The World Gospel Powerhouse organisation, founded by the late Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, is facing allegations from artists who claim they are yet to receive payment months after performing at the 18th Crown Gospel Awards.
The 18th edition of the awards marked a return to Durban after a seven year absence following the end of a previous hosting agreement in Johannesburg.
Several performers say it has now been four months since the ceremony, yet they are still awaiting payment for their services.
One of the affected performers, Nonhlanhla Patricia Matleng, published an open letter on social media outlining her concerns. She stated that she had not received payment despite signing a formal agreement with the organisation on 16 November 2025.
“On the 26th of November 2025, we were formally hired by World Gospel Powerhouse to render our services at the Crown Gospel Awards. This was not a casual arrangement. A contract was drafted and agreed upon, clearly stating that payment would be made within 30 days after the recording,” she wrote.
Matleng further raised concerns about what she described as a lack of communication.
“What is even more disheartening is not just the non payment, but the complete lack of communication. We have made numerous attempts to reach out through calls and messages, but have been met with silence. Phones have been off, and there has been no effort to communicate, explain, or take accountability.”
Documents seen by MDN News indicate that each performer was to receive R10 000, including a R2 000 deposit upon signing and the remaining R8 000 due within 30 days after the event, specifically by 26 December 2025.
In response to the allegations, Crown Gospel Awards operations manager Larry Mahlanga said payments to artists are handled by the KwaZulu Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
“Truth is backing vocalists, lead artists and band members are paid directly by KZN Arts and Culture. We submitted over 42 artists to the department. They pay in batches. Nonhlanhla is on the list for upcoming payments,” he said.
However, the KwaZulu Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture disputed this claim.
MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Mntomuhle Khawula said the department was not responsible for organising the event and only provided support.
“The department of Sport, Arts and Culture in KZN and the Government of KwaZulu Natal were not the organisers of the event. We only gave assistance to the organisers. They themselves were responsible for all the logistics,” he said.
Khawula added that all departments that had committed support had honoured their obligations.
“I can confirm that all KZN departments that had made commitments to assist have honoured those commitments.”
Further claims suggest that only six individuals out of more than 40 staff members, including artists, instrumentalists, backing vocalists and technicians, received payment on 13 March 2026. These claims could not be independently verified.
At the time of publication, no formal legal action has been confirmed in relation to the matter. MDN News will update this story should further responses be received.