MZANSI gospel star Ntokozo Ngongoma has had his nomination cancelled.
A singer from Pietermaritzburg in the KZN Midlands was nominated for the African Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards (CLIMA), set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, later in 2026.
The Clima awards are a prestigious faith-based programme that originated in Nigeria in 2016.
The awards recognise outstanding Christian leaders, gospel musicians, professionals and changemakers who've made a positive impact across Africa and beyond.
Things turned sour after Ntokozo and the awards organisers publicly clashed on social media over his support for March and March, a movement marching against undocumented foreign nationals.
Ntokozo angered the awards organisers when he posted his support for March and March leader Jacinta Zuma Ngobese.
"I, Ntokozo, am fully behind you Jacinta Zinhle MaNgobese Zuma and what you stand for. Don't get tired. March and March until we win. We cannot be silent anymore," posted Ntokozo.
Clima awards then expressed disappointment over his post.
"This is a shame. How can a gospel artist support xenophobic attacks? This situation is beyond illegal migrants. People's shops are being looted and rendered stranded. Children born and bred in South Africa are denied access to education. People are being killed, and you are standing in support? I think our standpoint should be what God requires of us. Hmmm."
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Following the exchange, Ntokozo asked the awards organisers to remove his name from the nomination list.
He later confirmed that his nomination had been cancelled.
"I was removed from these Nigerian Awards happening later this year in Lagos because of the post I made about supporting March and March. I literally asked them to remove me because I realised we are not in sync with the truth and reality of what is actually happening, and they are so committed to misunderstanding us.
"No one in this world is wealthy or strong enough to control my beliefs and what I stand for. Aluta continua," said Ntokozo.
The singer has worked with several gospel artists, including Babo Ngcobo, Malusi Mbokazi, Ayanda Ntanzi and Abanqobi.
He has released songs such as Izwi Lakho, Namhla Nkosi and Izindlela Zakhe.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Ntokozo said he was on his way to the march.
"I love my country so much that I can't sit back, fold my arms and watch other people fighting for me. I stand up for what is right.
"The organisers of Clima awards don't want to understand the struggle that we are facing as a country. That's why I asked them to remove my name from the nominees," said Ntokozo.
Several Mzansi artists, including Dr Winnie Mashaba, Benjamin Dube and artist manager Ayanda Ncwane, have previously received Clima awards.
The award's CEO Mike Uwak has confirmed that they removed Ntokozo.
In his written response to Daily Sun, he said: "Ntokozo Ngongoma is not removed because he is fighting for his country or supporting his country. He was removed on the basis that the movement is conflicting with our aims and objectives, which are uniting Africa and celebrating Kingdom impacts," said Uwak.
Ntokozo previously won a Clima award, and other South Africans are still nominated in 2026.
"The awards are not only for Nigerians or South Africans alone. So, we must do whatever it takes to protect our brand as well," he added.
The awards ceremony will take place on 9 October 2026 in Lagos.
