The city of Johannesburg came alive as the prestigious Africa Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards (CLIMA AFRICA) held its 9th Edition at The Maslow Hotel, celebrating Africa’s finest gospel voices and impact makers across the continent and the diaspora.
The highly anticipated event, themed around excellence, influence, and the power of positive impact, recognized outstanding personalities and gospel artistes of African descent who have significantly contributed to ministry, music, media, and social development.
This year’s edition recorded participation from 15 African countries, alongside representatives from the USA, UK, and France, marking a truly continental celebration of faith, creativity, and leadership.
Top honorees included Dr. Isaiah Macwealth, Dr. Emmanuel Iren, Linah Ngcobo, and Ihhashi Elimhlophe, among others. The event also featured an Investiture Ceremony, where deserving African trailblazers received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the Global University of Science and Technology — a federally accredited institution recognized in both the USA and Europe.
Highlights Of The Night
Notable award recipients and performances made the evening unforgettable. Gospel sensations Moses Bliss, Lilian Nneji, Bella Kombo, Janet Otieno, Bidemi Olaoba, Winnie Mashaba, and many others thrilled the audience with electrifying ministrations.
Among the major winners of the night:
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Moses Bliss (Nigeria) – Africa Gospel Artiste of the Year and Africa Gospel Album of the Year (Love Testament)
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Lilian Nneji (Nigeria) – Africa Outstanding Music Minister of the Year (Stage)
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Bella Kombo (Tanzania) – Eastern Africa Artiste of the Year
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Janet Otieno (Kenya) – Africa Gospel Music Impact Award
Other big winners included Ntokozo Ngongoma (South Africa) as Africa Male Artiste of the Year, Janet Manyowa (Zimbabwe) as Africa Female Artiste of the Year, and Dorcas Moyo (Zimbabwe), who took home both the Africa Indigenous Gospel Artiste of the Year and the People’s Choice Award.
Recognition Awards (Impact Makers)
The ceremony also honored exceptional individuals shaping society through ministry, entrepreneurship, and advocacy:
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Prophet Isaiah Macwealth – Africa Outstanding Pastor of the Year
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Pastor Emmanuel Iren – Africa Outstanding Pastor of the Year
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Linah Ngcobo & Ihhashi Elimhlophe – Africa Positive Impact Iconic Award
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Amb. Ayanda Ncwane, Mrs. Nomsa Chiadzwa, Apostle (Dr.) Ada Ngozi Ambrose Esq., Mr. S.G. Mutsongodza, and Muzi Mthabela were among those recognized for their distinct contributions across Africa.
Gospel legends Benjamin Dube and Dr. Rebecca Malope were honoured with the Africa Gospel Music Legendary Award, celebrating their timeless impact on the continent’s gospel music landscape.
Media & Online Recognition
Gospel Hotspot (Nigeria) received the Africa Gospel Online Blog of the Year award, reaffirming its leadership in gospel media promotion and content delivery across Africa.
About CLIMA Africa
The Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards (CLIMA AFRICA) celebrate individuals and organizations who exemplify excellence in gospel music, leadership, humanitarian service, and societal impact. Over the years, the platform has grown into one of Africa’s most respected faith-based recognition events, celebrating talent and inspiring the next generation of kingdom influencers.
