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Gospel for Africa

Munya Vomo

It was only a matter of time before there was a continental awards ceremony for gospel music. Who better to make it work than the guys who brought us the Crown Gospel Music Awards?

Zanele Mbokazi (pictured), the organiser of the Crown Gospel Music Awards which have been running for eight years, has been hinting that she has plans bigger than just South Africa.

Coming to you next, on a continental level, are The Trumpet Africa Gospel Music Awards (Tagma) which will include gospel musicians from the Cape to Cairo.

“Tagma is more than just an award bestowed on deserving artists, it’s about the development of gospel talent, exposing the underdogs of the gospel industry to the world. It’s about flying the African flags high,” said Mbokazi.

The Trumpet Africa Gospel Music Awards will not only honour the gospel musicians on African soil, but also those in countries beyond the continent. Some 21 categories have been designed for this showcase so there is a lot of room for many winners across the world.

“So far we have received nominations from all over Africa. We are happy to present this opportunity also to our South African gospel artists; a platform that will see their music exposed beyond our own borders,” explained Mbokazi.

Given that we have several success stories of foreign gospel musicians making it here, and local ones going abroad, it only makes sense that we have an African “Grammys” for gospel. We already have other African awards shows, like the MTV Africa Music Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, but since gospel is immensely popular on this continent, it only makes sense that we have the Tagmas.

The awards are open to gospel artists, singers, producers, writers, promoters and managers. All of the entries will then be reviewed by a panel of gospel music specialists from all over Africa.

In line with the unity of Africa, every Tagma event will be celebrated in May every year to tie in with Africa Month.

The other positive thing is that, unlike many African awards that claim to be African, yet are held in one African country only, the Tagmas will be hosted in different countries annually to give everyone a chance.

The inaugural event will be hosted at the Pretoria State Theatre on May 29.

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