Mohalenyane Phakela
THE SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards (CGMA) have opened doors for Lesotho artistes to compete under the Best of Africa Gospel category.
The prestigious awards, now in their 11th edition, will be held at the Durban International Conference Centre in the Kwazulu Natal Province of South Africa on 25 November 2018.
The CGMA concept is a brainchild of Zanele Mbokazi, founder and president of the World Gospel Powerhouse. The idea came about in 2006 and two years later, the idea became a phenomenon to be reckoned with.
The first Crown Gospel Music Awards were held in 2008, in the presence of thousands of gospel music loyalists. A number of remarkable gospel musicians from across Africa have been revered in the past four years and many have graced the awards stage as they delivered poignant performances.
“This year’s tagline, #NewLevels, is not just an official hashtag for this year’s offering of the crowns, it’s a true reflection of what’s in store for the gospel music industry and its fanatics,” a statement from the organiser reads.
Local musicians wishing to contest for the prestigious award can download the application form from www.crowngospelmusicawards.co.za and return it before the deadline of 28 September 2018.
The Best of Africa Gospel category is one of the 28 categories and it is tailored for all recording companies and artistes from the African continent and their work must have been released within the past 36 months.
Local artistes who have collaborated with South African acts are also eligible for the Best Collaboration Gospel Song, provided that any collaboration is predominantly by South African artiste(s) or producer(s) and such artistes or producer has star or equal billing on the released material.
Entrants are expected to pay a non-refundable entry fee of M1200 with the winner set to get a trophy and a M5000 prize. An entry form must also be accompanied by a CD, nominee’s biography and photo electronically.
Each nominee will also get a one-night accommodation at a South African five-star hotel and two VIP tickets to the main event as well as the cocktail after-party.
According to the SABC CGMA website, the judges will have the final say on the materials submitted in whether it qualifies or not.
“For the purpose of assisting the judges, gospel music shall include lyrics which have a common theme of praise, worship and thanks giving to God and/or Christ-based on the historically orthodox Christian faith contained in or derived from the Holy Bible.
“In the event of any doubt in content, the judges’ decision is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered to in relation to the judges’ decision. The judges shall not be required to provide reasons for any decisions in respect of the competition,” the website further reads.
