Friday 12 November was a momentous occasion for the South African Gospel Music Industry, as the best in the local gospel were celebrated at the SABC Crown Gospel Awards at the Playhouse Theatre in Durban. The event was attended by the who’s who of South African gospel artists, rewarding and celebrating excellence in the genre.
It is noted that Gospel music has risen to become one of South Africa’s top-selling genres. Each year the event continues to grow from strength to strength. Now in its 14th year, the event was hosted by pastor Khaya Mthethwa, who did a tremendous job of recognising this year’s winners and celebrating their much-deserved success.
Sheer Publishing artists, Thobekile Mkhwanazi, Job Thako, and Takie Ndou, were just some of the artists in attendance on the night and they were dressed to the nines. They shone the torch for the South African music publishing company, taking home some of the most respected awards of the night.
Takie Ndou took home two of the most celebrated awards in the Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Songwriter categories. Thobekile Mkhwanazi was announced the winner in the Best Female Gospel Artist category. Also in the Sheer Publishing family was Job Thako, who was awarded Best Studio Engineer.
Sheer Publishing Gospel Department said, “Warmest congratulations to our winning artists, who led at the 14th Annual Crown Gospel Awards. We truly acknowledge and appreciate the hard work in achieving these awards. We hope all winning artists feel proud and confident in their abilities. We are looking forward to seeing more great things from our artists.”
Takie Ndou
Takie is an anointed songwriter, a Psalmist, music producer, and worship leader. His music has touched listeners in South Africa, Africa, and the globe. His album ‘Psalms of Hope’ went gold in 2017. Takie has been privileged to form part of top events in SA, such as Gospel Goes Classical 2017, Macufe Festival, Cell C Gospel Show, Gospel Gold Tour and many more. Takie has previously been nominated for Best Male Artist, Best Worship Song, and Best Producer.
Thobekile Mkhawanazi
Thobekile is a South African Gospel musician, who made waves with her impressive debut, Uthembekile in 2009. She is famously known as ‘IsidudlasaseThekwini’ and has shared the stage with many well-known South African Gospel singers, such as Joyous Celebration, ThinaZungu, Hlengiwe Mhlabaand, and more.
Thobekile insists that it was not part of her plans to be famous and to be where she is today, but it is all by the grace of God.
Job Thako
Job Thako is a pianist, producer, and audio mixing engineer with 14 Years of experience in the music industry. He studied Jazz and Popular music at Tshwane University of Technology and graduated in 2014.
Job has worked with artists such as Dr. Tumi, Judith Sephuma, Lwei Netshivhale, Hlengiwe Pearl, and Nokukhanya Dlamini to say the list.
Job Thako is currently working with Urban Brew Studios as an audio mixing engineer for season 2 of the TV show called ‘The VIP Invite’, hosted by Hlengiwe Ntombela and directed by Nqubeko Mbatha. He’s also teaching Music Production at Steyn City School.
