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LINDA NOMINATED FOR SA INGOMA MUSIC AWARDS

30/05/2018 03:19:00 BY NONDUMISO MSIBI

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MBABANE – The music industry is a fast-growing sector in the entertainment scene of the country.

This is due to local artists landing international opportunities to promote their work outside the borders of the Kingdom.

The latest musical sensation to have the privilege of reaching neighbouring masses with his music is NACA award winner, Linda Dlamini, who has been nominated for the Ingoma Music Awards under the ‘Best African Artist’ category.

The awards are set to take place at Dorkay Rooftop in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 25, 2018. The Ingoma Music Awards were founded in 2013 by young people who are actively involved in the gospel music industry.

The Ingoma Music Awards serve as the face and voice for upcoming independent gospel and Christian music community. It is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating their talent through recognition and awarding them.

This will be the fifth year since the inception of the awards.
Speaking to Dlamini, he said, “I feel humbled and encouraged to be nominated outside the country. I value and appreciate the love and support I get from all my music lovers, without being supported by them I wouldn’t be this far.” Confirming Dlamini’s nomination was Dan Raseluma, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Ingoma Awards.

“The awards are by no means a competition but an event that honours and recognises talented and hardworking, upcoming, independent gospel artists. We have been exposed to Dlamini’s music through the SABC channel One Gospel. That is when we did a follow up on who he is and where he is from,” said Raseluma.

He further said this was the first time they had nominated someone outside South Africa, and they were excited for Dlamini to be the first artist to spread his wings through Ingoma.

He said the nomination process was done by his team, including himself. He said the overall winner was up to the panel of judges plus the public, which will have an opportunity to vote.

“Voting lines and codes for each nominee will be open before August and EmaSwati are encouraged to vote for their own,” he added.
ACASWA (Association of Christian Artists in Swaziland) Public Relations Officer Ronnie Dlamini said they were proud of Dlamini as he was one of their young and leading artists. He further said they wished Dlamini all the best for his nomination and they would be rooting for him.

Dlamini’s management, Thandeka Sihlongonyane of Kufeziwe Communications confirmed the nomination and the relationship with Ingoma Awards. She said they were grateful and thanked God for the opportunity granted to Dlamini to grow on his brand and also have the chance to mingle with other gospel greats who will be part of the awards ceremony.

Asked how much the award is worth if it happened that he came back home with it, Dlamini said he was not sure of the price at the moment. This is the first time for Dlamini to be nominated for an international award.

However, his music career has grown from strength to strength since he came into the spotlight five years ago. He has won national awards such as Best Gospel artist at the National Arts and Culture Awards 2016. He also recently performed for Their Majesties during the 50/50 Celebrations held on April 19. In conclusion, Dlamini said the telephone calls he had been receiving from his fans, congratulating him of this nomination had been overwhelming.

“It shows that they are rooting for my music’s success and I am grateful to have such a support system from them,” Dlamini said when talking about his fans. Other local musicians who have had the opportunity to be nominated for awards outside the country include the likes of Sands, Shongwe and Khuphuka, Nduduzo Matse to name a few.

Speaking to Nduduzo Matse who recently scooped an award at the Crown Gospel Awards under the category of ‘Best of Africa’ award he said that the win has helped his brand reach masses that he never thought he would reach in as far as exposure is concerned.

“South Africans demand more of my music now more than they had before I got this award which has helped grow my brand beyond Eswatini,” added Matse.