Online Reporter
South African gospel musician Ntokozo Ngongoma has revealed that he has been removed from the Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards in Africa after publicly expressing support for Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and the March and March movement.
The Durban-based singer made the revelation in a Facebook post earlier this week, claiming his stance on illegal immigration and his support for the June 30 March and March protests led to his removal from the awards ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 9.
According to Ngongoma, he ultimately requested that his name be withdrawn after realising that he and the event organisers held fundamentally different views.
“I was removed from these Nigerian Awards happening later this year in Lagos because of the post I made about supporting March and March.
“I literally asked them to remove me because I realised we are not in sync with the truth and reality of what is actually happening, and they are so committed to misunderstanding us,” he wrote.
Ngongoma told us that he had posted a message of support for Ngobese-Zuma about two weeks earlier, declaring his commitment to the movement.
“I, Ntokozo Ngongoma, am fully behind Jacinta Ngobese Zuma and what you stand for. Do not be weary. March and March until we win. We cannot be silent anymore.”
The singer said that he understood that his position conflicted with that of the awards organisers and therefore chose to distance himself from the event.
Ngongoma also revealed that he had been warned by several leaders and members of the Christian community that publicly supporting the movement could negatively affect his career.
“I received a few calls from a few leaders and friends in the Christian community discouraging my support for the March and March because I might lose gigs and lose support.
“Well, let me make it clear. I would rather lose all of that than live a lie just because I fear hunger. God is my provider. We will March and March until we win.” He added that he remained committed to participating in the protests despite the criticism.
Responding to Ngongoma’s support for the movement, CLIMA Africa organisers criticised his position, arguing that it appeared to endorse xenophobic violence.
In a statement shared with the singer, the organisers said:
“This is a big shame! How can a gospel artist support xenophobic attacks? This situation is beyond illegal immigrants.
“People’s shops are being looted and rendered stranded, children born and bred in South Africa are denied access to education, people are killed, and you stand in support? I think our standpoint should be what God requires of us.”
Ngongoma further claimed that the organisers removed promotional material featuring him for the awards and blocked him on their platforms.
One promotional poster had listed him as the Southern Africa Artist of the Year nominee. In 2025, he was also nominated in the Africa Male Artist of the Year category.
Addressing the controversy, Ngongoma maintained that he would not compromise his beliefs for professional opportunities.
“No one in this world is wealthy or strong enough to control my belief and what I stand for.” – IOL
