Gospel music lovers and social media have been abuzz the past two months about the nomination of the Vhembe-based gospel group, Worship House, for the South African Music Awards (Sama) that will held at the ICC in Durban tomorrow (Saturday).
The group has been nominated in the Best Faith Music category for their album, Worship House Project 12. They will compete with four other nominees, Family, Dumi Nkomstad, Joyous Celebration and Woman in Praise 3.
The director of music at Worship House, Mr Norman Nemathaga, is confident that they are going to scoop up the award and make their mark in the national music fraternity. "Although some people may regard us as rookies in the music industry, we are going to surprise the so-called big guns by winning the award. We believe in ourselves and we know that our nomination is proof that we are accomplishing our mission of becoming one of the best gospel music groups in the country."
emathaga also thanked all the people who made the band what it is today. "Our nomination did not come as a surprise, because it is a reward for our hard work. It is very important to thank our fans for their unending support. We will never forget to thank our mentor, Pastor Sakkie Dagada, for his significant contribution in the development of the band."
Lwei Netshivhale from Dzwerani has been nominated in the Best African Adult category. He said he had always believed that God's timing was the best. "I don't just sing; my songs heal, teach and make people dance. We listen as God speaks to us," he said. He added that many of his songs were calls to believers and non-believers to stand up and call Jesus when they were still alive. He encouraged the children of God not to feel embarrassed about praising and dancing before the Almighty with musical instruments. Mzayisani Boitina has been nominated in the Best Music Video category. "Being nominated for a Sama has come to me as a milestone that means a lot, not only to me, but also to the listeners of my music and those who support my music," he said. He said that the inspiration for his music came from his growing up in the royal family. "I combine a collection of indigenous chant music."
Another local artist, Vincent Bones, received a nomination in the Best Pop Album category. "When I started music, I never thought I would one day rub shoulders with the best in the music arena". He said life was bad when he started singing and that he lacked even the basics.