Yesterday, 17 November 2013 marked the 6th Annual SABC Crown Gospel Awards and as a devoted follower of this spiritually uplifting genre I had a date with my TV set. Although I found myself switching between the two channels as the South African Sports Awards were airing on SABC 1 exactly the same time, the Crowns seemed to captivate more of my attention.
Let me start by saying as one who has been a loyal follower of these awards for the past five years, I was very much impressed with the overall production of this year's awards- more especially having been a LIVE broadcast. The attendance was amazing but again its kwaZulu-naMandiya-Natal and Durbanites sure know how to make a good crowd.
As usual the ceremony commenced at such a high note of perfomances and what better way to set the mood for the evening than to give the stage to my personal laugh-out-loud icon, "Shayizandla Wena" mama Rebecca Malope. As expected, she did not dissapoint- Rebecca needs no treadmil or gym instructor, she's a all in one package. She set the jet off with her traditional rendition of a song I was hearing for the first time but be as it may, she rocked my world. There were times I felt like a Sphumelele Mbambo was jumping out of her bits by bits but the flying stiletto during her perfomance proved me otherwise. She did it the Rebecca way and left me in stitches. Over and above she looked beautiful and I can bid my last dollar that she was dressed by David Tlale- his signature of elegance gave her a glow for the night.
By now, I was expecting nothing but the very best and honestly felt so proud of the Disney Princess- Zanele Mbokazi on her outstanding work in organising such a whoo-ho event. It wasn't until I saw the hosts that I knew there was more to surprise me through out the night- Thabo Mdluli and Thembi Seete. Whoever came with this idea, deserves a cup of Joko tea. Thabo is a natural, good at what he does and MCing comes naturally to him. As for beautiful Thembi, I just wish a wealthy man can put a huge rock on her finger, buy her a luxurious twelve-floor mansion, get her as many servants and a driver to take her to all the high-class "Madam Tea-Parties" where she will just seat, say nothing and blink her gorgeous eye-lashes off. Nonetheless, like they always say, two is better than one, so the two did a great job as Thabo filled the dots when Thembi had nothing smart to say but to smile.
So the evening advanced as we saw some new faces taking home something to be proud of from Best Church Choir to Best Church Outreach, and that was good for what it stood for.
Amongst other accolades, we saw Umhlobo Wenene FM taking Best Gospel Radio Show, Best Music Video- uJehova Ungibiyele, Best Gospel Producer- Nathi Zungu, Best Traditional Gospel- Lufuno Dagada and to round-up this session was a perfomance by my late grandma's favourite Lusanda 'Guitar' Mcinga joined by Season 1-I Wanna Sing Gospel finalist Kgotso Makgalema. I must say Lusanda seems to be enjoying her comfort share of life but again, she has been around for ages and is still pinning those strings for the run.
Be as it may, I have a few questions about these awards though, with understanding ofcourse that Zanele Mbokazi is the 'President' as appointed by the SABC. The following set my mind, are these really gospel awards like any other or is it one of Zanele's parties where she is the priviledged child who throws her sweet sixteen party, invite her 'in my good books' friends and decide who to reward with a toy depending on how much they danced to her music and carried her Gucci bag around through out the year? Secondly, who decides on the line-up of perfomances? Is it again Zanele's playlist depending on how preety and over the moon she feels on the day? Thirdly, why have these hosted in Durban every year? Johannesburg would be an ideal venue as this KZN thing makes these awards very localised for a national event. I love KZN but this is taking it a bit too far. Now and again I felt like the winners were even afraid to forget her name (Cindarella) in their thank you speeches as failure to do so would result in them being disowned by the Princess. Mirror-mirror, who is the fairest than them all?
In such a celebration mode, before the grand announcement we saw the audience on their feet as Thobekile took to stage with Akekho Ongavala- mama you did very well. This ofcourse was paving the way for the grand awards, Best Gospel Artist, Best Gospel Song, Best Gospel Male and Best Gospel Female. As expected ICC bowed and there was silence for a moment as the lady in blue went up to announce winners in these categories. I must say I am so proud that Zanele didn't have the Cindarella look this year. She atleast toned down from her usuall glits-jewellery shiny enough to well-lit the whole of ICC incase of a load shedding and ofcourse the white cloves. This year you were lookable my dear Princess.
At this time I was ready to pop some bubbly and celebrate as I had been rooting and voting for two artists in the Best Gospel Artist and Best Gospel Male. Standing in my victory position, the winner was announced and it was...Winnie Mashaba. For a minute I thought had a delusional moment and no I didn't. Winnie danced her way to the stage with her colour blocking singers and they siezed the moment. Because I am an honest being I must say with Ntokozo Mbambo-Mbatha having been nominated in the same category, my money and hope had gone to her, and yes I was dissapointed that she did not win but I had swallow my lump and carry on. Second to that was the Best Gospel Song and Mbize took it home with the whole of ICC storming with excitement as little Dumi went to grab his prize on stage. I was moved as he had his moment of emotion and praise during his thank you speech. All well done Dumi, you deserve, a good come-back I must say. So the Best Gospel Male was announced and Jabu Hlongwane was the winner over Nqubeko Mbatha, it was exactly this minute that I switched over to SABC 1 in disbelief but quickly contained my little tantrum and tuned back again. Baba Jabu couldn't make it to the event but a recording from Zanele's cellphone was played as he had pre-recorded a thank you message. To seal the event was the Best Female and Vicky Vilakazi took it, don't ask me how that came about because I was already speechless by now I took my bottle of bubbly and reserved it for future celebrations.
The event ended in a very dancy note as some Nigerian artist had people dancing their way out. I hope Lundi was not allowed to attend the after party, we all know why. I must also say I was proud to see a bit less of oganza, silk and feather dresses not forgeting shiny suites and sharp pointed shoes from those who attended. We will finally get there, someday, I hope.
As for now though, contuinue to loose that weight, write better songs and consult the fashion police so you may rock the occasion in next year's awards.
