Sounds of Azania to host Indigenous Choral Music Awards

The first-ever Choral Indigenous Music Awards (CIMA) will be held on 6 July at the prestigious Soweto Theatre, and the Vaal region’s apostolic choirs are poised to make history as they dominate the nominee list in major categories.

Celebrated for their healing melodies, powerful harmonies and distinct spiritual style, these choirs are now stepping beyond their local roots to represent the Vaal on a national platform.

They have secured nominations in top categories such as Best Indigenous Choir; Best Apostolic Choir; Best Group of the Year; Best Choral Album and Best Choral Indigenous Music Award.

Organised by the Sounds of Azania Cultural and Creative Incubator, CIMA 2025 aims to honour and promote the richness of South Africa’s indigenous and choral music traditions. The event will celebrate not only choirs but also composers and performers who contribute to the preservation and innovation of indigenous soundscapes.

Thabang ‘General Mazenzele’ Masina, founder of KM Records and a prominent promoter of apostolic music, expressed his pride at the recognition the Vaal choirs are receiving. “It’s a humbling and proud moment,” he said.

“Seeing apostolic choirs-especially those we’ve walked a journey with-being recognised on such a prestigious platform confirms that our efforts are not in vain. It’s not just about the music; it’s about identity, faith and community. These nominations mean our sound, our stories and our spirituality are being acknowledged at a national level. It’s a win for every young choir member, every church elder and every supporter who believes in the beauty of our gospel heritage,” added Masina.

The awards feature a wide range of categories reflecting the diversity of South African indigenous music.

These include: Best Indigenous Choir Mzilikazi Khumalo Award for Best Indigenous Choral Composition; Best Indigenous Vocal Performance (Solo or Group); Best Fusion Performance Cultural Preservation Award; Joseph Shabalala Award (International Achievement); Best Imizwilili Award; Best Clap n Tap Award; Best Zion Music Award; Best Amadodana Award; Best Iscathamiya Award; Lifetime Achievement Award; Best of Africa Award; Album of the Year and Best Choral Indigenous Music Award.

Tickets for CIMA 2025 are already available at Pick n Pay, Boxer Stores, Soweto Theatre, and Sounds of Azania Studios. With excitement growing around the Vaal choirs’ participation, organisers are encouraging early ticket purchases to avoid disappointment.

CIMA 2025 is not just a celebration- it’s a cultural milestone. For the Vaal, this moment is a powerful reminder that the voices raised in church halls and community gatherings have the strength to echo across the nation.