The inaugural Gospel Eminence Music Awards (GEMAs) are set to honor outstanding achievements in South African gospel music in 2025. Under the theme "Honoring Excellence, Celebrating Worship," the awards aim to highlight the significant role gospel music plays in community upliftment and spiritual development.
Founded by Lindokuhle Sibisi, the GEMAs are designed to create a national platform celebrating the distinctive voices and artistic contributions that define South Africa's gospel music landscape. The nominees for the 2025 awards have been announced, showcasing a wide array of talent across 31 categories. Notable nominations include Ncebakazi Msomi and Mmatema for Best Artist of the Year, and Mmuso Worship's "The Only Name" is a strong contender for Best Song of the Year.
The GEMA Awards TV YouTube channel broadcast the nominee announcement live, marking a key milestone in the lead-up to the ceremony. Fan engagement is central to the GEMAs, with public voting now open through Evopolls. This feature allows the community to actively participate in recognizing their favorite artists and songs, reflecting the awards' commitment to inclusivity.
The GEMAs align with broader efforts to advance South African gospel music, similar to the South African Gospel Recognition Awards (SAGRA), established in 2021 to nurture future gospel musicians. The GEMAs strive to foster unity, creativity, and spiritual enrichment nationwide. These awards provide a crucial platform for recognizing artists' dedication and hard work, enabling them to share their messages of faith and hope, much like the established benchmarks set by awards such as the Crown Gospel Awards.
The first Gospel Eminence Music Awards ceremony is scheduled for November 9, 2025, in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The event will begin with a gold carpet at 16:00, followed by the main ceremony at 19:00. Early bird tickets are currently available for those wishing to attend this historic celebration of faith and music.