Zion, the champions of the day, walked away with a trophy, medals, certificate, and a recording deal. The second runners-up were awarded 50 church chairs and a trophy, while the third runners-up received a trophy and church décor.
Director Ayanda Lokothwayo expressed his gratitude to the choirs for their commitment, the adjudicators for their professional evaluation, and the audience for their enthusiastic support. He encouraged the choirs to continue preparing for the next Buhle Beziyoni Gospel competition to be held in Witbank, South Africa, in August.
Speaking on behalf of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), Mathokoza Sibiya commended the organisers and participants for their dedication. “Your creativity not only inspires us but also uplifts the entire Zion and choral music community,” he said, urging attendees to continue nurturing such rich musical talent.
With plans to expand the event by introducing workshops and master classes in future editions, the Buhle Beziyoni Gospel Association is steadily building a platform that celebrates both musical artistry and community spirit.
