Crown Gospel Awards Set to Go On Despite Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s Passing

The 17th Crown Gospel Music Awards will go ahead as planned, despite swirling rumors that the event would be postponed following the recent death of its beloved founder, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule. Reported by TshisaLIVE, in a firm statement, Siyanda Mwandla, the creative director and head choreographer for the awards, assured the public that the prestigious event remains on track.

“Everything is going accordingly; we aren’t postponing the award ceremony, and we urge people not to listen to gossip,” Mwandla said, addressing the concerns raised by the recent tragedy. He emphasised that the ceremony will continue to honour Mbokazi-Nkambule’s legacy and her unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel through music.

This year’s nominations have already opened, with entries pouring in from across South Africa and even beyond its borders. The ceremony, which promises to be a spectacular celebration of gospel music, will take place in Johannesburg later this year, at a venue yet to be announced. Mwandla noted that the team is finalising a few details before revealing the location and ticket sales.

Before her passing, Mbokazi-Nkambule had shared her excitement for this year’s event, expressing her deep satisfaction with how far the awards had come. “Ingoma emnandi iyaphindwa (A good song gets put on repeat),” she said, reflecting on the journey of the Crown Gospel Awards. “To us, this means victory and perfection. It has not been an easy journey, but it was worth it. We can only say, to God be the glory.”

As the awards draw nearer, anticipation is building for what promises to be a heartfelt tribute to Mbokazi-Nkambule’s enduring vision. Audiences can look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with performances from both seasoned gospel artists and emerging talents, all united in the mission of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.