South African gospel singer Nozipho Phiri is among the biggest names to watch at the 2026 Gospel Awards after securing multiple nominations across some of the ceremony’s major categories.
Phiri leads the nominations, earning recognition in categories such as Best Female Artist, Best Worship Song for “Wangethula” and Best Newcomer for “Essence of Fait”.
The nominations were unveiled at a star-studded event held at The Capital Hotel in Sandton, bringing together gospel music legends, celebrated performers, industry executives, media personalities, presenters and influencers for an evening celebrating the genre’s talent and contribution to South African music.
Phiri’s multiple nominations place her firmly among the artists making an impression this year, with her name also appearing in the Best Praise Song category for “Uyalalela” and Best Itende for “Mabagijime”.
Jumbo, Ndumiso Zungu and Puleng March also secure nominations
Jumbo is another notable contender, earning nominations in two of the awards’ biggest categories: Song of the Year for “Ngeke Siyeke” and Artist of the Year.
He will face competition for Artist of the Year from Newie, Londiwe Sphe Nxumalo, Ndumiso Zungu, Lungelo Hlongwane, Kgethang Konese and Ntokozo Ngongoma.
Meanwhile, Zungu has secured nominations in both Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist, as well as Best Praise Song and Best Itende for “Songena Ngemithandazo”.
Puleng March has also received recognition in two categories, Best Female Artist and Best Songwriter for “Ungukuphila”, performed by Xolly Mncwango.
Other notable names in the Best Male Artist category include Thembinkosi Booi, Bulelani Ndebele, Minister Lombard and Kgethang Konese. R100 000 up for grabs for Song of the Year winner
Beyond the recognition, the 2026 Gospel Awards have introduced substantial prizes in two of their headline categories.
The winner of Song of the Year will walk away with R100 000, while the Artist of the Year winner will receive a brand-new Volkswagen Polo TSI R-Line.
The Song of the Year nominees include Sylvester Music for Ngizomethemba Njalo, Jumbo for Ngeke Siyeke, 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.
Gospel radio personalities also receive recognition
The awards are not limited to musicians, with radio presenters and gospel broadcasting platforms also receiving recognition.
Metro FM’s Thami Ngubeni is among the nominees for Best Gospel Radio Presenter, alongside Given Take of Ligwalagwala FM, Jay-Dee of Ikwekwezi FM and Marumolo Brown of Motsweding FM.
In the Best Gospel Radio Show category, Ligwalagwala FM’s Siyadvumisa, Metro FM’s The Sacred Space and Ikwekwezi FM’s Avulekile Amasango are competing for the accolade.
Gospel Awards expand into a national platform
The 2026 ceremony marks a new chapter for the awards, following the expansion and rebranding of the Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards into a national platform recognising Christian creatives across all nine provinces.
Gospel Awards founder Sandile Ngobe said the response from the industry had been encouraging, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for gospel artists and other creatives.
“We are incredibly encouraged by the overwhelming support and participation from the gospel music industry. The Gospel Awards is about creating a credible national platform that celebrates excellence and recognises the incredible talent within our industry,” he said.
Ngobe added that the vision was to unite the industry, encourage collaboration and create meaningful opportunities for gospel creatives.
“This is more than an awards ceremony; it is about building a lasting legacy,” he said.
The 2026 Gospel Awards take place on December 6 at Communion Hall in Mpumalanga – IOL.
