HUNDREDS of people made their way to the 16th annual Crown Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, 26 November at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.
The event seemed a bit disorganised with VVIP guests standing on foot with no chairs to sit on. The overflow carried over to the general space, leaving many standing throughout the entire ceremony.
As Gauteng has been rocked by the heatwave, people were happy to see the organisers handing out water to people. But only people sitting in the front rows received them.
Despite the chaos in the background, celebrities and worshippers joined voices in one accord to worship God and give Him thanks for making the day possible.
The awards were hosted by gospel star Khaya Mthethwa and TV presenter Rorisang Thandekiso.
Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said they were delighted to be hosting the 16th anniversary of the Crown Gospel Music Awards for the first time as Gauteng.
Welcoming the people, MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture Morokane Mosupye said: "Today is the day. What an incredible journey it has been."
Gospel stars Thinah Zungu and Keke Phoofolo set the stage alight with Alikho Igama, which had the congregation join them for the worship service before the initial awards ceremony.
Zanele Mbokazi, the founder and executive producer of the awards, said that she has been grounded and standing on the words that say blessed is a man who puts his trust in God.
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"In 2007 we had a dream, and the Bible says write a vision and make it plain. Today for the very first time we have landed in Gauteng," she said.
She thanked the MECs of sports and health for embracing the vision and supporting them.
Sindi Ntombela walked away with the award for Best Gospel Female Artist, while Canaan Nyathi won the award for Gospel Artist of the Year.
"Thank you so much to Crown Gospel Music Awards. I think I started growing through platform, and I'm so grateful. I want to thank my team for always being with me. I want to thank my family as well from Spirit of Praise and my daughter for encouraging me every day," said Canaan.
He further thanked everyone who voted for him and his supporters for continuously supporting him.
