LOCAL gospel musicians have an opportunity to shine on the continent following the launch of the inaugural Trumpet Africa Gospel Music Awards set for May 29 at Pretoria State Theatre, South Africa.
BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA
The awards ceremony founder and executive director Zanele Mbokazi, who is also the founder of the prestigious SABC Crown Gospel Awards was in the country on Friday as guest of honour at the Praise and Worship event held at the Anglican Cathedral.
In an interview with NewsDay, Mbokazi urged local artistes to utilise the opportunity by entering the awards, which are meant to celebrate the success of African gospel music.
“It is disheartening that we as Africans we do celebrate foreign gospel music at the same time having great musicians within the continent. For example if you ask a Kenyan gospel musician on who is his or her favourite artiste, you will not be surprised to hear him or her mentioning some artiste in the United Kingdom, yet we have great artistes in Ghana or Zambia,” Mbokazi said.
“The objective of these awards is to bring African gospel artistes together, and show the world that the continent is infested with great talent. Each African country does have the right to host the ceremony in the next years.”
She said they have already established an association called, The African Gospel Music Association in which Zimbabwean artistes and others on the continent should join.
“The African Gospel Music Association will enlighten artistes on what is happening on the continent as far as marketing their music. Zimbabwean artistes can forward their entries on www. theafricangospel.com for the awards that have 16 categories,” she said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mbokazi disclosed that she was charmed by gospel musician godfather Mechanic Manyeruke who she described his music as unique.
“After attending the Praise and Worship session I noticed that there is great talent in Zimbabwe, but I was charmed by Baba Manyeruke, his music is unique. He is a great musician,” she said.
Scores of gospel music lovers converged at The Anglican Cathedral for the free event that was meant to bring both artists and their fans together. Event organiser Togarepi Chivaviro said the show would be hosted in all the country’s major towns and cities.
“The event was indeed a success, and we are planning to take it to other towns and cities. It is an opportunity for us to unite as gospel artists, with one goal and purpose, each musician to come to the stage and perform his or her one hit song, free of charge,” Chivaviro said.
