Gospel Life

On their debut last year, the SABC Crown Gospel Awards spawned massive surprises that left many gasping for more. And the 2nd addition was never intended to be an exception. Expecting even more surprises, thousands of gospel music followers thronged the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre last Sunday, to celebrate the best gospel music acts of 2009.

It was a historical night that showcased an ever-vibrant gospel music sector enjoying immeasurable support from its consumers. Hosted in KwaZulu-Natal for the second consecutive year, the event sold out quickly and certainly proved why gospel music is the highest selling genre in South Africa. The cherry on top was a surprise appearance by President Jacob Zuma, who registered his first attendance at a music awards ceremony since his election in April 2009.

It started like any other legit gospel event, with an opening prayer accompanied by a praise and worship song. Gospel songbirds, Sifiso and Thembisile opened the ceremony with an emotional performance that seemed to relate to the crowd in many ways. I could hear the crowd shouting and screaming as I stood on my toes, attempting to capture a clear footage of the duo in action. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize then gave a brief speech soon after, reiterating his office’s support for the coveted awards.

The crowd was buzzing with the tension of anticipation and I guess the question on everyone’s mind was ‘who will win the Song of The Year Award?’ But as the night progressed, it became clear that male artists dominated the gospel scene this year. Testament to that is the alarming fact that only three individual female musicians won out of the 20 categories that were available this year.

Solly Mhlangu’s turbo-powered “Obrigado” won the “Best Song Of 2009” accolade, while Pastor Benjamin Dube nabbed both the Best Artist and Lifetime Achievers awards. Dube who had been nominated in four categories, was also the only musician to win more than one accolade this year.

Sipho Makabane, beat ach-rival Lundi in the Best Traditional category, while Keke was voted the best male artist by the public. The Classic Of All Times and Best Songwriter awards went to Sfiso Ncwane (for Umkhuleco) and Andile kaMajola respectively. The late Pastor, Jay Hlungwani was named the best producer of the year, beating Sipho Makhabane, Joel Maphosa and Big Boy Mlangeni.

KZN-born songstress Nomusa Dlomo finally made her province proud, winning the Best Contemporary trophy. Another female musoe, Margaret Mostage beat Ennie Smith in the Best Jazz category.

Groups which won during the night include Trust in Christ, Rhema South, Joyous Celebration, Plain Truth, Proxy and Worship House.

Hlengiwe Mhlaba, who joined other heavyweights to deliver a series of performances that almost tuned the ceremony into an epic gospel concert, was crowned the Best Female artist of the year.

Other performances came from Deborah Fraser, Keke, Sechaba, Solly Mahlangu, Sipho Makhabane and Plain Truth.

Winners:

1. Best Male Artist: Keke
2. Best Acapella: Abangobi
3. Best Pop Rock: Proxy
4. Best DVD: The Plain Truth
5. Best Artist: Benjamin Dube
6. Best Newcomer: Banele Mhlangu
7. Best Group: Joyous Celebration
8. Best Traditional: Sipho Makabane
9. Best Female artist: Hlengiwe Mhlaba
10. Best Contemporary: Nomusa Dlomo
11. Best Praise and worship: Rhema South
12. Best Jazz: Margaret Mostage
13. Best R&B rap: Jabu Nkabinde
14. Best Ama Zion: Trust in Christ
15. Best Music Video: Worship House
16. Best song writers: Andile kaMajola
17. Best Classic Of All Times: Sfiso Ncwane (Umkhuleco)
18. Best Producer: Jay Hlungwani
19. Best Song: “Obrigado” by Solly Mahlangu
20. Lifetime Achievers Award: Benjamin Dube

Written by Eddie Hatitye