Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
BULAWAYO-based vocal ensemble Family Voices has added another international accolade to its growing collection after their album, Evidence of the Kingdom, won the Best Acappella Award at the 13th Independent National Gospel Music Awards (INGOMAs) held at Glory House in Midrand, South Africa, recently.
The group was the only Zimbabwean act represented at this year’s awards, giving it an opportunity to showcase the country’s gospel and a cappella music on an international platform.
Family Voices spokesman Michael Sibanda said the award was a major milestone for the group, which has been pursuing vocal music for more than two decades.
“Winning this award felt surreal. We were over the moon,” Sibanda said.
He said the achievement reminded the group of its progress since representing Zimbabwe in the 2020 Old Mutual Amazing Voices competition, where it finished fourth.
The latest recognition follows another successful outing at the Contemporary Acappella Recording Awards (CARA) in the United States, where Family Voices received 11 nominations and emerged first runner-up in six categories.
“We feel like we are in the right direction, seeing as our album is gaining global recognition. We feel honoured to fly high the flag of Zimbabwe,” Sibanda said.
He said the INGOMAs award was particularly important because a cappella music remained a relatively niche genre in the mainstream music industry.
“This win means we are gradually breaking through into the international stages and getting the recognition we deserve. As far as a cappella is concerned, it is a genre which is not so popular in the music scene, and we feel this win is a step in the right direction through the gospel and secular circles,” he said.
Sibanda said Evidence of the Kingdom was not only a musical project but also reflected the group’s Christian faith and its desire to positively influence society.
“Evidence of the Kingdom isn’t only our album name. It’s also a message about the Kingdom of God we are living both in our individual lives and as a group,” he said.
He also said that the group hoped to use its growing profile to inspire young people, particularly amid concerns over drug and alcohol abuse.
“We intend to be a beacon of hope and say if we can rise above the challenges we face as a community, so can you. Through hard work and commitment and, above all, God ordering your footsteps, you can be what you want to become,” he said.
Founded in 1999, Family Voices has established itself as one of Zimbabwe’s enduring vocal ensembles. Its former members include Mkhululi Bhebhe and the late Eric Moyo, who went on to become members of South Africa’s Joyous Celebration.
The group has performed at platforms including the Harare International Festival of Arts, Essence Festival in Durban and Joyous Celebration shows. It has also shared stages with musicians such as the late Oliver Mtukudzi, Hugh Masekela, Judith Sephuma and Steve Dyer.
The INGOMAs award marks another milestone in Family Voices’ journey to take Zimbabwean gospel and a cappella music to a wider international audience.
