Gospel singer Malope wins big

From The Sowetan:

25 August 2008
Khanyi Nkosi

Rebecca Malope once again proved to be queen of gospel when she was honoured with a life time achievers award at the SABC Gospel Music Awards held in Durban yesterday.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Malope who also won the Best Gospel Artist Award said the late Vuyo Mokoena, her mother and her producer Sizwe Zako were supporting her through her music career.

Malope who has released 27 albums and won more than 30 awards said it was through the grace of God hat she has come to where is today.

She said her dream was to see all gospel artists coming together and supporting each other.

“Gospel artists need to come together and be one in Christ,” she said to thunderous applause.

Zanele Mbokazi, the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and president of the World Gospel Power House said the aim of the awards was to bring back the gospel in the gospel music and to bring gospel artists under one roof.

Hosted in conjunction with Cell C and supported by the office of the Premier, Sowetan and Sunday World the awards are a first of its kind.

Other winners were: Best Gospel Song – Hlengiwe Mhlaba for her album uJesu uyalalela, Classic of all times again went to Mhlaba for her song Rock of ages.

The Best Gospel Group Award went to Joyous Celebration. Best Contemporary Traditional went to Jabu Hlongwane. Best Gospel Song Award went to Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors. The Best Male Gospel Artist Award went to Vuyo Mokoena and Benjamin Dube scooped the Best Praise and Worship Award.

TBGB Note: If you have never heard Rebecca Malope or Sizwe Zako and Pure Magic, you really owe it to yourself to have a listen. They render moving and memorable South African gospel harmonies and simple melodies. Even if you cannot understand the Zulu language in which Rebecca and Pure Magic sing (Rebecca does sing some songs in English), you will understand the passion in the vocal delivery.