{"id":26178,"date":"2026-03-24T15:29:46","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T13:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=26178"},"modified":"2026-03-24T15:29:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T13:29:50","slug":"crown-gospel-awards-face-backlash-over-allegations-of-unpaid-artist-performances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/crown-gospel-awards-face-backlash-over-allegations-of-unpaid-artist-performances\/","title":{"rendered":"Crown Gospel Awards Face Backlash Over Allegations of Unpaid Artist Performances"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The World Gospel Powerhouse is under increasing scrutiny as a number of gospel artists have alleged that they have not received payment after the 18th installment of the Crown Gospel Awards, which took place on November 23, 2025, at the Durban ICC.<\/p>\n

This dispute arises several months after the well-known event was established by the late Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following her death, the awards have been managed by her family members, including her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, and her niece, Nongabulo Mdluli.<\/p>\n

One artist, Nonhlanhla Patricia Matleng, publicly expressed her concerns on social media regarding delays and a notable absence of communication from the event organizers.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn 26 November 2025, we were formally hired by World Gospel Powerhouse to perform at the Crown Gospel Awards. A contract was signed stating payment would be made within 30 days after the recording,\u201d Matleng stated.<\/p>\n

She further indicated that the situation transcends just the issue of unpaid fees, pointing out the total lack of responses from the organizers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is even more disheartening is not just the non-payment, but the total silence. Calls and messages have gone unanswered. Phones are off. There\u2019s been no explanation, no accountability, nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her assertions have been supported by numerous other artists who prefer to remain unnamed, claiming their efforts to get paid have gone unnoticed.<\/p>\n

Additionally, some have reported feeling dismissed when they attempted to bring their concerns to the organization’s attention, which has exacerbated the negative sentiment online.<\/p>\n

As the criticism escalates, there are rising concerns regarding accountability and transparency in managing the awards, with many advocates in the gospel community urging the organizers to respond to these claims and rectify the matter.<\/p>\n

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