LIMPOPO – Tshivenda gospel singer Gundolawe Ramudzuli is making her mark in the music industry after her EP, “The Wait in the Upper Room”, earned her a nomination for Best Gospel Newcomer at the 2026 Icebolethu Crown Gospel Music Awards.

Recorded live in Polokwane in October 2025, the four-track EP blends traditional and contemporary gospel sounds.

From debut single to national recognition

Ramudzuli’s musical journey began in 2021 when she released her debut studio single, “Dzinani la Yehova”, which received extensive airplay and introduced her to the gospel music scene.

She later recorded her debut EP under the Mukurob Music Foundation, drawing on the sound her growing fan base had come to appreciate.

The nomination came as a surprise to Ramudzuli, who said she had focused on gradually building her career rather than expecting national recognition so early.

“I am still shocked that I have been nominated. Although I dreamed of rubbing shoulders with leading gospel artists and sharing a stage with them one day, I never thought it would happen this early in my career,” she said.

She credited the Mukurob Music Foundation for producing a quality project that had earned national recognition.

“This recognition feels like a win already,” she added.

Discovered at age five

Ramudzuli’s vocal talent was discovered when she was five years old and attending Mphathele Primary School in Mukula village, Vhembe District, where she was born and raised.

At that age, she led His Glory Choir to victory in a singing competition.

She later became a regular member of her church’s worship teams before launching her solo career in 2021.

Before going solo, Ramudzuli also worked as a backing vocalist for several artists, including the now-defunct Vhaneiwa Heavenly Voices.

Call to vote

With the awards ceremony approaching, she is calling on gospel music lovers to vote for her in the newcomer category.

“It is a privilege to represent the province in this category. I can imagine the pride gospel lovers in Limpopo will feel when we bring the award home,” she said.

The 2026 Icebolethu Crown Gospel Music Awards will take place on November 15 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

How to vote

To vote for Ramudzuli, SMS BN02 to 44724.

You can vote as many times as you please.