Mmangaliso and Nontokozo Mkhize Aim to Break Gospel Newcomer Award Drought at the SAMAs

Mmangaliso and Nontokozo Mkhize are now in contention to join Bucy Radebe as the only South African gospel female artists of the 2020s to win the Newcomer of the Year Award at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

The Newcomer of the Year category has not seen a gospel female artist claim the title since 2021, when Bucy Radebe received the honor for her impactful debut project. Before her win, the 2020 award went to South African trumpeter Ndabo Zulu.

Since then, gospel artists have struggled to make a mark in the highly competitive newcomer category, which is often dominated by artists from Afro-pop, Amapiano, and hip-hop.

Mmangaliso and Nontokozo Mkhize’s nomination signals a resurgence of gospel representation at the SAMAs. Both artists have earned praise for their vocal excellence and strong spiritual influence in their music, drawing large audiences within and beyond the gospel community.

If either artist wins, it would not only end the award drought for female gospel newcomers but also reaffirm the genre’s growing relevance in South Africa’s evolving music landscape.