Durban - TV and radio personality Pearl Modiadie will return for the third time to host the Crown Gospel awards this year.
Modiadie and actor Lawrencia Maleka will host the awards which are being held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) on Sunday.
The founder of the awards, Zanele Mbokazi said Modiadie was invited again because of her appeal.
“She (Pearl) came in and captured the Crown audience and they loved her. She is a natural, she is versatile and she is real,” she said.
This Sunday, gospel artists and followers from all over the country are expected to converge at the Durban ICC for the awards.
“Our state of readiness is tops. The band and choir started rehearsals two weeks ago, the technical supplier has moved into the Durban ICC for the construction of the set, sound and lighting and the dresses and tuxedos are almost ready”.
“If you were to call the Hilton hotel they will confirm that they are fully booked for the 25th of November, and that goes for many others hotels around Durban, hair salons, nail and make-up outlets and the fashion designers are running around doing final touches,” said Mbokazi.
She said this year’s main prize for gospel artist of year includes an international trip to the United States of America. Mbokazi said this would expose the winner to a new audience, where they would perform at a concert and at a church abroad.
Nominees for the best gospel artist category includes Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sipho Ngwenya, Babo Ngcobo and Teboho Moloi.
The awards are expected to be broadcast live on SABC 2 at 8pm.