Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Zimbabwean Gospel musician Everton Mlalazi and South Africa-based Canaan Nyathi have continued to raise the country’s flag high on the continental stage after scooping top honours at the 2026 Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards in Africa (CLIMA Africa).
The awards ceremony, which marked the event’s 10th anniversary, was held on October 9, at Solution Arena in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together Gospel musicians, ministers and other influential figures from across Africa.
Mlalazi received the Africa Global Music Impact Award, recognising his contribution to Gospel music and its influence across the continent, while Nyathi was named Africa Male Artist of the Year.
Adding to his moment of glory, Mlalazi also performed at the ceremony, and used his musical ministry to entertain and minister to delegates who gathered to celebrate African Christian excellence.
Other notable winners at the event included Nigeria’s Lilian Nneji, who scooped the Africa Gospel Artist of the Year award, while Ghanaian gospel musician Piesie Esther was named Africa Female Artist of the Year.
The awards also recognised artistes from different parts of the continent. Democratic Republic of Congo’s Prophyce Ngongo won Africa Francophone Gospel Artist of the Year, while Nigerian singer Yadah was named Africa Female Vocalist of the Year.
Uganda’s Levixone won Africa Contemporary Artist of the Year, while South African gospel musician Takie Ndou took the Southern Africa Artist of the Year accolade.
Nigerian gospel singer Efe Nathan was recognised as Africa Worship Artist of the Year, while Ugandan group Zoe Melodies won Africa Best Choir/Crew of the Year.
Beyond the competitive categories, the ceremony honoured established Gospel music figures, including Nigerian musicians Buchi, Tope Alabi and Panam Percy Paul, who received Africa Gospel Music Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The 10th edition of CLIMA Africa celebrated a decade of recognising Gospel music, Christian leadership and individuals whose work continues to make an impact across Africa.
