Beyond the awards: The inspiring story of gospel singer Xolly Mncwango's musical journey
Gospel singer Xolly Mncwango won Best Female Artist and Best Gospel Album at the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards.
She hopes her listeners will take away hope and inspiration from her music.
Xolly reveals a touching moment she shared with an audience member, reaffirming her purpose in music.
_________________________________________________________________________
Xolile Mncwango is witnessing the fruits of her labour in real time.
Affectionately known as Xolly Mncwango, she has just come off two major wins in her career, bagging the Best Gospel Album for her sophomore project Unusual and Best Female Artist wins.
Since the contemporary gospel singer's debut studio album dropped in 2020 after spending nearly a decade working with renowned gospel artists and choirs like Joyous Celebration and Benjamin Dube, Xolly's latest awards are a testament to her hard work and unwavering faith.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Xolly Mncwango (@xollymncwa)
Xolly is undoubtedly one of South Africa's essential voices in the local contemporary gospel scene, touching heartstrings with impactful praise songs like Ungukuphila and Healing Power.
Doing it for who she loves
Xolly's collection of awards now includes a South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Contemporary Faith Music, a Crown Gospel Award for Best Female Artist of the Year and Best Streamed Song along with her two Metro FM awards.
While winning these awards are a formidable achievement on their own, Xolly's purpose with her artistry is all about lifting others through her faith and angelic vocals.
Xolly tells TRUELOVE what she hopes her listeners will take away and learn from her music.
'I hope that my supporters will take away a sense of hope, inspiration, and encouragement from my music. I pray that my songs will touch their hearts, uplift their spirits, and remind them of God's love and presence in their lives.'
She continues, 'I hope that my music will: Inspire faith and trust in God. Encourage perseverance through life's challenge. Provide comfort and solace in times of need. Remind them of their worth, value, and purpose. Ultimately, I hope that my music will be a reflection of God's love and a blessing to all who listen.'
Xolly's inspirations in music
'My musical inspirations are a diverse group of artists my mentor and my producer who have shaped my sound, style, and passion for music.
Siyanqoba Mthethwa: My brother who is also my producer for all my released albums.
Yolanda Adams: A legendary gospel artist, her timeless voice and classic songs have taught me the importance of crafting music that stands the test of time.
These people have inspired me to create music that is authentic, innovative, and impactful. Their influence has helped shape my unique sound and style.'
Xolly dedicates her deserved success to her son, whom she says is 'a precious motivation for my hard work and legacy. Inspiring him through my achievements will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on his life. Leaving a legacy that shows him the value of perseverance, dedication, and passion will be a priceless gift that will shape his own journey and aspirations.'
There's power in purpose
Intentionality is at the heart of Xolly's music.
Not only did she study music theory at Varsity College to better her understanding of her craft, Xolly's passionate vocals and the lyrics behind them have changed people's lives.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Xolly Mncwango (@xollymncwa)
Sharing a moment in her career that reaffirmed her calling to music, Xolly tells us about one moment that stood out to her when performing a worship concert and saw the impact her music had on the audience.
She says, 'As I sang, I noticed a woman in the front row who was visibly moved to tears. She was worshipping with abandon, and I could sense the weight of God's presence in the room.
'After the concert, she approached me and shared how my music had ministered to her during a difficult season in her life. She told me that my songs had brought her comfort, hope, and healing.'
In that moment, Xolly knew that she was on the right path and is fulfilling her purpose as a musician.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
11 hours ago
- News24
Chicken Licken cries fowl as ad board rules KFC copied its characters
Chicken Licken has won a complaint against KFC at the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), after accusing its rival of copying iconic characters from its ad campaigns. The dispute centred on KFC's recent 'All Star Box' YouTube commercial, which Chicken Licken claimed featured lookalikes of its well-known characters Sbu and David 'Legs of Thunder' Mgijimi. The 'All Star Box' ad centres on a protagonist who enjoys a meal while accompanied by clones of himself, emphasising the box meal's value. The storyline introduces two additional characters who observe the protagonist and then decide to order the same meal for themselves. Chicken Licken submitted that KFC's advertisement used characters resembling its own without permission. According to Chicken Licken, these characters are central to its brand image and have been featured in its ads for years. Since KFC and Chicken Licken are direct competitors in the fast-food market, the complainant felt this was a calculated move. It further claimed KFC's ad wasn't just borrowing ideas; it was outright imitation. KFC denied that it had copied anything deliberately and described the ad as a parody meant to highlight the appeal of the 'All Star Box.' No names or products were included in the ad, KFC said, and it didn't mention Chicken Licken at all. A line in the ad used the term 'salty,' which Chicken Licken also took issue with. KFC argued it was slang meaning someone was envious and that it wasn't meant as a jab at Chicken Licken's food. After reviewing the complaint and the ad, the ARB ruled in favour of Chicken Licken. It noted undeniable similarities between the characters in KFC's ad and Chicken Licken's. According to the ARB, KFC undermined its rival's advertising efforts, as both parties are close competitors in the fast-food industry and recycling its original advertising dilutes its marketing value. The ARB said that humour or parody cannot be used as an excuse when it results in copying or exploiting ideas that help identify a competing brand. In its ruling, the board found KFC to be in breach of the advertising code, which specifically bans mimicry that harms a competitor's advertising value. KFC was told to pull the plug on its 'All Star Box' commercial across all platforms immediately.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Boy, Who Became World's Youngest Motivational Speaker, Recalls His First Speech at Age 3 — and What His Go-to Advice Is Now
Caleb Stewart, now 11, became the world's youngest motivational speaker when he was 3 years old His first speech, given at a Florida church, centered around the importance of self-belief Caleb now dreams of being an educator and founding his own schoolThe boy who holds the record for being the world's youngest motivational speaker is opening up about the first time he spoke in public — and what his go-to advice for others is now. Caleb Stewart, now 11, set the record at the age of 3 years and 307 days, according to Guinness World Records. He gave his first speech at the ALARM International Church in Tallahassee, and it centered around the importance of self-belief. 'Everyone stood up for me, and I felt proud of myself. It felt really good to see how I made an impact and inspired everyone,' Stewart told Guinness World Records, recalling the moment. Caleb later gave his second speech at Raa Middle School in the Florida city, during a teacher training event. A video of the moment — which shows Caleb standing on a table while speaking to school staff about the benefits of reading and dreaming big — went viral at the time. Since then, Caleb, who writes all of his own speeches, has continued to speak at schools, churches and community events, with a focus on encouraging other kids to achieve their goals. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. As for his main advice for those who listen to his messages? 'Find something you are good at and work hard at it,' Caleb told Guinness World Records. He also shared his advice for public speaking in general, stating: 'Be confident, be calm, and if you mess up, keep going. Speak loud and clear.' In addition to public speaking, Caleb, who is homeschooled and began reading at just 2 years old, has made it his personal mission to make sure other kids have access to books. He established a pop-up nonprofit library in his community, donating his own books and other learning materials to local children. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! '[I wanted them to know that] if I can do it, they can do it too," he told Guinness World Records. The child added that he would eventually like to work in education and literacy coaching, while continuing his motivational speaking. He also dreams of founding his own school someday. Read the original article on People
News24
a day ago
- News24
Terry Pheto leads tributes to Tsotsi star Presley Chweneyagae: ‘He was part of my beginning'
Tears flowed freely among the hundreds gathered to honour the life of Oscar-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, who recently passed away at the age of 40, at the State Theatre in Pretoria. According to a family spokesperson, the Tsotsi star died at his Pretoria home on 27 May following breathing difficulties. Speaking at the memorial service, actress Terry Pheto fought back tears as she remembered her former co-star from the film that launched both their careers. 'Presley was more than a colleague – he was part of my beginning and somehow the end of a beautiful full-circle moment in my career,' she said. 'We worked together on my very first film. We were just kids back then – young, hungry and full of dreams we couldn't even articulate. And yet, there he was, carrying the weight of that story.' Presley rose to international fame for his lead role in Tsotsi, which won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He later became a fixture in South African television, with celebrated performances in The River and Cobrizi. Thabiso Ramotshela, who played Presley's son on The River, broke down while speaking about their bond. 'I miss him so much,' Thabiso said. 'I feel like it's so unfair. It hurts so much because as much as he is not my father, he is my dad. That man raised me. He took care of me. When things got hard on set – Youngins or Blood Legacy – he would call me.' Presley is survived by his wife, Charlaine. 'Charlaine, don't worry. We had a chat, and you said to me, 'Zenzo, don't ever forget these kids.' And I said to you, 'Charlaine, don't worry. I am here,'' close friend and fellow actor Zenzo Ngqobe said to Presley's wife in his moving tribute. 'To Pres – we shall meet. There, we may rehearse most obscenely and courageously. Take pains. Be perfect. Adieu,' he added. Friend Vuyisile Tshabalala remembered Presley as both a national treasure and a brother. 'We lost a giant, an artistic genius. But the show must go on . . . you are a great man. To me, you were like a brother. Rest in peace.' As the memorial service drew to a close, a family representative read aloud a message from Charlaine. 'I would like to thank [Presley's mom] Mama Agnes Keagile for your undying support, my parents, Mr and Mrs Allen, for being there throughout. My brother-in-law Reobone, my sister-in-law, my sister Ndumiso for being my pillar of strength and my go-to girl during this difficult time. My entire Eswatini family, the list is endless, but I'm truly, truly grateful for the support you have shown me.' Presley was remembered not just as an actor but as a gentle giant, a father figure to many, and a creative force who helped shape South Africa's entertainment landscape. He will be laid to rest on 7 June in Pretoria.
