Crown Gospel nominations coming soon

More than 635 entries were received over the past two months. The nominations opened this year in September and judges have already started the first leg of selection of all received entries.

In a statement, Wendy Sithole, a publicity specialist with the awards, said: "Evidence shows that entries leading the pack are Best Gospel Newcomer and Best Traditional Gospel, with 19 and 20 entries respectively."

According to the organisers, the Best Collaboration category also received a wave of entries this year compared to previous years. They attributed this to the growing trend of artists working together and supporting each other's projects. Last year, this category was won by gospel artists Dumi Mkokstad and Thina Zungu.

The organisers said that the Best Song Writer category has improved due to a new generation of writers who may not be in the limelight but create a grand platform for the singers. Previous winners in this category included Thina Zungu's 'Kwanqaba Umusa' and Andile Ka Majola's 'Nanoma Niyangibona'.

Some categories will be axed from the list of 36 because they did not receive the required number of entries.

Meanwhile, categories that will be open for public voting after nomination includes: Best Gospel Song, Best Gospel Artist, Best AmaZioni, Best Gospel Maskandi, Best Gospel TV Show, Best Gospel Community Radio Show and Best Gospel TV Show. The rest of the categories will be judged by the panel.

The second leg of judging will follow for other categories, while voting lines will be opened on the night of the announcement.

The awards are the brainchild of Zanele Mbokazi, a former presenter at popular radio station UKhozi FM. In a statement Mbokazi said this year's edition will include performances from international artists.

The main event will take place at the Durban International Conference Centre in Durban on Sunday, 27 November, and tickets are already selling at the World Gospel PowerHouse offices (031 303 3520 / 072 232 2252). The Computicket is not open yet but people can reserve theirs, to be collected at a later stage or on the day of the event.

For more information, please call +27 31 303 3520 or email Wendy at [email protected].