Africa-Press – Eswatini. Gospel artists, government leaders, cultural institutions, partners and music lovers gathered in the evening of Saturday, 29 November 2025, at Luke Commission in Sidvokodvo for the National Gospel Music Awards 2025.
The event, organised by the Eswatini National Arts and Culture Council in partnership with the Association of Gospel Music in Eswatini to honour excellence in gospel music and celebrate Eswatini’s arts, culture and spiritual heritage.
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Acting Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable S’khumbuzo Dlamini, MP, delivered remarks highlighting the significance of the awards in recognising excellence in gospel music.
“It is an honour to join you here this evening to celebrate the night of our stars, outstanding excellence in the form of the National Gospel Music Awards, held under the theme ‘Celebrating Eswatini, the country we want in arts, culture and heritage’,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of the creative industry, noting that government believes the arts and culture sector can become one of the biggest contributors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. “Government is putting strategies and policies to ensure that the sector becomes a vibrant player in the country’s economic pillars,” he said.
The Acting Deputy Prime Minister commended the nation for its overwhelming participation in the nomination and voting process, describing it as a true reflection of grassroots development and national support for local artists. “Our artists continue to excel in global and continental spaces. No matter how small our country is, we boast of big and respected names in the region and beyond,” he said.
Special recognition was given to international award winners, including Best of Africa Mpumalanga winners Nothando Dlamini and Siphiwo Ndoni Ndlangamandla, as well as SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards winners Nduduzo Matse and Bakhe Dlamini. The ceremony was marked by powerful performances and emotional celebrations as Eswatini continued to position itself as a continental force in gospel music.
The night recognised outstanding talent across various categories. Winners included Tallman for Best Aux, Nontsikelo Magongo for Best Soprano, Khanya Dlamini for Best Tenor, Silo Khumalo for Best Alto, Daniel Chulu for Best Bassist, Sizwe Mabuza for Sound Engineer, Mluleki for Lead Guitarist, Wakhile Dludlu for Producer, Vuyo for Best Drummer, and Mphumelelo Mdluli for Music Director.
Endleleni Yonke by Mzayoni won Best Worship Song, while Ngcwele by Shekinah Motsa took Best Praise Song. Ndoni was awarded Best Siswati Writer, Scara Maziya won Best Zion, and The New Dawn by Nothando Hlophe claimed Best Live Recording. Big Bend won Best Gospel Group or Choir, Fakazi Samuel was named Best Male, and Nelly Siwela won Best Female. Best Album went to Umusi Wendvumiso by Nothando Dlamini, while Best Newcomer was Hlobie Shongwe.
Other honours went to Livesi Lemandla VOC as Best Gospel Radio or TV Program, Evarton Mlalazi for Best Africa, Spirit Quest for Best of Africa Mass Choir, Msweli as Honorary Disability Artist, and Sipho Makhabane received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Song of the Year was Sithumela Wena by Nothando Hlophe, who also claimed Best Gospel Artist.
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