With the 11th Crown Gospel Awards taking place on Sunday, there are a number of performances we are looking forward to.
Confirmed performers include Reality 7, Hle Mandosi, Londiwe KaMasondo Cele, Fikile Mlomo, Teboho Moloi, Babo Ngcobo, Dumi Mkokstad, Khaya Mthethwa, Hlengiwe Mhlaba and the bad boys of gospel music, Abathandwa.
But some songs are greater than others, simply because they either make you dance, make you emotional or you can't stop singing along to it. So we picked five songs that we are really looking forward to seeing being performed at the award's ceremony on Sunday.
MKHULU UMSEBENZI- KHAYA MTHETHWA
Best Gospel Song nominee, Khaya Mthethwa has become a Crown Gospel Award veteran, having opened the 2010 show before he became a star on Idols South Africa. He had one of the biggest gospel songs this year with Mkhulu Umsebenzi, and it was a no-brainer that he would be nominated. Khaya is a proven performer and is known to keep his fans on their feet during his performances.
AYANDA NTANZI- NASEMPINI
Gospel's current wunderkind, Ayanda is one of the newest stars of the gospel industry and it's because of his youth and edginess that has endeared him to so many gospel fans. He will get everyone on their feet, dancing, clapping and singing along. He will be performing a medley of his hit songs, Nasempini and Obaba Siyabonga.
Londiwe KaMasondo Cele- Uyalalelwa
One of the biggest songs from Joyous Celebration's 21st album, Uyalalelwa became the lead single of the group's 2017 album which they recorded live at the Potter's House in Houston, Texas in 2016. Londiwe's take on the hymn took the song to greater heights and was even better than the original, which was sung by Swaziland's Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors. It's going to be one of the first songs sung at the awards and it will definitely make the whole ICC Arena burst out in song.
Hlengiwe Mhlaba- Ungphethe Kahle (Moyo' Ngcwele)
undefinedThe deep-voiced Mhlaba is one of gospel's most popular musicians and most of her songs end up being classics. This song earned her a Best Gospel Song nomination and she is likely to walk away with it.
Abathandwa- Ehhe Woya Wami
The breakout group of 2018, these boys have what is arguably the biggest gospel song in 2018. It's so big, that it's become a crossover hit, even being played in clubs. The acapella singers induce screams from admiring fans and it seems like each member has a dedicated fanbase. Many believe the boys will win the Best Gospel Song, but even if they don't, they have made their mark and will likely get the biggest reaction when they take to the stage on Sunday.
Catch the 11th Crown Gospel Awards on Sunday on SABC 2 at 8pm. They will be co-hosted by Pearl Modiadie and Lawrence Maleka.