BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– The excitement is palpable as the National Gospel Music Awards gears up for an exhilarating showcase of talent!
With just a day left until the nomination deadline on August 12, 2025, midnight, the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. Over 310 artists from every corner of Eswatini have thrown their hats into the ring, making this year’s event a historic milestone for the gospel music scene.
Leading the charge is the vibrant Hhohho region, closely followed by the talented artists from Manzini, Shiselweni, and Lubombo. The awards have expanded to include over 1 000 categories, with some individual categories boasting more than 35 entries. This incredible surge in participation is a testament to the trust and passion artists have for their craft.
Stanley Dlamini, CEO of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, captured this sentiment beautifully: “This is history in the making, with gospel artists from all walks of life and at every level coming out to join the awards.”
As the clock ticks down, National Gospel Music Awards Chairperson, Nathi Mhlanga, reassured fans and artists alike that the nomination window will not be extended. “We have received an excellent number of entries, and based on the talent we’ve seen, we have a great show ahead of us,” he stated, fueling anticipation for what lies ahead.
The National Gospel Music Awards are not just about recognition; they are about fostering growth and opportunity within the gospel music community. The winner of the coveted “Newcomer” category will embark on a fully paid two-week tour of the USA, while other winners will have the chance to shine in the renowned Joyous Celebration experience. “We are changing the game, creating a purpose for the awards, as it is important to have a program with clear KPIs,”Dlamini added, emphasizing the awards’ commitment to the artists.
After the nomination deadline, the awards committee will take two weeks to finalize the list of nominees, with the official announcement set to create even more buzz. The voting process will be an exciting blend of judge evaluations and public voting, ensuring a balanced approach to recognizing talent. Nathi Makhabane, the National Gospel Music Awards Spokesperson, remarked, “This will be an interesting season for the Eswatini Gospel Artists,” hinting at the thrilling journey ahead.
With such a vibrant community of artists coming together to showcase their talents, the National Gospel Music Awards promises to be a celebration of faith, creativity, and unity.
