HELEN Lekgothoane's Texas Gospel Music Excellence awards nomination is like a dream.
The 34-year-old from Polokwane, Limpopo said after hearing about the nomination she had mixed feelings because as an independent artist, she never thought she'd ever be mentioned among the greatest in the world.
"I never anticipated the nomination. Most of my songs are not in English, and to think I was nominated because of my Sepedi song, it's a cherry on top. I was nominated via a radio station that played my music in the USA, Africa-USA Radio, where the chief executive officer, Mlamuli Miya, always played my song titled Phagama," she said.
Helen said the anointing that came with the voice also played a part in getting the attention of the Texas people.
She said she was nominated for the song Phagama, a single released in 2022.
The gospel singer said she can't wait for the awards that will take place from 15 to 18 February 2024 in Texas.
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"It's my desire to travel to America for the awards ceremony. It will be my first time travelling abroad, and I'm super excited and also a bit anxious about it. I'm doing traditional and contemporary gospel," she said.
She said she recorded her first album, called Jesus Alive in Me, in 2017, which was a live recording.
Helen described herself as a woman who is ambitious, determined and strong.
"I'm one person who believes in hard work and independence. I'm an independent artist doing things at my own pace and not competing with anyone," said Helen.
She released her second album, Grace Kept Me, in September 2023.
The mother of two said she is a mental health coach and also the CEO of Rise Village Child, an organisation where she helps children in her village, especially child-headed families.
Her manager, Sibongile Mothiba, said: "I'm very proud because of her achievements. It makes me excited."
