Zimbabwean Gospel Artists Everton Mlalazi and Tatenda Mahachi Nominated for SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards

Zimbabwean gospel musicians Everton Mlalazi and Tatenda Mahachi are receiving continental recognition with nominations at the 2025 South Africa Broadcasting Cooperation (SABC) Crown Gospel Music Awards. The ceremony will take place on November 23 at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Mlalazi’s song “Sewakhile” and Mahachi’s “Muri Mwari” earned nominations in the Best of Africa category. They will compete alongside Swaziland artists Sphiwo Ndoni with “Tive Temhlaba” and Nothando Hlophe’s “Sithumela Wena.” The nominations highlight Zimbabwe’s growing presence in the regional gospel music scene.

This year, the awards received a record-breaking 882 entries, demonstrating the expanding influence of gospel music across the continent. Nonjabulo Mdluli, one of the event organizers, confirmed that preparations are progressing smoothly, stating, “We are ready. The countdown has begun.”

The 2025 SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards nominations also include:

Best Gospel Producer Album: Siyanqoba Mthethwa – Inevitable Jazz Edition; Lwazi – Umphetho-Sibonga Umusa by Jumbo; The Jesus Collective – Brandon ‘Bobby George (RSA) and Asaph A Ward (USA); Nthethe – Back To The Altar.

Best Male Gospel Artist: Malusi Mbokazi – Udondolo, The Full Circle Revival; Sibusiso Nzima – Sithembe Wena, Gratitude Album; Mnqobi Nxumalo – All Powerful, The Pursuit II; Sbu Noah – Sidumisa Wena.

Best Female Gospel Artist: Kgaogelo Kekana – Dikgoro; Siyanda Tshangana – Ulihlathi Lethu, Mabakudumise Abantu; Puleng March – Worship In Newsness; Mmatema – Oa Ntwanela, Heart of Gratitude.

Best Gospel Album: Mnqobi Nxumalo – All Powerful, The Pursuit II; The Jesus Collective – Flow Vol. 1; Musa Yende – Sustained By Grace; Sindi Ntombela – The Watchman Camp.

Best of Africa: Tatenda Mahachi – Muri Mwari (Zimbabwe); Everton Mlalazi – Sewakhile (Zimbabwe); Sphiwo Ndoni – Tive Temhlaba (Eswatini); Nothando Hlophe – Sithumela Wena (Eswatini).

The nominations reaffirm Zimbabwean gospel music’s growing impact on the African music stage. Fans and music enthusiasts will be watching closely as Mlalazi and Mahachi represent the country in the prestigious continental awards.