Buffalo Flats gospel group Chosen is in line to win three awards at this year’s Crown Gospel Awards. It is the first nomination for the group since it released its debut album in 2012.
The band has since gone on to launch a second album this year titled Believe.
Chosen has been nominated in the best newcomer and best pop gospel categories and their producer Vaughan Fourie has been nominated for the best gospel producer.
The band is one of several Eastern Cape groups and artists nominated for this year’s awards.
Chosen music director Jason Barlow told the Daily Dispatch yesterday that they were still shocked by the nominations.
“God has been so good to us and we are thankful to him for what he has done,” Barlow said.
Chosen is one of eight groups signed under the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre label. Another group under the same label is Andile&1266, who have been nominated in the best music video category.
Both Chosen and Andile&1266 launched their new albums in Johannesburg.
“The reception was amazing. We were well received and people loved our sound,” said Barlow.
ECAVC director Sy Ntuli said the nominations confirmed that the province had plenty of talent.
“ECAVC is glad to be the home of Eastern Cape artists, and to be a beacon of hope to up-and-coming artists. The four nominations are living proof that we are on the right track,” he said. “It is barely less than four months since we officially launched the provincial record label, and barely than three weeks since we launched our artists nationally, but the results are forthcoming.”
Other Eastern Cape nominees include King William’s Town comic TD Jokes for the best comedian award; Vovee Batala for best gospel rap; and Betusile Mcinga for the best newcomer and best gospel song. East London singer Khanyisa Sabuka and Veliswa Skeyi have also received nominations in different categories. Singing sensation Loyiso Bala’s latest album Power Love Sound has been nominated for the best gospel DVD and the best pop gospel album.
One of the songs on his album, Phambili, has been nominated for the best gospel praise song.
Categories that will be voted for by the public include best gospel artist, best gospel song, best AmaZioni, best gospel Maskandi, best gospel radio show, best gospel community radio show and best gospel TV show. The rest will be voted on by the judges.
The awards ceremony will be held on November 23 at the Durban ICC. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za