Mantongande Wins Zim UK Gospel Music Award

Simangenkosi 'Mantongande' Nkala, nee Dube won the Zimbabwe UK Gospel Artist of the Year Award on 26 November 2011 organised by Rise UP Investments for Zimbabwean artists based in the UK.  

Mantongande is a breakthrough gospel singer helping to fill a huge void in Ndebele music which is struggling to catch on after the golden era of Solomon Skuza, Ndux Malax, Freedom Sengwayo, Brian Sibalo, Fanyana Dube, Don Gumbo, Matonto, Lovemore Majaivana, Busi Ncube and many more.

There were 7 UK based gospel artists in her category, which was the longest list of nominees. The Zimbabwean Deputy Ambassador to Britain officiated at the event in High Wycombe, UK. The gospel artists nominees were Jane Doka, Obert Mazivisa, Lazarus Staziyo, Royal Destiny, Pamela Ndengeya and Chris Kusema. Oliver Mtukudzi was also awarded a life time achievement award in absentia during the same event.

Mantongande is a gospel artist based in London, UK. She has released 3 albums -Behold the Lamb of God (2008) (English) and Ngihamba Nge Gunya (2009) (Zulu). Her video (He is My Rock), a compilation of songs from both albums, was launched in January 2011 in London where she also recorded a full live band performance. This was reported as her best performance ever! The live show video is also now available. Her 3rd album, Kuyonyakaza was launched in October 2011. She leads a 12 member band. Her powerful and passionate voice blends exceptionally with her 6 backing vocalists from Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. Her unique African dress code compliments her original gospel tunes.

Mantongande, has been singing gospel as part of her regular and devoted Christian worship within the Brethren in Christ Church in Zimbabwe and then moved to the UK for studies where she is currently on her third year degree programme. She was born in Lupane and attended school at Entumbane Secondary School.

While it came as a surprise to her to lift this award, her supporters were not, as they have seen her confidently take a firm and confident stand in the gospel ministry. In her acceptance speech, she thanked the ongoing support she gets from fellow artists with whom she regularly shares the singing stage with. "We will continue to learn from each other," she expressed.
 
"Inspiration to sing gospel comes from my Christian faith. Some of the motivation comes from achievements made by Rebecca Malope" she reveals.  "Gospel music is a very powerful ministry. For the next 10 years and more, I will be recording an album every year," she said. "I write my own music and Pastor Obert Nkala, my husband helps me with this plus the arrangement and musical production," she added.

Mantongande has 2 young children who are her number fans. She is managed by Ngonyama Music, a new Indie Gospel Record company who have private studios in London and Bulawayo.

Her music is available from all major music shops worldwide:  iTunes, www.cdbaby.com, www.ngonyama.com. In Zimbabwe, Spinalong have distribution rights. In South Africa, Music Moods stock her music. Her manager, Million Moyo, can be contacted by email on songanga@ngonyama.com. All national radio stations in Zimbabwe play her 'hot sweet' gospel tunes.