By Samkelisiwe Jwara
The BAT Centre at 45 Maritime Place, Durban Harbour, today hosted the 5th Annual KZN Namuhla Community Newspaper Artist and Influential Leadership Awards, marking five years of celebrating KwaZulu-Natal’s creatives.
What began in 2022 with a simple mission ukubungaza abantu bomculo (to celebrate talented people of KwaZulu-Natal) has grown into a platform that honours artists, authors, photographers, videographers and influencers who are often overlooked by mainstream award ceremonies.
This year’s edition featured mixed categories including Gospel, Gqom, Authors, Photography, Videography and Influencers.
On stage, awards were handed over by Mr Vuso Mthembu and Thobeka Langelihle, presenting framed certificates and medals to winners against the KZN Namuhla backdrop.
Among those honoured today is Apostle BJ Mncube, recognised under the Influential Leadership Awards.
In the gospel category, Pat Nkonyeni was honoured as Best Gospel Influencer and Gospel Legend. In her acceptance speech, she spoke about being taught ukuthobeka (humility), sharing how she started by singing. She also opened up about challenges she faced, including registration and royalty issues.
Also one of the people who were celebrated today is Mathimbilizani, who won Best Author proving the awards go beyond music to honour storytelling.
