BY NOSIPHO MABUZA
SIDVOKODVO- The spirit of praise and celebration is set to fill the Luke Commission Auditorium in Sidvokodvo as the Eswatini National Gospel Music Awards returns in spectacular fashion on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
The event promises to be a night where gospel excellence, national pride, and divine inspiration converge under one roof.
This year’s edition is expected to raise the bar higher than ever. The evening begins with a Grand Entrance at 4:00 PM, ushering in an elegant red-carpet experience where fans and media will rub shoulders with Eswatini’s top gospel stars.
The much-anticipated Gospel Power Hour follows from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, setting the spiritual tone before the main ceremony goes LIVE at 8:00 PM. The glittering event will crown 27 category winners and honour five lifetime achievers, including recipients of the Minister’s Award, Chairperson’s Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Among the top contenders leading the nominations are Nothando Dlamini, Nothando Hlophe, Gcebile Maseko, and Fakazi Samuel, all of whom have made a resounding impact in Eswatini’s gospel landscape this year.
The Awards continue to strengthen their regional and international footprint, with major partnerships secured with South African gospel media giants One Gospel and Soweto TV, ensuring that Eswatini’s talent reaches audiences beyond its borders.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Mr. Nathi Makhabane, Spokesperson for the National Gospel Music Awards, encouraged the public to gear up for an unforgettable evening.
“The tickets will be available soon on Moja Ticket. We encourage the public to get ready and budget as this is an event not to be missed,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Stanley Dlamini, CEO of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), highlighted the awards’ cultural importance.
“This event will be a major highlight of what our industry looks like. It forms part of our mandate to ensure all artistic disciplines are promoted and given a stage to shine,” Dlamini stated.
In a powerful show of inclusivity, the National Gospel Music Awards will feature performances from the top three winners of the Disability Festival, Sabelo, Msweli, and Siya Bayas, through a partnership with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Mr. Dlamini explained the collaboration, saying,
“To spice up and achieve inclusivity, we have partnered with the office of the Deputy Prime Minister. These artists are exceptionally talented, and this is their moment to shine.”
Chairperson Mr. Nathi Mhlanga assured fans that the 2025 edition would exceed all expectations.
“We are going all big. We won’t be leaving any disappointment as the stage is big, so we have to present Eswatini to the world on a bigger scale,” Mhlanga said.
Organizers are also calling for more corporate and community partners to come on board and support this flagship national gospel event.
Best Newcomer Artist of the Year
- Gcebile Maseko – 935 votes
Best Drummer
- James Mumangs – 362
Best Gospel Male Artist
- Fakazi Samuel – 300
Best Gospel Female Artist
- Nothando Hlophe – 700
Best Gospel Group or Choir
- Big Bend We Praise – 231
Best Gospel Sound Engineer
- Sizwe Mabuza – 341
Best Lead Guitarist
- Mluleki – 189
Best Gospel Live Event or Recording
- Nothando Hlophe Live Recording – 200
Best Bassist Player
- Daniel Chulu – 171
Best Gospel Album
- Umusi Wendvumiso by Nothando Dlamini – 828
Best Gospel Artist
- Nothando Dlamini – 601
Best Worship Song
- Endleleni Yonkhe by Mzayoni Tsabedze – 98
Best Siswati Song Writer
- Svumelana Nawe by Hlobie Shongwe – 189
Best of Africa Artist
- Nothando Hlophe – 200
Best Gospel Altor
- Silo Khumalo – 167
Best Gospel Soprano
- Thubelihle Msibi – 127
Best Gospel Tenor
- Khaya Dlamini – 226
Best Gospel Producer
- Wakhile Dludlu – 209
Best Music Director
- Wakhile Dludlu – 96
Best Praise Song
- Africa Unite by Fakazi Samuel – 55
Best Gospel Aux
- Tallman – 111
Best Gospel Song of the Year
- Sthumela Wena by Nothando Hlophe – 300
Best Gospel Radio or TV Program
- Phila Ngiphile VOC – 65
Best Zion Artist or Group
- Scara – 534
Best of Africa Mass Choir
- Mdantsane – 10
The Eswatini National Gospel Music Awards 2025 will not only celebrate gospel music but also reaffirm its role in uplifting communities, promoting national unity, and empowering artists to use their voices for purpose.
For more details and event updates, visit the official Facebook page: National Gospel Music Awards.
(Courtesy Pic)
