Langalakhe Mabena
SOUTH Africa-based gospel sensation Canaan Nyathi is over the moon after receiving two nominations for Best Gospel Male Artiste and Best Gospel Artiste at this year’s South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Crown Gospel Awards slated for 26 November at Sandton, South Africa.
Dubbed The Crowns, the awards will be held at the FNB stadium in a 10 000-seater dome marquee, a first for the awards to be held outside of KwaZulu Natal in its sixteen years of existence.
Under the Best Gospel Male Artiste, Nyathi who is also part of Spirit of Praise, is nominated with Rofhiwa Manyaga, Jumbo Nyangiwe, Omega Kenou, Xolisa Kwinana, Dumi Mkokstad as well as Tebs David.
For Best Gospel Artiste, he is nominated with Omega Kenou, Andile Majola, Jumbo Nyangiwe and Tebs David.
Nominated for the fourth time in a row at the awards, scooping some, Nyathi said his nominations year-in-and-out is because of the maturity of his music and always staying consistent in the Gospel sphere.
“My music is growing each and every day because it talks to people and it touches souls. Every time my songs are played a new person is born again, that is a win for that person, myself and to God because through my talent I am able to direct people to our Father the Lord.
“My nominations are because of the type of music I do. It’s Gospel but it’s unique. My kind of writing is unmatched, and with doing so, I am able to stay relevant amongst other artistes because many people can relate to my songs in their day to day lives.
“I am nominated with some of Mzansi’s favorite personalities like Dumi Mkokstad, Andile Majola, Jumbo as well as my brother Kenou, but I believe that my fans will vote for me and again this year I will scoop one if not all the awards,” said Nyathi.
Another Zimbabwean artiste Everton Mlalazi is also nominated at the awards, for Best of Africa Gospel Artiste. He is nominated with Sesame, Tsepo Lesola (both from Botswana) as well as OV Prince (Nigeria).
Mlalazi’s nominations come at a time after collaborating with a number of South African musicians including the three-time Grammy winners Soweto Gospel Choir, five-time Grammy winners LadySmith Black Mambazo, as well as Bishop Benjamin Dube amongst others.
Mlalazi, who has been making strides on the African Gospel scene performing in countries like Ghana and Nigeria, said he is grateful for the nominations.
“It’s a humbling honour to receive this nomination because it reflects the energy and effort that we put through as team Everton Mlalazi. I am looking forward to scooping the award,” said Mlalazi.
