Just over a month since the passing of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, founder of the SABC Crown Gospel Awards, significant changes and revelations are emerging. According to Sunday World, on Tuesday, her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, confirmed that despite her loss, the highly anticipated awards ceremony will still take place in Gauteng on November 24, 2024. This year, the event will be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, a departure from 2023’s celebration at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, where the awards honoured 16 years of gospel excellence.
“The legacy continues, and we are grateful for the support we have received,” Bishop Nkambule stated during a press conference. He expressed his gratitude towards the Gauteng government and sponsors who have remained supportive since Mbokazi-Nkambule’s passing. “We thank the Gauteng government and sponsors for being supportive since the death of the visionary of the awards, who worked with a very big team.”
Mbokazi-Nkambule was diagnosed with lung cancer in May and passed away in August at Parklands Hospital in Durban. Her contribution to the gospel community remains an indelible part of South African music culture.
Renowned poet and writer Mzwakhe Mbuli claimed shortly after Mbokazi-Nkambule’s death that the Crown Gospel Awards were originally his creation. In a message of condolence to the family, Mbuli revealed, “The Crown Gospel Awards are my brainchild, my idea. But I decided to let Zanele continue with it because she was still honouring the gospel musicians, who were overlooked for the longest time.” He explained that he stepped aside to focus on other pursuits, allowing Mbokazi-Nkambule to carry on the mantle of the awards.
As the 17th annual awards approach, this year’s event will not only celebrate gospel music but also the enduring legacy of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule.
