Spirit of Praise is a South African gospel music group. Formed in 2008, the group is a project of the Spirit Music Group (SMG), a Johannesburg-based production and distribution company. The collective is characterised by its rotating cast of veteran and emerging soloists, large-scale live recordings, and its influence on contemporary Pentecostal-Charismatic worship.[1]
Spirit of Praise has released eleven live volumes, winning multiple South African Music Awards (SAMA) and Crown Gospel Music Awards.[2]
History
editSpirit of Praise was established in 2008 by Aubrey Peacock and Matthew Nkabinde in partnership with Spirit Music Group. The project's debut, a two-volume live recording titled Spirit of Praise Vol. 1 & 2, was held at the Pretoria State Theatre in 2008 and featured artists Benjamin Dube, Keke Phoofolo, and Solly Mahlangu.[3] These early recordings established the group's "multi-artist show" format, combining traditional African rhythms with contemporary gospel arrangements.[citation needed]
In 2010, the collective recorded Volume 3,[4] followed by a significant expansion in 2012 with Volume 4, recorded at the Big Top Arena in Carnival City. Volume 4 reached multi-platinum status and won the group's first South African Music Award.[5]
From 2014 to 2022, Spirit of Praise established a long-term recording residency at Carnival City, producing Volumes 5 through 8. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group recorded Volume 8 in 2022 at Carnival City, which featured "Thath'Indawo" performed by Mpumi Mtsweni.[6]
In 2023, the collective moved its live recordings to the SunBet Arena in Pretoria to accommodate larger audiences, starting with Volume 9. This was followed by Volume 10 in 2024, which featured lead performances by Dumi Mkokstad and Mmatema.[citation needed]
In April 2025, co-founder Benjamin Dube announced his departure from the collective to focus on his independent ministry.[7] Despite his exit, the group continued its "Next Level" trajectory, recording Volume 11 in June 2025 at SunBet Arena with a new lineup including Sindi Ntombela and Canaan Nyathi.[8]
Membership
editSpirit of Praise operates as a collective rather than a traditional choir, utilising a rotating cast of vocalists to ensure the brand remains "evergreen". Over its seventeen-year history, the "Spirit of Praise Family" has featured more than 40 artists.[2]
Notable artists
edit- Dumi Mkokstad: Leading contemporary soloist on "Asikho Isikhali".
Discography
edit| Title | Year | Venue | Notable artists / tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 1 & 2 | 2008 | Pretoria State Theatre | Benjamin Dube, Keke, Solly Mahlangu |
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 3 | 2011 | Lyric Theatre | Omega Khunou |
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 4 | 2013 | Carnival City | Zaza Mokhethi : "Zonk'Izono" |
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 5 | 2014 | Carnival City | Benjamin Dube, The Dube Brothers |
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 6 | 2016 | Carnival City | Neyi Zimu : "Jehova Retshepile" |
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 7 | 2018 | Carnival City | Mmatema : "Make a Way" |
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 8 | 2022 | Carnival City | Mpumi Mtsweni : "Thath'Indawo" |
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 9 | 2023 | SunBet Arena | Pastor M Tshabalala : "Bamba Mzalwane" |
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 10 | 2024 | SunBet Arena | Dumi Mkokstad : "Asikho Isikhali" |
| Spirit of Praise Vol. 11 | 2025 | SunBet Arena | Sindi Ntombela – "Next Level" |
Awards and recognition
editSouth African Music Awards (SAMA)
editCrown Gospel Music Awards
edit- 2015: Best Gospel DVD (Vol. 5).[11]
- 2017: Best Gospel Group and Best Praise Song (Vol. 6).[12]
- 2017: Best Collaboration Song ("Ungenzela Konke Okuhle").[13]
In addition to formal ceremonies, the group received a Gold YouTube Award for its significant digital reach. As of 2024, Spirit of Praise was ranked among the top 100 most-streamed gospel artists worldwide by Spotify.[1][14]
References
edit- 1 2 "Spirit Of Praise". Music In Africa. 2025-11-25. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- 1 2 "Spirit Of Praise". Spirit Music Group. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2025-04-14). "Reverend Benjamin Dube dumps Spirit of Praise collective". Sunday World. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "Your Sama nominees". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- 1 2 Viljoen, Andre (2013-05-16). "Ncwane becomes first gospel artist to win Album Of Year at Sama". gatewaynews.co.za. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ Content, Print (2022-04-27). "Feel the spirit with the Spirit of Praise 8 at Carnival City". Alberton Record. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "Gospel star Benjamin Dube parts ways with Spirit of Praise to focus on his calling". TimesLIVE. 2025-04-14. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ SAGMM (2025-10-03). "Spirit of Praise Releases Full Album Next Level". South African Gospel Music Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "SAMA 23 2017: The Complete List Of Winners". Texx and the City. 2017-05-29. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "Here's everyone who won at SAMA 25". www.glamour.co.za. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ yomzansi (2015-11-16). "WINNERS: 2015 Crown Gospel Music Awards". YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "Crown Awards return to honour best in SA gospel". Music In Africa. 2015-11-05. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "Benjamin Dube wins big at SA Crown Gospel Music Awards". Music In Africa. 2017-11-27. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ Augoye, Jayne (2024-12-14). "Nathaniel Bassey, Moses Bliss, among top 100 most-streamed gospel artistes worldwide- Spotify". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Retrieved 2026-03-26.