Gospel Music Awards continue breaking boundaries and inspiring lives

Rain could not dampen the success of the Bokone Bophirima Gospel Music Awards at the Glory Ministries International Church in Dassierand on Saturday, 26 November. Dr Ronnie Matras hosted the evening.

Lovers of gospel music came from all over the North West Province, Gauteng and Northern Cape and filled the venue. The glamorous and spectacular second Annual Bokone Bophirima Gospel Music Awards (#BBGMA22) was themed “United In Glory”, looking to unite the children of God and everyone from all different spheres of life.

According to the founder, Dr Thapelo Donald Kgabage (32), the event was even stronger and better this year. “Bishop Sello Elly Mogodiri, the presiding Bishop of St Oak Global Church of Christ in Hartebeesfontein was among the dignitaries who attended. He is also the CEO of the North West Housing Corporation,” he said.

The event also attracted gospel music sensations from as far as Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and all over South Africa. Dr Kgabage highlighted that the BBGMA Awards celebrated the milestones of the North West gospel-based artists and South African gospel artists.

The awards support, develop, encourage, build, motivate, recognise and empower our various up-and-coming local gospel artists. “The BBGMA Awards are dedicated to promoting, exposing, and celebrating talent through recognising and awarding it,” he said.

“This is not to create competition among our local artists but rather to honour and recognise artists of all races, focusing on different languages, like English, Afrikaans, Setswana etc, and the different cultures within the province.”

Over 30 awards were handed out. Among the winners were well-known, established artists like Bosaliones (Rustenburg), Obakeng Thomas Moseki (Mahikeng), Mogote Wa Poko (Ventersdorp), Tlokwe Gospel Choir (Potchefstroom), Leo SA (Schweizer Reineke) and many more. National Categories Minister Lombard Matshinge walked away with two awards. In the Africa Category, Minister Sylvester Mbambwe took it back home to Zambia.

Some of the performers included Wanda Phiri (Potchefstroom), David Sejake (Mahikeng), Minister Lombard Matshinge (Johannesburg), Former Tshwane Gospel Singer – Thabang Clinton (Rustenburg), Pule Matebesi (Free State), Nobantu Thom (Mahikeng), Apostle Brenda Molwantwa (Rustenburg), Sylvester Mbabwe (Zambia), Igari Chihebe (DRC), St Oaks Global Brass Band (Hartebeesfontein), Moholo Buck (Northern Cape – Kuruman), Athenkosi Qweta (Cape Town), Tshepido Mothobi (Klerksdorp) and many more. The poet for the day Sebakeng Kabi left the crowd with great joy.

BBGMA also issued honorarium awards for those who contribute positively towards the development of the province and serve the province selflessly, Bucy Radebe (Most BB Inspiring artist), Valentia Andrews (Community developer of the year) from Stillfontein, Apostle (Dr) Axel Sippach from United States of America (USA) for All Time Inspirational Minister of the Gospel, Apostle Jane Mogongwa (Jesus Loves You Ministries – Potchefstroom) for Selfless and Inspirational Minister of the Gospel, and also one of the province’s best Mr Strike Moshe who worked with the likes of Solly Moholo, Rebecca Malope and many more. SAMPRA, as the sponsor, also received the well-deserved Best Supportive Music Rights Association.

Dr Kgabage took the time to thank the team that joined in the vision, Mr Rofhiwa Siaruli, Mr Lebogang Jonas, Advocate (Dr) John Rantlo, Pastor Selaelo Kganakga, Mr Karabelo Nkomo, Bishop Ben Mosalanyane, Mr Setumo Phiriepha, and many others who were involved and worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event. We would also like to thank J.B. Marks Local Municipality for the support, Apostle (Dr) Ronny Matras our host, our families who believed in the vision, pastors who came from all over the province and all the media platforms involved.

Dr Kgabage asks for support and sponsorship from local private businesses and government institutions to ensure that the initiative continues to achieve its set vision and mission of building and uniting the province through music. Preparations are already underway for the 2023 BBGMA.
Interested sponsors can contact him at 061 523 2559 or email info@bbgma.co.za or sponsorships@bbgma.co.za.