Vena album scores two nominations for Ingoma
KING William’s Town gospel singer Zipho Vena’s debut album Unrestricted Night of Worship has received two nods at this year’s Independent Gospel Music Awards (Ingoma).
Vena has been nominated for the best newcomer and best sleeve awards for the Ingomas taking place later this year.
Vena’s musical journey began at an early age and for years he was a backing vocalist for the award-winning popular gospel group, Zama and the Voice Ministries.
He is a worship leader at the Jesus the Answer Ministries.
“It has been a long time coming for me, and I am grateful to God for the opportunity to finally release my own project,” he said.
In 2011, Vena made it to the top 30 of SABC2’s singing competition, I Want To Sing Gospel.
“Even though things didn’t go well for me then, the opportunity to be on that show gave me some needed exposure. There were people that spotted me from there,” he said.
He said Unrestricted Night of
Worship was centred around the goodness and mercy of God.
“This album was recorded at my church here in King [William’s Town] and it was a sold out show. People really came out to support me and I am glad now it has been nominated for this award,” he said.
“This is amazing. This is my first release and already I am getting nominations. God is great! This shows that people have received my music well and it is ministering to them,” he said, adding that he was inspired by gospel legends such as Bishop Benjamin Dube, and couple Nqubeko and Ntokozo Mbatha.
“This has always been my dream to have an album out. I’ve been working behind the scenes for a while, but now I am making my mark in the music industry,” he said.
Whether he wins or not, Vena said the nominations alone were a validation that there is a place for him in the gospel music industry.
“I am really excited about this. This is a dream come true for me,” he said.
To vote for Vena, SMS ‘Ingoma Best New Comer Zipho Vena’ to 45633.
SMSes costs R1.50c. The Ingoma are taking place at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg on August 25. —