South African gospel musician Ntokozo Ngongoma says he has been removed from the Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards in Africa (CLIMA Africa) following his public support for activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and the March and March movement.
The Durban-based singer shared the news in a Facebook post, claiming that his views on illegal immigration and his endorsement of the movement led to a disagreement with the organisers of the awards, which are scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 9.
According to Ngongoma, he ultimately requested that his name be withdrawn from the awards after concluding that he and the organisers held fundamentally different positions.
“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,” he wrote.
Speaking about his decision, Ngongoma said he had publicly declared his support for Ngobese-Zuma approximately two weeks earlier, describing the movement as one he believes addresses concerns around illegal immigration and law enforcement.
“I, Ntokozo Ngongoma, am fully behind Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and what you stand for. Do not be weary. March and March until we win. We cannot be silent anymore,” he wrote in a separate post.
The singer said he understood that his stance conflicted with the values of the awards organisers and decided it was best to part ways with the event.
Ngongoma also revealed that several leaders and friends within the Christian community had cautioned him against publicly supporting the movement, warning that it could affect his career and ministry opportunities.
“I received a few calls from a few leaders and friends in the Christian community discouraging my support for the March and March because I might lose gigs and lose support. Well, let me make it clear. I would rather lose all of that than live a lie just because I fear hunger. God is my provider. We will March and March until we win,” he said.
Despite the criticism, Ngongoma said he remains committed to participating in the June 30 demonstrations and standing by his views, regardless of the professional consequences.
The controversy stems from the March and March movement, which has gained attention for calling on authorities to strengthen action against illegal immigration and enforce existing immigration laws. However, the movement has also drawn criticism from some civil society groups and individuals who argue that its rhetoric and some associated protests risk fuelling xenophobia and hostility toward foreign nationals.
In a statement shared with Ngongoma, CLIMA Africa organisers criticised his public support for the movement, saying they believed it appeared to endorse xenophobic actions.
“This is a big shame! How can a gospel artist support xenophobic attacks? This situation is beyond illegal immigrants. People’s shops are being looted and rendered stranded, children born and bred in South Africa are denied access to education, people are killed, and you stand in support? I think our standpoint should be what God requires of us,” the organisers said.
Ngongoma disputed that interpretation of his position, maintaining that his support is directed at addressing illegal immigration rather than encouraging violence or discrimination.
He also claimed that the organisers removed promotional material featuring him and blocked him from their social media platforms following the disagreement.
Before the fallout, Ngongoma had been listed as a nominee for Southern Africa Artist of the Year at this year’s awards. In 2025, he was also nominated in the Africa Male Artist of the Year category.
Addressing the controversy, the gospel artist said he has no intention of compromising his convictions for recognition or career opportunities.
“No one in this world is wealthy or strong enough to control my belief and what I stand for,” he said.
The incident has sparked debate on social media, with supporters praising Ngongoma for standing by his beliefs, while critics argue that public figures, particularly those in the gospel industry, should be mindful of how their statements may be interpreted in a country that has experienced repeated outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence.
