He is still in his infancy in the gospel music fraternity, but local gospel star Lufuno Phalanndwa has won his first ever award.
His song, Nga a rendwe, in which he features Grace Mulaudzi, won the Best Worship Song of the Year at the SABC's Crown Gospel Music Awards that were held at the Durban International Convention Centre on Sunday night. He was nominated alongside international band Gospel Goes Classic, renowned group Spirit of Praise and multi-award winner Chumani Ngojo.
The award has just elevated him from a village boy to an award-winning national artist.
Phalanndwa said he was shaking and did not know what to do when his name was called out. "Winning an award feels great," he said. "My first award moment happened on a national stage. This is a motivation to fellow local artists that with God all things are possible."
The flood gates of heaven seem to have opened up for this young artist from Ha-Mutsha village. Phalanndwa is a big favourite to take home the coveted Song of the Year and Artist of the Year awards at the Limpopo Gospel Music Awards, which will be held at Meropa Casino Hotel next week Saturday.
"I have an appetite for more awards," he said. "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."
During the past weekend's awards, Taki Ndou won the Best Male Artist while another Limpopo newcomer, Ronnie L, grabbed the Best Gospel RnB Song of the Year award.