One outstanding spectacle that stood out for me during the 8th Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards was when they pitted six best gospel artists, all males, all had a powerful song.
That would determine who walks away with the Song of the Year, the ultimate winner being Memory Mamba on the song, Sekulungile. Mamba went on to clinch the Best Traditional gospel Song of the Year with Sekulungile, too. However, the evening was dominated by Mbombela and Bushbuckridge artists winning, leaving out other competitive artists who had also been in the line-up to win the awards on the day.
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However, yours truly can attest that even long before the coronavirus pandemic descended on these shores, hardworking gospel artists like Gershom Ntimane from Bushbuckrdge, Thulamanqoba from Emalahleni continued producing music and marketing it through social media platforms.
More to that, they even tested their strengths by participating in the Crown Gospel Music Awards. Thulamanqoba received two prestigious awards at the International Gospel Music Awards held in Gqebera two weeks ago. However, he’s one of those who thought they’ve been recognised outside. But they need recognition in their home province, too.
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Be that as it may, the 8th Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards ceremony has grown musically. Several gospel choirs showcased as a sign that talent is heaved and exposed. It ultimately include other local municipalities and not be dominated by Mbombela and Bushbuckridge.
The list of winners:
1. 2021 BEST NEWCOMER THEMBA SIVHALO – SWILUNGHILE
2. 2021 BEST TRADITIONAL GOSPEL SONG MEMORY MAMBA – SEKULUNGILE
3. 2021 BEST GOSPEL MUSIC VIDEO GERSHOM NTIMANE – ITHEMBA LAMI
4. CLASSIC OF ALL TIMES QINISO MABASO – UMILE NJALO
5. 2021 BEST COLLABORATION THEMBA NYATHI FT HENNY C – KEREKENI
6. 2021 BEST SONG WRITER OBREY M – NGIYAMANGALA
Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards 2021 Voting Winners
1. 2021 BEST SONG OF THE YEAR SEKULUNGILE MEMORY MAMBA
2. 2021 BEST GOSPEL ARTIST THEMBA NYATHI ft HENNY C
3. 2021 BEST MALE ARTIST SIDWELL MATHEBULA
4. 2021 BEST WORSHIP TSATSA LUDVUMO NKOSI NQABA SM “The Psalmist”
5. 2021 BEST GOSPEL SINGLE SIYAWADINGA AMANDLA AKHO MPHOTHOLOZI
6. 2021 BEST NATIONAL GOSPEL ARTIST GERSHOM NTIMANE
7. 2021 BEST NATIONAL FEMALE ARTIST TRICA SELALA
8. 2021 BEST NATIONAL MALE ARTIST TSHIDI CHAUKE
9. 2021 BEST NATIONAL AMADODANA JTG GOSPEL CHOIR
10. AFRICA GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR NOTHANDO DLAMINI
By Bongani Hlatshwayo
