After years of labouring in the music industry without recognition, Trica Selala-Miriri from Nzhelele Hafunyufunyu has finally experienced an award-winning year. The gospel musician won the Best National Gospel Album award at the Mpumalanga Gospel Awards held in Mbombela on Sunday, 8 December.
This is Selala's second award this year. In September, she also won the Best Traditional Gospel Album award at the Ingoma Music Awards, held at the Meropa Casino. Last weekend's accolade came as a surprise to the talented artist.
"I thought I was just adding to the numbers, with no hope of winning. I could not believe my ears when my name was called on stage. I thought I was dreaming and nearly cried with joy. It is good to be recognised in this fashion. The industry is at an all-time low, but a pat on the back gives one the courage and hope to soldier on," she said.
"I have an appetite for more awards," she added. "The support I have been getting is amazing, and people are voting. Winning more awards will be great, but all the glory belongs to the Lord, who entrusted me with the gift of worship. I had told myself that I would take baby steps and see how far I could go, but surely God had bigger plans for me. The way the public received Mahlololo was overwhelming, and I do not take people's love for granted. I thank the Lord for entrusting me with the ministry of worship," she said.
Although her musical journey has not been smooth, Selala said the support she received from her fans kept her going. "I would not be doing justice if I forgot to thank everyone who stood behind me," she said.