PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ NTOKOZO NGONGOMA
South African gospel artist Ntokozo Ngongoma has spoken out after revealing that he was removed from the Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards in Africa (CLIMA Africa Awards) following his public support for Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and the March and March movement.
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The Durban-based singer shared the news on social media, claiming that his support for the anti-illegal immigration movement led to his exclusion from the awards ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, later this year.
Ntokozo Ngongoma speaks on CLIMA Africa Awards removal
According to Ntokozo, he ultimately asked for his name to be removed after realising that he and the awards organisers held fundamentally different views on the matter.
Ntokozo had publicly declared his support for Jacinta and the March and March movement in the lead-up to the nationwide protests held on 30 June 2026.
Also see: Gospel Star Ntokozo Ngongoma Mourns Son’s Passing
‘I’d rather lose it all’
The gospel singer revealed that several people within the Christian community had cautioned him that publicly supporting the movement could negatively affect his career and cost him professional opportunities.
However, Ntokozo said he was prepared to accept those consequences rather than compromise his beliefs. He added that no award, platform, or financial opportunity would influence his personal convictions.
CLIMA Africa Awards organisers respond to Ntokozo Ngongoma’s claims
According to Ntokozo, the CLIMA Africa Awards organisers criticised his support for the movement, allegedly arguing that his stance appeared to endorse xenophobic violence and the mistreatment of foreign nationals.
In a message shared by the singer, the organisers reportedly expressed concern about the humanitarian impact of anti-immigrant sentiment and questioned how a gospel artist could support a movement they believe has been associated with xenophobic rhetoric.
Ntokozo further claimed that organisers removed promotional material featuring him and blocked him on their social media platforms following the dispute.
Standing firm despite criticism
Despite the controversy, Ntokozo has maintained that he has no regrets about his decision and remains committed to supporting the March and March movement.
The singer, who was previously recognised at the CLIMA Africa Awards and had been nominated again this year, says he is willing to sacrifice industry recognition if it means remaining true to his beliefs.
Also see: ‘We are marching every Thursday’: Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma announces weekly March and March protests
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