The global pacesetting impact of African Gospel artists such as Mercy Chinwo, Frank Edwards, Moses, Ebuka Songs, Winnie Mashaba (South Africa), Everton Mlalazi (Zimbabwe); Shadrach Tronu (Ghana), and Others were duly honoured at the recently held annual CLIMA Africa Awards 2023.
The prestigious Gospel Music Awards was colourfully held with splendour, glitz and glamour at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. It was an evergreen night of first-class entertainment, art, dance and cultural expressions and top-notch music performances from Nigeria, the African continent and beyond.
The amazing Gospel music awards event attracted notable guests, delegations and fans who flew in within and outside Africa for the CLIMA Africa Awards 2023. It was the 7th edition of the awards and dignitaries such as Bishop Chioma Dauji; Dr David Phume, CEO of Zallywood Network (South Africa); Ogee Onazi, director, North, Daar Communication Plc; Pastor Prince Awah and a host of others.
This year’s top award winners are Mercy Chinwo, rave of the moment, who bagged two awards in the “Africa Best Female Artiste” and “Africa Best Gospel Music Video Awards”; Frank Edwards, Africa Best Afro-pop Artiste Award; Ebenezer Obey, “Africa Living Legend Award”; Dr. Winnie Mashaba, (of South Africa), Africa Best Gospel New Star Award”.
Others are Everton Mlalazi (Zimbabwe), “Africa Best Male Gospel Award”; Ebuka Songs, “Africa Fast Rising Artiste Award”; Jimmy D’ Psalmist, Africa Best Worship Artiste Award”; Shadrach Tronu (Ghana), “Africa Positive Impact Award”; Liatu Aweh, Africa Discovery of the Year Award”; Mr TEE, “Africa Best indigenous Producer Award” among others.
According to the CEO and president of the Award Academy, Mr Michael Uwak, the 2023 award winners emerged from the 18 honouary categories, 19 Nominations, and four Merit Awards for Gospel Music impact makers, chosen by Award Academy.
It featured fantastic music and entertainment performances from Nigeria and African global acts such as Dr Aity Dennis; Everton Mlalazi (Zimbabwe); Dr Winnie Mashaba (from South Africa); Shadrach Tronu (Ghana); fast-rising Gospel Music couple, Mr and Mrs Revelation; iconic Dr. Aity Dennis and Kingsley Ike of “Wamilele” fame, (who flew in from the UK) and others.
Some of the awards winners told LEADERSHIP Sunday that they feel honoured winning the awards.
South Africa’s Mashaba said she was in a dreamland when she was announced as the award winner. “I didn’t believe I am going to win this award in Nigeria, a land with so many superstar gospel singers. This is a wonderful achievement”, she said.
“This award is a good reward for my hardwork. It has inspired me to do more for Gospel Music and Nollywood”, Mr Tee said.
Abuja-based Liatu Aweh said: “am so dazed and dumbfounded. I never knew I will win this award.
I thank God, it’s a good recognition for my English and Hausa Gospel music”.
“I feel highly honoured with this award. I thank the organizers”.
Jimmy D Psalmist said: “It’s good for people to recognize your work and celebrate it”.
Commenting on the award, Uwak Michael, explained that CLIMA Africa Awards has been from glory to glory.
“We haven’t witnessed a better yesterday. This edition is the best of all editions. The participation of other African countries in this season is a great push towards unifying Africa through the gospel. We have also witnessed the presence and performances of Nigerian top gospel artists, which means hope for greater and better CLIMA AFRICA Awards in the latter days”.
