Langalakhe Mabena
After being nominated twice at this year’s Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards, South Africa-based gospel sensation Canaan Nyathi managed to scoop the Best National Gospel Artiste courtesy of his smash hit Baba Ziveze.
The accolade, which he received on 13 December in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga has rounded off the artiste’s year on a high note as it has become the third award he received this year.
Other awards that are decorating his shelf include Song of The Year (for Baba Ziveze) and Best Engineered project for his Live DVD, Another Level of Grace, both won at this year’s South Africa Broadcasting Corporation Crown Gospel Awards (SABCCGA).
The three wins have inspired a “Baba Ziveze” tour in Zimbabwe’s two major cities, Harare and Bulawayo on 1 and 2 January respectively.
“I am grateful for the victories I received this year at the Crown Gospel Awards and the Mpumalanga Gospel Awards, my home is no longer the same, as accolades that will continue being an inspiration and a testimony that God exists are now decorating my home.
“The song Baba Ziveze has toured Mzansi but as a way of connecting with my local (Zimbabwe) fans, I will be in Harare and Bulawayo on 1 and 2 January to worship and Praise with other brethren,” said Nyathi in a telephone interview from KwaZulu Natal.
In Harare, he will be performing alongside friends Zim Praise, Bishop Benjamin Dube, Minister Mahendere among others, with artistes featuring on his Bulawayo tour yet to be unveiled.
Early this year, Nyathi had pledged to help Bulawayo artistes in composing and recording competitive music that would be ready for the continental market.
He said a subsidiary of his Canaan Nyathi Music Company studio would be built in the city, an initiative which will be launched on the day of his gig in the city.
“What I just want is to see Bulawayo artistes rising to meet their full potential because it’s no secret the city is talented, so Canaan Nyathi Music will make sure great talent gets recognition and is given enough props in producing competitive music,” said Nyathi.
