The heartbeat of indigenous choral music is getting louder, and it’s echoing all the way to Soweto! The 1st Annual Choral Indigenous Music Awards (CIMA) 2025 is just around the corner—and now, the public has a voice in who takes home the honors!

Set to take place on May 4th, 2025, at the iconic Soweto Theatre, CIMA 2025 promises to be a powerful celebration of tradition, talent, and the unique sounds that define our cultural identity. From seasoned choirs to rising soloists, this historic event will honor those who continue to preserve and elevate indigenous music.

Celebrating the Voices that Move Us

CIMA is more than just an award show—it’s a platform for recognition, storytelling, and celebration. The categories shine a spotlight on the richness and variety of indigenous choral music: Nominations list is Out and these are the nominees:

Best Indigenous Choral Composition (Mzilikazi Khumalo Award)

Universal Catholic Church Choir

University Of Johannesburg

Capetown Camerata

Choir of the New Apostolic Church

Best Indigenous Vocal Performance (Solo or Group)

God’s Grace Ministries

Vocal Harmony

Reality 7

Chosen SG

The Joy

Best Indigenous Choral Event

8th Meloding yaTshwane Festival

ABC Motsepe SASCE

UFC Choral Festival

Prestigious and Public Vote Awards

Best Indigenous Choir

Abathandwa

St Josias Apostolic Church

JTG Gospel Group

Duduza Serenade

Harmonic Crafts

Best Zion Music Award

Amadodana Ekhaya leZion

All Nations Christian Church in Zion

Zion Pastors Kids

Mighty Vision

Moya Oyingcwele Male Voice

Best Iscathamiya Award

Bergiville Green Lovers

Pomeroy Golden Stars

Inkululeko

Hlanganani

Best Amadodana Award

Amadodana AseKSD

Amadodana Ase Ngelane

Amadodana webuhle Besizwe

Amadodana AseTshetshi

Umkhumbi Wamadodana

Best Clap and Tap

Piba and Hosea Artist Development

Isaac and the Mighty Disciples

Inqgayizivele

Ikhambi Gospel Choir

Mighty Oh! Lord

Baopedi BaMorena

Best Group of the Year

Universal Catholic Church Choir

Comforters of PCAC

Leagato SA

Thak so’ Ujey

St Josias Apostolic Church Choir

Best Apostolic Choir Award

New St Nazareth Apostolic Church

General Unity Mass Choir

Revelation Artist Development

Universal Catholic Church Choir

The Saints of God Apostolic Choir

Reconciliation Mass Choir

The Star Church of Life

The Comforters of PCAC

Aftika Unite Apostolic Church Choir

St Josias Apostolic Church Choir

Best Choral Album of the Year

Amadodana AseNgelane (Ngazo zonke insuku)

Vocal Harmony (Victory)

University of Johannesburg (Echoes of History)

Isaac and the Mighty Messengers (Ketla tshepa mang)

Universal Catholic Church (Retibile)

Thee Legacy (Isichathamiya for the Millennium)

Bergivlle Green Lovers (Sekwanele Manje)

St Nazareth Apostilic Church Choir (Kesentse)

Mighty Oh! Lord (Amathunzai)

Mighty Vision (Isoni)

Best Choral Indigenous Music Award (CIMA)

Gods Grace Ministries

Amadodana Ase Ngelane

Thak so’ Ujey Choir

Vocal Harmony

Isaac and the Mighty Messengers

Universal Catholic Church Choir

Mighty Oh! Lord Singers

JTG Gospel Group

New St Nazareth Apostolic Church

Amadodana Ekhaya LeZion

Now that the nominations are in, it’s your turn to vote!

How to Vote

SMS C0de to 40439:
SMS costs R2.00 only free SMS’s do not apply.
Share your vote on social media using the hashtag #CIMA2025, and encourage others to vote too!
Voting closes at midnight on May 1st, 2025, so don’t wait!

Show Up, Show Love, Make History

This is your moment to support your community, celebrate excellence, and uplift the voices that preserve and innovate within our musical heritage.

The awards ceremony on May 4th will feature electrifying performances, emotional tributes, and a powerful gathering of musical talent at the Soweto Theatre.

buy your ticket now https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1565309751

For event updates, featured performers, and behind-the-scenes content, follow Sounds of Azania on all social media platforms.