Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule founder and executive producer of the Crown Gospel Music Awards has died after a short battle with cancer.
Ukhozi FM presenter Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, 52, who died on Monday morning, was busy preparing for this year’s Crown Gospel Music Awards which are likely to be returning to KwaZulu-Natal.
“It is with a heavy heart that we, the Nkambule and Mbokazi family, announce the passing of our dearly beloved Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule,” a statement shared by Mbokazi’s husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, on social media.
“She departed to be with the Lord (in the) early hours on August 12 (yesterday), at Parklands Hospital. We are grateful for all the prayers, love and support we received throughout her illness.”
The founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards had been diagnosed with lung cancer.
A source close to the family told The Mercury’s sister title Isolezwe that despite Mbokazi-Nkambule’s death, “everything will continue according to her plan”.
“Nothing will stop the event. Of course, this year she had already started negotiations to bring this event back because the agreement she had for years with the Gauteng province would no longer continue as this event was held there last year.
When everything is over, the event will continue according to plans,” said the source.
The source revealed that Mbokazi-Nkambule had passed away after her condition changed dramatically last week. “The doctors said that the oxygen was no longer reaching the brain, it was clear that it was going to get worse.
She was admitted to the hospital on Monday after her condition worsened day by day,” the source said.
On Monday, friends, colleagues and former colleagues paid their last respects at her home in La Mercy, north of Durban.
Her husband was seen arriving with the family spokesperson Sthembiso Mtshali, who greeted those outside and afterwards entered the house.
Neighbours and domestic workers said they had not yet heard what had happened and they were surprised to see so many cars parked outside the home.
It is believed that the memorial service will be held on Thursday, and the funeral on Saturday. Mtshali, said the family would meet and make an official announcement about the funeral arrangements on social media platforms.
Gospel artists including Ayanda Ntanzi, Jumbo Nyangiwe, Sphumelele Mbambo, Dumi Mkokstad, Thina Zungu, Thobekile, Melusi Mbokazi, Ga Ndlela, Babo, Malini and others were seen paying their respects at Mbokazi-Nkambule’s house.
They described Mbokazi-Nkambule as someone who had helped them in their careers.
Melusi said Mbokazi-Nkambule had done significant work in the gospel music industry.
“Having an event like Crowns was one of the ways to grow faith music and artists. There are famous artists today who got an opportunity at this event and they then became popular, we are very grateful for that,” said Melusi.
Thobekile broke down in tears as she revealed that the itende music genre was not included in other music awards but Mbokazi-Nkambule was the first to put it in the spotlight.
Nyangiwe said they were distraught but they thanked Mbokazi-Nkambule for everything she did and those who worked with her were grateful for the opportunity.
“Being nominated for Crowns changed my life and the music I make.
People wondered who I was, but she answered them, telling them about me. We are hurt but she has worked very hard, we are here because of her, she has been connecting us with people through television and radio channels so that we can move forward,” explained Nyangiwe.
Different political parties have expressed their deep sadness at Mbokazi-Nkambule’s passing.
The Mercury