The Crown Gospel Music Awards concept is a brainchild of Zanele Mbokazi, founder and President of the World Gospel Powerhouse. The idea came about in 2006 and two years later, the idea became a phenomenon to be reckoned with. Crown Gospel Music Awards is an initiative of the World Gospel Powerhouse. The first Crown Gospel Music Awards were held in 2008, in the presence of thousands of gospel music loyalists. A number of remarkable gospel musicians from across Africa have been revered in the past four years and many have graced the Awards stage as they delivered poignant performances!
The Crown
After much deliberation, knocking on various doors and endless meetings, the concept of the Gospel Music Awards showed fruition. The name of the Awards had to be chosen. It could have been the SA Gospel Music Awards but the vision was to go beyond RSA borders. Then, Reflections Gospel Awards also came up but… something was missing. Crown Gospel Music Awards sounded aspirational and attainable. The Crown (Umqhele) signifies the ultimate award that will be adorned to all His servants in Heaven on the last day.
The idea was and still is, to salute the sons and daughters in the gospel music industry under various categories. To date the Awards boasts more than 30 categories. The winners are awarded a Crown, for their sterling contribution in the gospel music industry.
The awards have grown to attract people from all over the world e.g. Pastor Paula White from the US in 2010, The President (Zuma) over 3 years, Ministers from many African countries. The celebrities across different sectors in SA.
The entire Gospel Music Industry gathers each year in November – some of the crowned lifetime achievers include Rebecca, Benjamin Dube, Sizwe Zako, Lindelani Mkhize, Sipho Makhabane.