A winning start to 2026
Nontokozo Mkhize has officially stepped onto the continental stage and she’s done it with praise on her lips and a trophy in her hands.
The South African gospel artist walked away with the Best Female Artist in Southern Africa award at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), held in Lagos, Nigeria, marking her first major win outside the country. It’s a milestone moment that signals just how far her music has travelled and how ready Africa is for her sound.
A Lagos night to remember
AFRIMA’s glittering awards ceremony capped off a week-long celebration of African music, bringing together artists, producers, and industry heavyweights from across the continent and the diaspora. Nigeria, once again, played host with its signature musical energy, underscoring its reputation as a cultural powerhouse.
For Mkhize, standing on that stage among Africa’s finest wasn’t just about recognition, it was about representation. Gospel music, often sidelined at mainstream award shows, had its moment in the spotlight.
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‘God’s timing, not human speed’
Soon after her win, Mkhize took to Instagram to share her gratitude, framing the moment as a divine appointment rather than personal achievement. Her message, filled with humour, faith, and joy, quickly resonated with fans back home, many of whom flooded her comments with congratulatory messages and prayer emojis.
Calling herself an “international Jesus girlie,” she thanked AFRIMA, her team, and her supporters, affectionately known as “the Lilies”, who have followed her journey from church stages to global platforms.
Why this win matters
This AFRIMA victory didn’t come out of nowhere. Mkhize has been on a steady rise, especially over the past year. In December, she was named Best Newcomer of the Year at the South African Music Awards, cementing her status as one of gospel’s most exciting new voices.
Her debut album, Lindiwe, crossed one million streams on Spotify South Africa in its first week, a rare feat for a gospel release. Even more striking, her hit single “Esandleni” became the most-streamed solo song by a female artist in a single week on Spotify South Africa, outperforming Adele’s Easy on Me on the local charts.
From backing vocals to centre stage
Born Nontokozo Hlengwa, the Afro-soul singer and songwriter began her professional music journey in 2017 as a vocal artist. Over the years, she has collaborated with some of South Africa’s most respected names, including Benjamin Dube, Mondli Ngcobo, Naima Kay, Dumi Mkokstad, and Sjava.
That grounding, part worship, part soul, part storytelling, has shaped a sound that feels deeply South African yet universally relatable.
What’s next for Nontokozo?
With AFRIMA now under her belt, Mkhize’s career has clearly entered a new chapter. Fans online are already predicting more international bookings and cross-border collaborations, while gospel lovers are celebrating a win that feels personal.
In a music industry often driven by trends and algorithms, Nontokozo Mkhize’s rise is being powered by faith, consistency, and connection and Africa is listening.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@PianoConnectSA}
