The 16th annual Crowns Gospel Awards 2023 is set to be a night of glitz, glamour, and soul-stirring music, with Johannesburg hosting the prestigious event for the first time. As the countdown begins, excitement is at an all-time high, especially with the announcement of the dynamic duo set to host this year’s ceremony: Rorisang Thandekiso and Khaya Mthethwa.
Khaya Mthethwa: A Seasoned Host with a Musical Flair
Khaya Mthethwa, a name synonymous with talent and charisma, brings his rich experience back to the Crowns stage. Having previously hosted the awards, Khaya is no stranger to the limelight. His journey as an award-winning artist and performer adds an extra layer of anticipation to the event. His presence promises not just a night of hosting but an experience filled with musical insights and an infectious energy.
Rorisang Thandekiso: The Fresh Face with a Vibrant Spirit
Joining Khaya is the multi-talented Rorisang Thandekiso. Known for her captivating presence as a singer, TV host, and media personality, Rorisang is set to infuse the ceremony with her fresh and vibrant energy. Her ability to connect with the audience and her flair for entertainment make her the perfect co-host for the evening. Together, this dynamic pair is poised to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what’s next.
The Gold Carpet Awaits: A Showcase of Style and Talent
Just two days away, the FNB stadium is ready to roll out the gold carpet for this grand event. Set within a 10,000-seater dome marquee, the venue is a fitting backdrop for an evening that celebrates the best in gospel music. With tickets available at TicketPro and Spar, fans are eagerly securing their spots to witness this spectacular showcase.
A Gathering of Stars and Dignitaries
The event is expected to be a star-studded affair, with over 300 gospel artists, producers, celebrities, and media personalities gracing the gold carpet. Dressed in their finest, attendees will include the likes of Winnie Ntshaba, Sophie Ndaba, and Mcdonald Ndou. The province’s arts, culture, sports, and recreation MEC Morakane Mosupyoe expressed pride in hosting the Crowns, lauding the talent and excellence the awards bring to Gauteng.
Celebrating Excellence in Gospel Music
Founded by Zanele Mbokazi’s music powerhouse, the Crowns Gospel Awards continue to be a beacon of excellence in the gospel music industry. This year’s nominees, recently announced, promise a competitive and inspiring lineup, showcasing the best of South African gospel talent.
A Night to Remember
As Johannesburg prepares to host this illustrious event, the anticipation is palpable. The Crowns Gospel Awards 2023 is not just an awards ceremony; it’s a celebration of faith, music, and community. With Rorisang Thandekiso and Khaya Mthethwa at the helm, the night is set to be an unforgettable experience, marking another milestone in the journey of gospel music in South Africa.
Founded by Zanele Mbokazi’s music powerhouse, recently announced this year’s nominees:
| CATEGORY | ARTIST AND SONG |
| BEST GOSPEL JAZZ SONG | LETIA – Take It To The Lord SWAZI Holy Ghost Outpouring CLAUDS – I wont Fear |
| BEST GOSPEL ACAPELLA | JTG GOSPEL CHOIR – Bek’ithemba Lakho Kuye REALITY 7 – Baba JEHOVA PRAISE MASS CHOIR – E jesu YITHI LABA GOSPEL SINGERS – Thandaza |
| BEST GOSPEL RAP | AB CENTRAL – Indoda Must Pray VOVEE AND LG – Praying For Africa MILLI THE SHEPHERD – Restore My Soul |
| BEST COMMUNITY OUTREACH | GODFREY MAHLANGU AMAWELE MAWELANE LETIA |
| BEST COMMUNITY RADIO STATION | TAMBO FM – Buseka Nomandla SIYATHUTHUKA FM – Siphelele Ncebo Myeni NQUBEKO COMMUNITY RADIO – Sbonelo Mbatha IMBOKODO FM – OPULENCE RADIO – Angel Poe |
| BEST GOSPEL TV SHOW | AMAHUBO-URBAN BREW WOMEN WITH PURPOSE – ONE GOSPEL IMVUSELELO – DUMISA HELLO MAMORUTI – GOSPEL LIFESTYLE ZION RELOADED -1KZN UMTHOMBO – SOWETO TV |
| BEST GOSPEL PRODUCER ALBUM | 3C LIVE GO EXPLO TEBS DAVID BHEKA MTHETHWA |
| BEST GOSPEL NEWCOMER | SIBUSISO NZIMA REVELATION WORSHIP MUZI ZIMU SOSO SONWABO MAHOLWANE VUYILE MBONISWA NDUMISO ZUNGU |
| CLAP AND TAP | TRUE FAITH FULL GOSPEL CHOIR FULL GOSPEL HOLY CHOIR ISAAC AND THE MIGHTY MESSANGERS SPIRITUAL GOSPEL CHOIR |
| BEST AMAZIONI | JEHOVA PRAISE MASS CHOIR KING THE DAVID BHEKANI KING MNCUBE |
| BEST GOSPEL ITENDE | LONDIWE SPHE NXUMALO – Uphakeme kakhulu JUMBO – Makabongwe Jesu SINDISWA MASEKO – Umoya Ka jehova |
| BEST GOSPEL VIDEO | BULELANI NDEBELE SBU BANDA KING D MUSIC DR EXCEL |
| BEST GOSPEL COLLABORATION | TRUE FAITH FULL GOSPEL CHOIR FULL GOSPEL HOLY CHOIR ISAAC AND THE MIGHTY MESSENGERS SPIRITUAL GOSPEL CHOIR |
| BEST GOSPEL LIVE RECORDING | GERSHOM NTIMANE DUMI MKOKSTAD TEBS DAVID BONI MALEKE |
| BEST GOSPEL GROUP | 3C LIVE TEMBISA GOSPEL GROUP GO EXPLO DI BRUIN |
| BEST GOSPEL WORSHIP SONG | COLLEEN MALULEKE – Song of breakthrough 3C LIVE – Communion with the King GO EXPLO – Ufanel’udumo SONWABO – Bayede DR EXCEL – Have your Way |
| BEST OF AFRICA GOSPEL ARTIST | EVERTON MLALAZI – ZIMBABWE SESAME – BOTWSANA TSEPO LESOLA – BOTSWANA OV PRINCE – NIGERIA |
| BEST TRADITIONAL GOSPEL SONG | LOMBARD MATSHINGE – Jehova Shammah ROFHIWA MANYANGA – Johane 14 BUTHO VUTHELA – Ethembeni Bambelela JONAS MASOTLA – Kena Kena QINISO NSELE – Ngokhala Kubani SBU BANDA – Sine Gama CANAAN NYATHI – Ungu Jehova |
| BEST GOSPEL SONG WRITER | 3C LIVE – Power In The Blood ANDILE KAMAJOLA – SEKUDLULE KONKE DUMI MKOKSTAD – VUMBELIMNANDI GUNDO NEMEKULA – U MUKHETHWA |
| CLASSIC OF ALL TIME | ANDILE KAMAJOLA – NGENDLALA INDUMISO GA NDLELA – UKHONA UMOYA ONGWELE BABO – AMATSHE THOBEKILE – WONDERFUL DAY JOSEPH TSHAWANA – XIHANYA NOMU |
| BEST CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL SONG | JABULILE J – MIRACLE WORKER KING D – MIRACLE PHINDY P – NGOBAMBELELA MNQOBI NXUMALO – MOST HOLY ONE SBU NOAH – MALIFEZEKE FRANK AND I – FORGIVEN |
| BEST GOSPEL PRAISE SONG | TEBS DAVID – MAKABONGWE 3C LIVE – YOU ARE MNQOBI NXUMALO – MOST HOLY ONE GERSHOM – JESO O TSHEPEHILE |
| BEST GOSPEL FEMALE ARTIST | LONDIWE KAMASONDO SINDI NTOMBELA LONDIWE SPHE NXUMALO |
| BEST GOSPEL MALE ARTIST | ROFHIWA MANYAGA JUMBO NYANGIWE OMEGA KENOU XOLISA KWINANA CANAAN NYATHI DUMI MKOKSTAD TEBS DAVID |
| BEST GOSPEL ALBUM | 3 C LIVE – COMMUNION WITH THE KING KING D – PERFECT LOVE COLEEN MALULEKE – WORD PRAYER WORSHIP DUMI MKOKSTAD – THE OVERFLOW GCWALA KIMI |
| BEST GOSPEL ARTIST | OMEGA KENOU ANDILE MAJOLA CANAAN NYATHI JUMBO NYANGIWE TEBS DAVID |
| BEST GOSPEL SONG | TEBS DAVID – MAKABONGWE BUTHO VUTHELA – ETHEMBENI BAMBELELA NTOKOZO NGONGOMA – IZINDLELA ZAKHE NATHI SITHOLE – BABA MLONDOLOZI JUMBO NYANGIWE – MAKABONGWE UJESU |
