Nozipho Phiri Leads 2026 Gospel Awards Nominations With Five Nods

South African gospel singer Nozipho Phiri has emerged as one of the leading contenders at the 2026 Gospel Awards after securing five nominations across some of the ceremony’s most competitive categories. Her impressive recognition highlights her growing presence in the South African gospel music industry and places her among the artists attracting attention ahead of this year’s awards ceremony. Phiri has earned nominations for Best Female Artist, Best Worship Song, Best Newcomer, Best Praise Song and Best Itende. Her nominations recognise different aspects of her musical talent, from worship and praise performances to her contribution as an emerging gospel artist. With several other established performers also competing for major awards, Phiri is among the names to watch when the winners are announced in December.

The singer received nominations for her songs Wangethula, Uyalalela and Mabagijime, as well as recognition in the Best Newcomer category for Essence of Fait. Her inclusion in the Best Female Artist category further strengthens her position as one of the prominent female gospel performers recognised at the 2026 event. Securing nominations across five categories represents an important moment in her career, particularly as the awards seek to recognise talent from across South Africa. Her recognition also reflects the diversity of contemporary South African gospel music, where worship songs, praise performances and traditional gospel influences continue to reach different audiences. Although the nominations do not guarantee a win, they establish Phiri as one of the ceremony’s leading contenders.

The nominations were announced during a star-studded event at The Capital Hotel in Sandton. The occasion brought together gospel music legends, established performers, entertainment industry executives, media personalities, presenters and social media influencers. Guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of gospel musicians and recognise the genre’s contribution to South African entertainment and culture. The announcement also provided an opportunity for industry representatives to connect and acknowledge the artists who continue to shape the country’s gospel music landscape. Phiri’s multiple nominations were among the notable highlights of the announcement.

Another major contender at the 2026 Gospel Awards is Jumbo, who has secured two nominations in prominent categories. His song Ngeke Siyeke earned him recognition in the Song of the Year category, while he is also competing for the prestigious Artist of the Year award. The latter category features several recognised names in South African gospel music, making it one of the most competitive contests of the ceremony. Jumbo will face Newie, Londiwe Sphe Nxumalo, Ndumiso Zungu, Lungelo Hlongwane, Kgethang Konese and Ntokozo Ngongoma. The competition brings together artists with different musical styles and contributions to the gospel industry.

Ndumiso Zungu has also received multiple nominations, including Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist. His work has earned further recognition in the Best Praise Song and Best Itende categories for Songena Ngemithandazo. These nominations highlight his contribution to gospel music through performances that combine praise, worship and traditional influences. Zungu’s presence in several categories makes him another important contender at this year’s ceremony. His competition in the Best Male Artist category includes Thembinkosi Booi, Bulelani Ndebele, Minister Lombard and Kgethang Konese.

Female gospel songwriter Puleng March has also received recognition for her contribution to the industry. She has been nominated for Best Female Artist and Best Songwriter for Ungukuphila, a song performed by award-winning gospel singer Xolly Mncwango. The recognition highlights the important role songwriters play in creating gospel music that connects with listeners through messages of faith, hope and encouragement. While performers often receive the most public attention, the songwriting category acknowledges the creative work that goes into developing meaningful gospel compositions. March’s nominations therefore add another dimension to the awards’ recognition of South African gospel talent.

The 2026 Gospel Awards have also introduced significant rewards for winners in two of their headline categories. The artist who takes home Song of the Year will receive R100 000, making the category particularly important for this year’s nominees. Meanwhile, the winner of Artist of the Year will receive a brand-new Volkswagen Polo TSI R-Line. These prizes add another level of excitement to the competition and provide tangible recognition for the artists’ achievements. They also demonstrate the organisers’ intention to make the awards a meaningful opportunity for gospel performers. The rewards are expected to attract considerable interest as fans follow the nominees and await the final results.

The Song of the Year category features a competitive selection of gospel releases from different artists and musical groups. Jumbo is nominated for Ngeke Siyeke, while Sylvester Music received recognition for Ngizomethemba Njalo. Other nominees include Breakthrough Worship ZA for Call Upon the Name, Steve Ngobeni for Uyavum’Umoya, Kgethang Konese for Rea ho leboha and The Rise Choir for Kabelo eaka entle. The variety of nominees reflects the different approaches to gospel music being embraced by South African artists. Each nominated release brings its own musical identity and message, giving audiences an opportunity to celebrate the creativity within the genre.

The awards also recognise the contribution of gospel radio presenters and broadcasting programmes. Radio remains an important platform for gospel musicians, helping artists introduce new music to listeners and maintain connections with established audiences. Metro FM’s Thami Ngubeni is among the nominees for Best Gospel Radio Presenter. She will compete against Given Take of Ligwalagwala FM, Jay-Dee of Ikwekwezi FM and Marumolo Brown of Motsweding FM. Their nominations acknowledge the role radio personalities play in promoting gospel music and creating platforms where artists can share their work.

The Best Gospel Radio Show category also features competition between established broadcasting programmes. Ligwalagwala FM’s Siyadvumisa, Metro FM’s The Sacred Space and Ikwekwezi FM’s Avulekile Amasango are competing for the award. These programmes contribute to the continued visibility of gospel music through regular broadcasts and engagement with listeners. Gospel radio shows provide opportunities for audiences to discover new performers, enjoy familiar songs and connect with messages rooted in Christian faith. Their inclusion in the awards demonstrates that the organisers are looking beyond recording artists to recognise other contributors within the gospel entertainment industry.

The 2026 Gospel Awards represent an important development for South African gospel music following the expansion and rebranding of the Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards into a national event. The new platform aims to recognise Christian creatives from all nine provinces, creating broader opportunities for artists and other professionals working in the industry. This national approach allows the awards to acknowledge talent beyond regional boundaries and bring together performers from different parts of the country. It also creates an opportunity for emerging artists to gain recognition alongside established gospel musicians. The expansion signals an ambition to build an awards platform that reflects the diversity and strength of South Africa’s Christian creative community.

Gospel Awards founder Sandile Ngobe has expressed encouragement over the support and participation received from the music industry. He explained that the initiative aims to establish a credible national platform that celebrates excellence and recognises the talent within South African gospel music. Ngobe also emphasised the importance of bringing industry participants together and creating opportunities for collaboration. His vision extends beyond recognising successful musicians at an annual ceremony. He wants the awards to contribute to the development of a stronger and more connected gospel music industry.

The organisers have described the event as an opportunity to build a lasting legacy for gospel creatives in South Africa. This vision places emphasis on recognising artistic achievement while also encouraging the growth of the wider industry. By including musicians, songwriters, radio presenters and broadcasting programmes, the awards acknowledge the different people and platforms that help gospel music reach audiences. The national expansion also creates room for greater representation across provinces and musical communities. As the ceremony approaches, the nominations have already generated interest around the artists and professionals competing for recognition.

The 2026 Gospel Awards ceremony will take place on December 6 at Communion Hall in Mpumalanga. The event is expected to bring together gospel performers, industry representatives and supporters for an evening celebrating the country’s Christian music talent. For Nozipho Phiri, the ceremony represents an opportunity to turn her five nominations into award wins and further strengthen her position in the industry. Jumbo, Ndumiso Zungu, Puleng March and the other nominees will also be hoping to receive recognition for their contributions. With major prizes, a broader national platform and competition across several categories, this year’s event carries considerable significance for South African gospel music. Phiri’s impressive nominations have already made her one of the standout names of the 2026 awards, and her performance on the night will be closely watched by gospel music supporters.