Family Voices’ ‘Evidence of the Kingdom’ wins Best Acappella Award at INGOMAs

Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]

BULAWAYO-BASED vocal ensemble Family Voices has added another international accolade to its growing collection after its album, Evidence of the Kingdom, won the Best Acappella Award at the 13th Independent National Gospel Music Awards (INGOMAs) held at Glory House in Midrand, South Africa, last Saturday.

The victory marks another significant milestone for the Zimbabwean group, which was the only Zimbabwean act represented at this year’s prestigious gospel music awards, giving the ensemble an opportunity to fly the country’s flag on an international platform.

For Family Voices, the recognition is not merely another trophy, but an affirmation of its longstanding commitment to acappella music, gospel ministry and inspirational storytelling. The group expressed its gratitude following the announcement, describing the winning album as more than a musical project but a testimony of its journey.

“We are deeply honoured to announce that our album, Evidence of the Kingdom, won the Best Acappella Award at the INGOMA Awards in South Africa. As the only Zimbabwean group represented at this prestigious event, we carried our nation, our sound and our faith with immense pride. This victory belongs to every person who has listened, supported, prayed and walked this journey with us. Above all, we give glory to God. Evidence of the Kingdom is more than an album. It is a testimony, and now it is an award-winning album,” the group said in a social media post.

Speaking to this publication, Family Voices spokesman Michael Sibanda said the announcement left the group elated while also reminding them of their earlier successes on the continental stage.

“Winning this award felt surreal. We were over the moon,” Sibanda said.

He said the achievement took the group back to 2020, when Family Voices represented Zimbabwe on the continental vocal competition Old Mutual Amazing Voices, finishing fourth.

The latest triumph also comes after the ensemble recently collected two accolades in the United States at the Contemporary Acappella Recording Awards (CARA), where it had received 11 nominations and emerged first runner-up in six categories.

“We feel like we are in the right direction, seeing as our album is gaining global recognition. We feel honoured to fly high the flag of Zimbabwe,” Sibanda said.

The INGOMAs accolade therefore becomes part of a growing international recognition of a group that has remained committed to the relatively specialised art of vocal music.

For Sibanda, the achievement could also help shift perceptions around a cappella music, a genre he believes has not always received the attention it deserves within the mainstream music industry.

“This win means we are gradually breaking through into the international stages and getting the recognition we deserve. As far as a cappella is concerned, it is a genre which is not so popular in the music scene, and we feel this win is a step in the right direction through the gospel and secular circles.”

At the heart of the group’s latest project is a message that extends beyond music. According to Sibanda, Evidence of the Kingdom captures the ensemble’s understanding of its spiritual purpose and its desire to influence society positively.

“Evidence of the Kingdom isn’t only our album name. It’s also a message about the Kingdom of God we are living both in our individual lives and as a group,” he said.

He said the group viewed its music as a means of occupying space positively, encouraging members of society to become, “the salt and light of this world”.

The album also reflects the group’s journey as musicians who, despite individual challenges and life’s different directions, continue to reunite around a shared purpose.

“As we travelled through life’s journeys, we still gathered back for one purpose, and that’s to influence the world through the Kingdom of God,” Sibanda said.

The group now intends to use its growing international profile to reach more young people, particularly amid concerns over substance abuse in communities.

Sibanda said Family Voices wanted to become a source of hope for young people who may feel trapped by their circumstances.

“Now, we continue to take up space wherever there’s an opportunity, for starters to impact the youth as we know drug and alcohol abuse is rampant in our community. We intend to be a beacon of hope and say if we can rise above the challenges we face as a community, so can you. Through hard work and commitment and, above all, God ordering your footsteps, you can be what you want to become.”

Founded in 1999 in Bulawayo, Family Voices has established itself as one of Zimbabwe’s enduring vocal ensembles, building its reputation around gospel and inspirational music. The group has also played an important role in nurturing vocal talent, with former members Mkhululi Bhebhe and the late Eric Moyo going on to become prominent members of South Africa’s celebrated gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration.

Over the years, Family Voices’ music ministry has taken the group across Zimbabwe and the region, with performances at major platforms including the Harare International Festival of Arts (Hifa), Essence Festival in Durban, Joyous Celebration shows, Muvhango during its 2 000th episode celebrations and the Ignite My Fire Show in Durban.

The ensemble has also shared stages with some of the continent’s most celebrated musical figures, including the late Zimbabwean music icon Oliver Mtukudzi, South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela, acclaimed vocalist Judith Sephuma and award-winning saxophonist Steve Dyer.

Its fourth-place finish in the 2020 Old Mutual Amazing Voices competition further introduced Family Voices to a wider African audience, with the group competing against some of the continent’s strongest vocal acts.

Family Voices currently comprises Brighton Ncube on bass and chairman, Melusi Sibanda, a beat boxer and music director who serves as vice-chairman, Tinashe Chitsaka on vocals and administration, Michael Sibanda on vocals and clothing design, Ngonidzashe Musiniwa as vocal arranger, and vocalists Oscar Mukaro and Sean Banda. Nkanyiso Gumbo handles bass while also contributing his skills as a digital creator and designer. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu