Latest news with #BenjaminDube
News24
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News24
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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by musayende (@musayende_) 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.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by musayende (@musayende_) 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.'
News24
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
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.
