The work is bigger than me — Nothando Hlophe
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Eswatini’s celebrated gospel artist Nothando Hlophe has described her ministry as “a calling far greater than self,” saying the gospel “is bigger than me” following her remarkable continental honour at the prestigious 18th Crown Gospel Music Awards held in Durban on Sunday.
Hlophe, who received the ‘Best of Africa’ award in front of a packed and electrified audience at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC), said the recognition had deeply moved her and reaffirmed her purpose in gospel music.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, she emphasised that this accolade has renewed her commitment to serving, creating, and uplifting.
“This award has reignited my fire,” she said. “It reminds me that the work is bigger than me. I feel inspired to dream even bigger and to pour more of myself into the next season of music, ministry, and impact.”
Hlophe, who has steadily become one of Eswatini’s most influential gospel voices, described the announcement of her name as the winner as an experience she is still processing. “When I heard my name being called, I was overwhelmed,” she stated.
“It felt unreal for a moment. I just kept thinking about how far God has brought me, and how every tear, every prayer, and every sacrifice was worth it. My heart was full of gratitude.”
Her reaction, she said, was not just personal but spiritual. Far from viewing it as a personal triumph alone, the artist insisted that the award was a testament to divine guidance and the collective support system that has held her up throughout her career.
The Crown Gospel Music Awards, now in their 18th edition, have grown into one of Africa’s foremost platforms for honouring excellence in gospel music.
With more than 30 top-tier gospel artists, industry leaders, and continental stakeholders in attendance, the event is known for its iconic red carpet, its dazzling stagecraft, and its ability to merge faith with glamour in a uniquely African expression.
For Nothando Hlophe, receiving such an award at such an esteemed platform is more than symbolic, it is historic. “To me, this award says that Eswatini’s voice matters on the continental stage,” she said.
“It shows that Africa is paying attention to our sound, our worship, and our stories. It’s a reminder that gospel music from smaller nations also carries a big anointing and big impact.”
Throughout the interview, Hlophe repeatedly emphasised her gratitude to her supporters, acknowledging the critical role they’ve played in her artistic and spiritual evolution.
“My fans have carried me through seasons they don’t even know about,” she said earnestly. “Their messages, their prayers, their belief in my ministry, all of that kept me going.
This award is not mine alone; it belongs to every person who streamed, voted, shared, prayed, and stood by me.”
She added that the journey to attaining such recognition is rarely straightforward, and without a solid support system, many artists would crumble under pressure.
In addition to her fans, Nothando Hlophe highlighted her immediate support structure, the group of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure her success.
“I am surrounded by people who constantly push me to become better,” she explained. “My family grounds me, my team protects the vision, and my mentors guide me spiritually and creatively.
They are the pillars behind the scenes, and without them, moments like this wouldn’t be possible.”
She described her journey as one built not on individual effort but on collective sacrifice. Every performance, every recording, and every milestone are collaborative accomplishments, she noted.
For the growing number of young gospel hopefuls in Eswatini, Nothando Hlophe offered a message of courage, resilience, and unwavering faith.
“Don’t dim your light just because you come from a small country,” she said. “Your gift is valid. Your sound is needed. Keep working, keep praying, and stay true to your calling. God will make room for you.”
With her new accolade, Nothando Hlophe said she intends to use her elevated platform not for personal elevation alone but to further champion gospel music across borders.
“I want to continue creating music that heals, restores, and reminds people of God’s faithfulness,” she said. “I also want to collaborate more across Africa and open doors for other Eswatini artists to shine on bigger platforms.”
Her vision includes fostering cross-border collaborations, advocating for stronger industry structures, and creating opportunities for artists who may not yet have access to continental recognition.
“We need stronger industry structures, marketing support, funding for production, radio and TV partnerships, and platforms that invest in artist development,” she said. “With the right support, Eswatini gospel can travel far beyond our borders.”
Beyond awards and events, Nothando Hlophe is also cementing her legacy in the digital space. Her song “Methodist Medley,” part of her 2025 album A New Dawn, has amassed more than 2.9 million views on YouTube, becoming one of her most impactful gospel releases to date.
The track has resonated deeply with listeners for its authenticity, its spiritual depth, and its stirring arrangement.
The album A New Dawn, launched on June 7, 2025, at a vibrant event at the Mavuso Trade Centre, has continued to grow in popularity.
Another track, “Sithumela Wena,” has surpassed 774, 000 YouTube views, indicating the strength of Hlophe’s reach and the continental appetite for her sound.
Her digital success, combined with her recent continental recognition, positions her as one of the most influential gospel artists emerging from Eswatini in recent years.
