5 minutes with contemporary gospel artist Musa Yende
Musa Yende has been adding her angelic voice to the gospel music scene since 2011, giving her backing vocals for famed artists like Benjamin Dube and Dr Tumi.
Musa is now spreading her wings as a solo vocalist, launching her latest single uMelusi and debut EP Sustained by Grace, while staying true to her message of love, acceptance and faith through her spirituality.
The 31-year-old songstress is currently gearing up for a one-of-a-kind live experience with famed artists like Ghanaian gospel singer Grace Charles and South African musicians Khaya Mthethwa and Brendan Praise, with many looking forward to tuning into their graceful hymns of worship.
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Get to know more about Musa and the inspirations behind her music as we catch up with the songbird.
Your new single uMelusi is both powerful and deeply emotional. What message were you hoping to convey through this song?
'The message I was trying to convey was really just a reminder that the one who has promised is faithful. A great shepherd who leads us with kindness and consistency until we get to where he wants us to be. A great shepherd who's goodness and mercy follows us all the days of our lives.'
You've performed alongside gospel legends like Pastor Benjamin Dube and Dr. Tumi. How have those experiences shaped your journey as a solo artist?
'Conversations, prayers, rehearsals and even quiet moments back stage with them often fed my spirit. They carried memory than music - they carried wisdom. I learnt that your spiritual life must lead your stage life.'
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You're known for blending traditional gospel with contemporary sounds. What inspires you to push the boundaries of the genre while staying rooted in faith?
'Honestly what really pushed me was the desire to create music that my grandmother would worship to, but that my younger sister could also connect with. But more than anything it was the Holy Spirit that gave me permission to.'
The response to uMelusi has been overwhelming. How does it feel to see such anticipation building ahead of your live EP performance?
'The response has been so incredible and heartwarming. I'm so glad I said yes to doing it for God. The response has been proof that I'm in the right path and there's so many people I get to lead to Christ and that's totally worth it.'
Having toured internationally and worked as a backing vocalist, what lessons or insights are you bringing into this new chapter of your career as a front-line artist?
'One of the biggest lessons I'm bringing it not this new season is that serving prepares you for leading! Also traveling and singing behind incredible artists taught me value of humility, discipline and spiritual sensitivity. You learn to listen - not just musically but spiritually. You learn that what happens off stage matters just as much as what happened off stage.'
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