The Crown Gospel Music Awards will be held at Midrand this year. Supplied
- The Crown Gospel Music Awards will now be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.
- This year, the awards are open to international gospel artists in the US and across Europe.
- The awards will proceed this year despite the death of its founder, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
The 17th edition of the Crown Gospel Music Awards will proceed this year despite the death of its founder, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule. Mbokazi-Nkambule died at the Netcare Parklands Hospital in Durban after battling lung cancer.
This year, the awards are set to be held on 24 November at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.
The prestigious awards ceremony moved from its long-time home of Durban last year when they were held in Soweto.
On Tuesday, the media gathered at Ukhozi FM Studios in Durban for a press briefing led by Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, the Executive Producer of the Crown Gospel Music Awards.
“We have a professional team that has been working with Zanele over the years, and we are confident that they will deliver a world-class event to celebrate gospel musicians not only in South Africa but all over the world,” he said in a statement shared with News24.
READ MORE | OBITUARY | Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule remembered: Queen of the airwaves and gospel icon
The husband of the late Zanele thanked the media and stakeholders for continuing to support their efforts to celebrate Gospel music.
“Your dedication and commitment to amplifying the voices of gospel artists and celebrating this vibrant community have been invaluable,” said the Executive Producer.
“A vow was made to continue fostering this collaboration with the media as a way to honour Zanele’s remarkable contributions to the industry.”
Ticket sales open on 25 September, and build-up events leading up to the main award ceremony include the Iziko National Music Conference on 29 October, an announcement party, and Church activations.
Furthermore, the awards are said to be open to international gospel artists in the US and across Europe who have African roots to participate and compete for the ‘Best of Africa Gospel category’. This international category is still open for submissions and closes on 10 October.
