Gospel star Ntokozo Mbambo is still coming to terms with her major win at the South African Music Awards (Samas) despite a backlash from Kelly Khumalo.
Khumalo claimed on social media that she deserved to be chosen for the award over Mbambo, noting that she had better numbers.
Mbambo bagged awards in three categories including best female artist, best album, and contemporary faith for her album Lavish Worship at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Saturday.
The Imisebenzi Yakho hitmaker said she is usually grateful for the nomination on its own during award seasons and let her heart feel at ease regardless of the win coming her way on not.
She said it was mindblowing to be called three times to the stage to receive her awards and highlighted that it was beyond her imagination that she could win all three awards she had been nominated for.
Mbambo said it was challenging to be nominated alongside finest musicians and be called to the stage as the winner.
Awards reflect amazing album
“I’m so grateful to have won twice on Saturday night – it was simply unbelievable. The funny thing is, I was still backstage when I heard my name being called again,” she said.
“I was not even sure what award category I was being announced. The backstage crew had to tell me which award was being announced at the time.
“The wins were one after the other, so there really wasn’t time to wrap my head around it all, I was excitedly overwhelmed.”
She said the triple wins were her career highlight, as winning three Samas as a contemporary gospel artist was unheard of – but believes this was the beginning of greater things to come.
She added that the awards reflected an amazing worship album that took a lot of time to bring together, noting that it was made possible with the help of her team.
“This year has been a year of God’s wonder,” said Mbambo.
“I got to host Pastor Nathaniel Bassey whom I admire, I released an album which was a true outpouring from my heart, Lavish Worship, and I hosted a two city, two night launch event for that album.
“I appreciate and thank every person that listens to my music and attends events and even sends encouraging DMs or e-mails.”
