Lungisani Moffat Ntuli from KwaZulu-Natal was voted winner on the grand finale of SABC2’s weekly music reality show I Want To Sing Gospel last night, 26 October. He walks away with R100 000 and a recording contract from Lindelani Mkhize Entertainment.

Lungisani received over 40 000 votes from SABC2 viewers around South Africa, followed by runner-up Mzoxolo Rafani with just over 30 000 votes, and Charisma Hanekam with over 12 000 votes. Both Mzoxolo and Charisma received a consolation prize of R25 000.

“I am very happy to have won. When I first came to the show I wished to win and I have always wanted to record an album. It has taken so long, but now my dream has come true. My album will be about praise and worship. With the money I have won, I will make my mother’s dream come true and renovate her house so we can have more space and comfort like everyone else. I would also like to continue with my administration and computer studies,” says the ecstatic Lungisani.

Three weeks ago, judges on the show wrote Lungisani off, but thanks to a wild card opportunity, viewer votes opened a door for him to return to the competition. Humbled by the vote of confidence expressed by thousands of South Africans, Lungisani upped his game and brought the house down every week, until he secured a spot in the finals.

“South Africa has spoken and [its] choice is good; Lungisani’s success - also considering his disadvantaged background - is a positive, uplifting story. The hard work begins now; in order for him to deliver, he will need to be dedicated, disciplined and devoted to what he does, the ball is in his court,” states the show’s head talent scout, Lindelani Mkhize, who will also produce Lungisani’s debut album.

“What a journey! All glory be to God. In the beginning of the competition we said: ‘May the best person win!’ South Africans have cast their vote for whom they considered to be most worthy of the prize, and Lungisani came out tops. Now he is officially South Africa’s newest gospel sensation; he officially belongs to the people of Mzansi. Come this December, his debut album will be recorded live in Durban and his music will be officially on the shelves at the beginning of 2009,” comments I Want To Sing Gospel creator/producer, Thokozani Nkosi.

The other top nine contestants have decided to form a gospel group, which will be launched through two special live shows on 30 and 31 October at the South African State Theatre in Tshwane. They are currently rehearsing for these events, their first ever live concerts along with winner Lungisani – following overwhelming public demand.

Tickets for the I Want To Sing Gospel live shows are available through Computicket, and at all Shoprite Checkers ticket counters. These concerts are made possible with the support of SABC2, South African State Theatre and the show’s main SABC radio partners - Ukhozi FM and Lesedi FM.