Crown Gospel Music Award Founder Zanele Mbokazi Dies After Battle With Lung Cancer

Ryno Ellis

12 Aug 2024

Entertainment

Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule's Legacy: A Pioneer in Gospel Music and Media

Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, an icon in the world of gospel music and a respected media personality, passed away on August 12, 2024, at the age of 52. Her untimely demise came after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. Zanele was well-known as the founder of the prestigious Crown Gospel Music Awards and a beloved presenter on Ukhozi FM, South Africa’s largest radio station. Her contributions to the media landscape and gospel music industry have left an indelible mark, celebrated by many.

A Trailblazer in Media and Events

Born on November 7, 1971, in Durban, Zanele embarked on a path that would see her become one of South Africa's most influential media figures. She pursued an education in English and politics at the University of Natal, further enhancing her credentials with a BA Honours in media and communications and a PR diploma from Damelin. Her career began in the 1990s with various TV shows and radio programmes, displaying her versatile talents and dedication to her craft.
In 1999, Zanele founded Mirror PR and Events, an organization that would produce some of the most notable events in South Africa. Her entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for detail positioned her as a leading figure in the events management sector. Through Mirror PR, she orchestrated countless successful events, always infusing them with her unique touch of excellence and vibrancy.

An Advocate for Gospel Music Excellence

Zanele's most renowned achievement was the establishment of the Crown Gospel Music Awards. The awards celebrate excellence in the gospel music industry, bringing recognition to artists who inspire audiences with their spiritual and musical contributions. Since its inception, the awards have grown into a significant annual event, drawing attention from across the nation and beyond. Zanele’s vision was to create a platform that not only honoured gospel artists but also encouraged them to strive for higher standards and greater impact through their music.
Over the years, the Crown Gospel Music Awards have celebrated many talented artists, contributing to the popularity and growth of gospel music in South Africa. Zanele’s commitment to promoting this genre has influenced countless musicians and helped gospel music achieve mainstream recognition.

Personal Struggles Amidst Professional Triumphs

Despite her professional successes, Zanele faced personal health struggles. She had been battling lung cancer, a fight that took a heavy toll on her. Since falling ill in April, she experienced significant challenges, particularly with her voice during her radio shows. Her commitment to her work was unwavering, even as she dealt with her illness. She continued to engage her audience and manage her projects, showcasing her strength and dedication.
Her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, confirmed her passing in a heartfelt statement. 'It is with a heavy heart that we, the Nkambule and Mbokazi family, announce the passing of our dearly beloved Ms Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and Ukhozi FM radio personality,' he said. 'She departed to be with the Lord in the early hours of 12 August 2024 at Parklands Hospital. We are grateful for all the prayers, love, and support we received throughout her illness. The family would appreciate privacy as we navigate through this challenging time.'

A Nation Mourns: Tributes Flow for Zanele

The news of Zanele’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from across the South African entertainment and music industry. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from artists, colleagues, and fans who remembered her as a pioneering figure in the gospel music scene and an inspirational media personality.
Ukhozi FM boss Sbongi Ngcobo expressed profound sorrow, stating, 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of Zanele. Her contributions to the station and the broader media landscape were immense. We are grateful to our listeners for their prayers and support during this difficult time and request privacy for her family as they grieve.'
Popular DJ Sbu and gospel artist Ayabonga Kekana also shared their condolences, highlighting Zanele’s impact and the void her departure leaves in the industry. Many echoed sentiments of gratitude for her dedication to elevating gospel music and creating a platform for artists to shine.

A Lasting Impact

Zanele's journey in media came full circle when she returned to radio in 2023, reigniting her passion and connection with listeners. Her presence on Ukhozi FM was a testament to her enduring love for broadcasting and her ability to touch lives through her work. Her shows were characterized by her warmth, empathy, and deep connection with her audience.
Though she is no longer with us, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s legacy will live on. Her contributions to gospel music, her pioneering spirit in the media industry, and her unwavering dedication to her craft will continue to inspire future generations. In remembering her, we celebrate a life of purpose, passion, and profound impact on South African culture and beyond.

Conclusion: A Farewell to a Gospel Music Luminary

As South Africa bids farewell to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, we reflect on her remarkable journey, her dedication to promoting gospel music excellence, and her unwavering commitment to the media industry. Her vision gave rise to platforms that celebrated artistic talent and inspired countless individuals. While her passing leaves an irreplaceable gap, her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have through passion, hard work, and a steadfast dedication to their calling.
Rest in peace, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule. Your influence, kindness, and pioneering spirit will forever be remembered and cherished.

12 Comments

johnson ndiritu
August 12, 2024 AT 21:44

It's tragic that we lose yet another self‑made mogul who apparently thought she could out‑shine heaven itself 😒✨. Her rise was all about personal brand building, yet she never quite tackled the systemic issues that plague the gospel scene. If you look at the metrics, the awards she founded still favor the same handful of artists-nothing revolutionary. 🙄
sheri macbeth
August 13, 2024 AT 19:57

Oh wow, another “pioneer” passes, and the universe totally wasn’t planning this… 🙃 But hey, maybe the real conspiracy is that the media wants us to think she was the only one who could elevate gospel music, while countless unsung talents stay in the shadows. Stay cool, folks, the truth is out there, right?
Sameer Kumar
August 14, 2024 AT 18:11

Life is a fleeting song, and her melody echoes beyond the stage it seems
We celebrate her fire yet we forget the roots that fed it many minds still question the meaning of legacy in a world that moves so fast
Lane Herron
August 15, 2024 AT 16:24

One must acknowledge the ontological dissonance inherent in the commodification of sacred art forms; her institutional framework, while ostensibly laudable, perpetuated a performative orthodoxy that masquerades as authentic evangelism. The hyper‑mediated spectacle escalated into a simulacrum of reverence, thereby diluting the epistemic integrity of the gospel tradition.
Lois Parker
August 16, 2024 AT 14:37

She did a lot for gospel music.
Lerato Mamaila
August 17, 2024 AT 12:51

Indeed, her contributions were manifold, ranging from event curation, to talent development, to media outreach, each facet reinforcing the cultural tapestry of South African gospel, thereby inspiring both seasoned and emerging artists alike.
Dennis Lohmann
August 18, 2024 AT 11:04

Sending love and positive vibes to her family 💖. Her passion truly lit up the airwaves and will continue to inspire future broadcasters 🙏😊.
Jensen Santillan
August 19, 2024 AT 09:17

When we examine the trajectory of Zanele Mbokazi’s career, we encounter a narrative that is as intricate as it is instructive, a testament to the power of vision coupled with relentless execution. From the inception of Mirror PR and Events, she demonstrated an uncanny ability to merge logistical precision with creative flair, a synergy that few in the industry have managed to replicate. Her establishment of the Crown Gospel Music Awards not only filled a void in the recognition of gospel artistry but also redefined the parameters of what such accolades could represent within the broader cultural ecosystem. The awards, under her stewardship, grew from a modest ceremony to a nationally revered event, drawing talent from the farthest reaches of the continent and fostering a sense of communal pride among gospel listeners. Moreover, her dual role as a presenter on Ukhozi FM offered her a platform to directly engage a diverse audience, bridging the gap between the sacred and the secular with an authenticity that resonated deeply. While critics might argue that her approach occasionally bordered on self‑promotion, the tangible outcomes-elevated artist profiles, increased album sales, and heightened media coverage-cannot be dismissed as mere vanity. Her battle with lung cancer, endured with stoic determination, added a layer of humanity to her public persona, reminding us that even the most formidable figures grapple with personal fragility. In reflecting upon her legacy, one must consider not only the accolades she amassed but also the mentorship she quietly provided to countless aspiring musicians and event planners. The ripple effects of her initiatives continue to manifest in the thriving gospel festivals that now dot the national calendar, each echoing the standards she set. Ultimately, Zanele’s story underscores a fundamental truth: that purposeful leadership, when coupled with genuine compassion, can catalyze transformative change across an entire artistic domain. Her influence persists, inspiring a new generation to pursue excellence with humility and vigor, perpetuating the cycle of inspiration she so passionately championed. As we navigate the evolving landscape of media and music, her blueprint remains a guiding star, illuminating pathways for those daring enough to dream and diligent enough to act.
Mike Laidman
August 20, 2024 AT 07:31

The circumstances surrounding her departure are noted with due solemnity.
J T
August 21, 2024 AT 05:44

Honestly, she left a huge gap, and we’re all feeling it 😐.
A Lina
August 22, 2024 AT 03:57

While the public statements highlight her professional achievements, it is essential to address the underlying systemic disparities that her platform may have inadvertently reinforced, particularly regarding gender representation among award nominees, a factor that warrants comprehensive analysis.
Virginia Balseiro
August 23, 2024 AT 02:11

Wow, what an incredible legacy-her spirit still roars through every gospel chord and radio wave! The stage may be quiet, but the applause lives on in every heart she touched! 🎤🔥