BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Get ready to celebrate, gospel music fans!
The National Gospel Music Awards (NGMA) have announced a groundbreaking collaboration that promises to elevate the gospel music scene in Eswatini to dazzling new heights. The overall biggest winner of this year’s awards will have the incredible opportunity to feature in the next project by the internationally acclaimed South African mass choir, Joyous Celebration.
This monumental partnership is a testament to the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture’s (ENCAC) commitment to fostering tangible growth and opportunities within the creative sector. “We are immensely pleased with this collaboration,” said Nathi Makhabane, Spokesperson for the NGMA. “This partnership comes at the right time, reinforcing our commitment to ensure that every investment made by ENCAC directly benefits the industry and yields measurable results.”
Stanley Dlamini, CEO of ENCAC, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the transformative impact of the announcement. “We have hosted Gospel Awards before, but the question has always been, ‘What will be different this time?'” he remarked. “This partnership provides an incredible, life-changing platform for our artists, answering that question definitively.”
Joyous Celebration is renowned for nurturing top talent across Southern Africa, and this collaboration will not only amplify the winning artist’s career but also shine a well-deserved spotlight on the rich gospel talent within Eswatini. This is an exceptional chance for artists to gain exposure on an international stage!
As the anticipation builds, the NGMA organizing committee is hard at work finalizing the exciting details of this partnership, promising more thrilling revelations as preparations unfold. Artists who have already entered the awards can look forward to an exceptional experience this year.
Nominations are still open, inviting all eligible gospel artists to submit their entries for consideration. The awards feature two main categories: Main Awards and Technical Awards, ensuring comprehensive recognition across the industry.
Main Awards Categories Include:
- Best Gospel Female Artist
- Best Gospel Male Artist
- Best Gospel Artist (Overall)
- Best Gospel Song of the Year
- Best Gospel Album
- Best Zion Artist/Group
- Best Amadodana Group/Choir
- Best Worship Song
- Best Praise Song
- Best Newcomer Artist of the Year
- Best Gospel Group/Choir
- Best Gospel Live Event or Recording
- Best Siswati Songwriter
- Best Gospel Radio/TV Program
Technical Categories Include:
- Best Gospel Producer
- Best Gospel Music Director (MD)
- Best Gospel Sound Engineer
- Best Gospel Tenor
- Best Gospel Alto
- Best Gospel Auxiliary (Aux)
- Best Gospel Lead Guitarist
- Best Gospel Soprano
- Best Gospel Bass Guitarist
Gospel artists eager to participate can register, the deadline for all entries is midnight on August 12, 2025.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of Eswatini’s premier gospel music celebration and potentially launch your career onto an international stage with Joyous Celebration!
(Courtesy Pic)
