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Anesu Mawarire Entertainment reporter
Christian hip hop singer, Courtney Antipas also known as “Ill Ceey” has hit a career milestone with two Mzansi Gospel Awards nominations.

The humble emcee has been acknowledged under Best Gospel Hiphop/R‘n’B album of the year and Best Packaged Artiste of the year.

Courtney being nominated for these awards shows that Zimbabwean Hip-hop does have an audience and is indeed growing despite claims from some quarters that it is dying.

Over the past few years Hip-hop has been relegated to the shadows as the corporate world and promoters all seem determined to ride the wave of popularity that Zimdancehall has been enjoying.

In an interview with The Herald Entertainment Ill Ceey said these nominations have humbled him and he thanks God for them.

“I’m so elated to learn that I have been nominated for two awards at the Mzansi Gospel Awards 2015. I am really humbled that I was considered for Best Hip-Hop/R‘n’B Album and Best Packaging, I thank God for them.

“I am also happy that my fellow label mates Lilly Million and Blaque Nubon have also been nominated,” he said.

The rapper gives wonderful performances as his live sound is high quality with all instrumentation beautifully tuned.

The nomination is a huge achievement considering that Ill Ceey does not reside in South Africa.

The talented gospel musician began his musical journey at a tender age of 17 before giving it a break in 2009 when he released his debut album “Legacy” which is about self-consciousness.

Some of his major career highlights are sharing the stage in 2011 with US based legendary Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae and US based gospel sensation Kirk Franklin in 2012.

Ill Ceey set a buzz in Southern Africa after he released “Shift” in 2012, and from then on he has been travelling around Africa performing with a deep desire to affect his generation in a positive way.