Dr Tumi in clean sweep at SABC Crown Gospel Awards

Originally published in Sowetan

Dr Tumi dominated at Sunday night’s 9th SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards at the ICC in Durban by taking five trophies, including the coveted Song of the Year for his hit Nothing Without You.

The medical doctor-turned-musician was almost out of words each time he was called up to receive yet another award.

Lebo Sekgobela took the Best Female Artist award.

Earlier on Sunday, streets in Durban were buzzing as gospel stars scrambled for last-minute votes from fans.

Nominees in the tough best gospel artist category, Andile KaMajola, Sfiso Ncwane and Dumi Mkokstad, were all over the streets before the big night, urging the public to vote for them.

The full list of Crowns winners is:

Best Gospel Album
Love and Grace – Dr Tumi

Best Gospel Artist
Dr Tumi

Best Gospel Song
Nothing without You – Dr Tumi

Best Gospel Producer
Dr Tumi for Love & Grace (Dr Tumi)

Best Gospel Rock
Adrian Singh – All the Glory

Best Church Choir
3 C – How Great

Best Gospel DVD
Khaya Mthethwa – The Dawn

Best Gospel Maskandi
Qhosha Ngokwenza Kwakhe – Ngisebenzele

Best Gospel Amazion
Zion City Ministries – Sidle Naye

Best Gospel Acapella
Ithimba Le Afrika – Umusa Kankulunkulu

Best Gospel Group
Glory Of The Last Days

Best Gospel Contemporary
Vula – Khaya Mthethwa

Best Gospel Newcomer
Xolani Sithole – Calvary Encounter

Classic of All Times
Bapa Le Nna – Teboho Moloi

Best Gospel Praise
This Is Your Glory – Swazi Dlamini

Best Gospel Male Artist
Dr Tumi

Best Gospel Female Artist
Lebo Sekgobela