SABC Crown Gospel Awards Nominates Sammie Okposo for Best of Africa Category
Multitalented gospel artiste, Globacom ambassador and Nigeria’s biggest gospel music export, Sammie Okposo has been nominated in this year’s Best of Africa category at the biggest South-Africa gospel music awards, SABC Crown Music Awards. Okposo is the only Nigerian artiste nominated for the awards and in same category with four other revered African gospel artistes, Frank Chimpazi, Shongwe & Khuphuka, Saved Group and Seapour N.
The awards which is in its seventh year will be held at ICC Arena, Durban on 23 November 2014. Over the years, it has been described as the most prestigious and credible gospel music awards out of Africa.
Speaking concerning his nomination, Sammie said the nomination came as shock because he was not expecting it. “Firstly, all thanks to God for his grace and excellent spirit. He is the only one that blesses a man and lifts him up. I’m grateful for the nomination but for me it means more hard work. Many years after I won the Kora Awards Best Gospel Artiste in Africa, my works are still much in demand and here is another nomination as the Best of Africa Gospel Artiste. It’s an honour”.
The award’s founder and executive producer, Zanele Mbokazi said “Seven is a number of perfection. We thank God, our partners and the Gospel industry at large for helping us to reach this milestone”.
Phillip Sithole, Ethekwini’s Head of Durban Tourism also said the Awards have become a premier event in the calendar of the Gospel music industry and the city recognizes the role that gospel music has played in shaping South African history and democracy. “An event of this magnitude is essential to promote our city to potential new markets and we are especially pleased with the live broadcasting of the event on national television. This is in line with our visitor strategy aimed at attracting and encouraging the rest of Africa, to experience what our City has to offer. The awards brings a number of visitors from other provinces and this event has an economic contribution estimated at over R10 million with direct and indirect spend within the City”.
The organisers also announced that Sammie Okposo will be performing at the event scheduled for November 23, 2014 Durban ICC Arena in South-Africa.