TV personality hosts inaugural Gospel Awards

’MAKERESEMESE LETUKA

MASERU – Up to 27 Basotho Gospel stars walked away with awards at the inaugural Lesotho Gospel Music Awards in Maseru this past weekend. The awards ceremony was held on Saturday at the ’Manthabiseng Convention Centre, under the auspices of Namane ea Nare Company headed by television personality Nomaswati Letšolo.

Rapelang Patala was recognised for the Best Gospel New-comer award, while Neo Matee scooped the Best Urban Gospel. Khosi Khohlokoane was awarded for the Best Gospel Single of the year with Kgahliso Mphephuka deemed the Best Songwriter. The Best Acapella Album award went to Spritual Utalize with Molapo Thabane being recognized as the Best Producer. Best Clap and Tap spot went to Atamelang ho Jehovah, with the Best Traditional Gospel Album going to Kamohelo Leoli and the Gospel Song of the Year was Nkwe while the Best Praise and Worship went to Synodia and Maseru.

Best CD Sleeve was scooped by Pastor Busa with Best Gospel Radio Presenter award going to Mpolokeng Semoli. Matlhony Makha clinched the Best Music Video award while Balopolloa ba Morena was deemed the Best Gospel Group with the best collaboration going to Rithah Motšeare & Keke.

The Best Hip Hop Gospel Artist went to T-born as the Best Zion Album award went to Ntsoaki Kutoane. The Best Postola Album was taken by Molise & Areka ea Selekane with Lerato Mothobi. The Best Male Artist was Macwa Ntlama and Album of the Year award went to John Matela. Best Artist of the Year went to Macwa Ntlama; Best Classic of Times, Tankiso Moahloli; Recognition Award (Namane ea Nare), Tšepo Kherenchane and Rorisang Motsamai while the Lifetime Achievement Award was received by Justice Mofoleng.

Supporting Awards went to Lerato Senatla and ’Meko Phohleli. Some of the performing artists who graced the event were Esethu Siwe from South African Joyous Celebration and other local artistes, with presenters from both Lesotho and South Africa. The list included Nimrod from South African television soapie Generations the Legacy and Keneuoe Nkemane from Lesedi FM – Advocate Makhetha Motšoari, comedian Sir Matee, radio and television personality Rebafiloe Monnapula represented the Lesotho brigade.

“The fact that it was the first time hosting this event I consider it a successful one, however, there were hiccups here and then which I am willing to rectify next time. “One thing is we need to work in collaboration as Basotho to have sponsors because I want winners to have first, second and third prizes and nominees to have at least medals,” said the organiser, Letšolo. One of the winners, T Born said he was satisfied with the award, appreciating the support he received. He said the recognition will work as a motivation for him to do better.