Gospel Dreams Africa competition announces judges

The lead judges are gospel singer Dr Tumi (South Africa), the founder and executive producer of SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards, Zanele Mbokazi (South Africa), and US-based Nigerian singer Uche Agu.

The panel also comprises guest judges form across the African continent, including Cheeks Nxumalo (eSwatini), Imara Joyce (Nigeria), Joyce Chivula (Malawi), SbuNoah (South Africa), Thamar (Rwanda), Dnaff (Namibia), Chuchu Hannsy (Tanzania), Minister Mahendere (Zimbabwe), Isaac K (Ghana), Takie Ndou (South Africa), Marie Madeleneine (Cameroon), Patrick Mpakateni (Zambia), Minister Tsepo Lesolo (Botswana), Gift Ledimo (South Africa) and Rosseti Ngoyi (Congo).

The African Gospel Foundation, a South African NPO, seeks to unearth and discover gospel stars aged 16 years and above from the entire African continent.

“To spice up the event and bring in more expertise, the team felt the importance of getting guests judges who will work with the main judges and contribute their views in the authentication of the competition and getting balanced views each week,” Gospel Dreams Africa project manager Larry Mhlanga told Music In Africa.

“These are powerful individuals and influencers who have contributed immensely to the growth of talent and arts in their respective countries, and we believe their contribution will go a long way even after the competition.”

How to join the competition

The organisers will begin to accept entries from 10 June. To join the online competition, contestants should submit a one-minute audition video via WhatsApp to +268 7807 7488 and +27 76472 6583. The submission video must include the contestant’s name and surname, country of origin, and rendition of any gospel song (a capella/solo). Example: "My name is Peter Chilufiya. I am 21 years old from Lusaka, Zambia”, followed by singing.

“The audition videos should be just a capella and no backing voices or instrumentals should be included, as the judges want to hear their voice quality unfiltered,” Mhlanga said.  

Prizes

The winner will get R25 000 ($1 500), a one-album record deal as well as a full year of publicity, branding and marketing with a reputable PR company. The winner will also get a legal contract with an entertainment law firm for the same period, and perform at the Crown Gospel Music Awards and the Trumpet Africa Gospel Music Awards.

For more details keep following Africa Gospel Foundation on Facebook and Music In Africa website. Visit the African Gospel Foundation's Facebook page as well as the Music In Africa website for more details.

About the lead judges

Dr Tumi broke onto the gospel scene with his debut album Heart of a King, which earned him the Best Gospel R&B Award at the 2012 SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards. He has collaborated with top South African gospel group Joyous Celebration and renowned US acts Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams and Israel Houghton.

Zanele Mbokazi is the founder and executive producer of the SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards. She is also an author, inspirational speaker, preacher, and radio and TV presenter.

Uche Agu is popularly known for playing a lead role with South African musical ensemble Joyous Celebration on the popular hit ‘My God is Good’. Agu has also performed in the US, Caribbean, UK, Netherlands, Italy and Germany.

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