South African Gwijo Awards

The South African Gwijo Awards (commonly abbreviated as SAGAs) is an annual South African award ceremony dedicated to celebrating excellence in Gwijo performance—a form of traditional chant and music rooted in Xhosa and South African heritage. The awards recognize outstanding contributions from individuals and groups across the cultural, musical, poetic, and performance landscape of Gwijo.

The SAGAs are hosted and organized by Ekhaya Gwijo Healers, a non-profit organization committed to preserving and elevating the role of Gwijo in modern society.

Overview

Founded: 2024

First Ceremony: 4 October 2025

Frequency: Annual (1-day event)

Founder: Nonhlanhla Msimango

Executive & Creative Director: Andile Mzileni

Organized by: Ekhaya Gwijo Healers (NPO)

Country: South Africa

Purpose and Significance

The South African Gwijo Awards were established to formally recognize and reward the unique artistry, leadership, and evolution within the Gwijo movement. From powerful soloists to poetic collaborations and remixed chants, the SAGAs aim to honor those who preserve, transform, and promote Gwijo for both traditional and contemporary audiences.

The awards also promote cultural healing, unity, and creative excellence, especially among South African youth, schools, and community groups.

Award Categories

The SAGAs include a wide variety of categories designed to reflect the diverse forms Gwijo takes in society. Categories include (but are not limited to):

• Best Male Gwijo Leader
• Best Female Gwijo Leader
• Best Gwijo Remix
• Best Gwijo Collaboration
• Best Gwijo Song of the Year
• Best Gwijo Drummer
• Best Gwijo Poet Collaboration
• Best Gwijo Cocomelon (a category celebrating child-centered or school-inspired Gwijo formats)
• Best Gwijo Group
• Gwijo Lifetime Achievement Award

Additional special categories may be introduced annually.

Nomination and Judging Process

The award process follows a structured, transparent sequence:

1. Call for Entries: Nominees are invited to submit entries based on category eligibility.

2. Nominee Screening: Shortlisting and evaluation of submissions.

3. Public Voting Platform: A digital voting system allows fans and communities to vote for their favorite nominees.

4. Final Judging: A panel of judges evaluates finalists based on artistry, cultural relevance, originality, and impact.

Judging Panel (2025)

Andile Mzileni – Executive & Creative Director, cultural leader, and media entrepreneur

Sipho Mgabi – Cultural arts facilitator and Gwijo preservation advocate

Nonhlanhla Msimango – Founder and cultural activist

Inaugural Event: 2025 Ceremony

Date: 4 October 2025

Duration: 1-day event

Format: Red carpet ceremony, live Gwijo performances, awards presentation, cultural tributes

Venue: Katlehong 1401 ,Germiston, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan, Gauteng,  South Africa 

The 2025 ceremony will mark the official debut of the SAGAs, and is expected to set the standard for future annual events.

Organizing Body: Ekhaya Gwijo Healers

Ekhaya Gwijo Healers is a South African non-profit organization that promotes healing, unity, and transformation through Gwijo music and expression. Through the SAGAs, the organization aims to provide an official and inclusive platform for recognition in the growing Gwijo space.

Future Plans

Following its debut in 2025, the SAGAs will be hosted annually each October. The organizers envision greater national reach, category expansion, and school, community, and international collaborations in future editions.

See Also

Gwijo Music

South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs)

Xhosa Music

Cultural Preservation in South Africa

External Links

Official Website: [Coming soon]

Voting Platform: https://southafricangwijoawards.lovable.app/

Ekhaya Gwijo Healers:

Social Media: 

Instagram @southafricangwijoawards

Tiktok : @ekhayagwijohealers

Twitter : @southafricangwijoawards

Threads : @southafricangwijoawards

Youtube: @southafricangwijoawards

References