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Xolly Mncwango proves yet again why she's gospel royalty
Even with her already glittering career, xolly Mncwango's dreams remain expansive.
Image: Supplied
There are concerts, and then there are moments - moments that feel suspended in time, where music becomes more than melody and lyrics, and turns into an atmosphere.
On Sunday, August 3, the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) became that kind of space, as gospel powerhouse Xolly Mncwango staged day two of her The Unusual Encounter concert.
The buzz had been building for weeks. Fans arrived draped in their Sunday best, voices ready, hearts expectant.
The stage was lit in blue and red colours. And when Mncwango stepped into the spotlight - elegant, poised, every inch the queen she is - the room erupted.
'These shows are unusual because they are not just concerts,' she told the crowd early in the evening. 'They are encounters with God. It is worship, it is testimony, and it is healing all in one.'
From the first note, she made good on that promise.
Backed by a tight band and a choir whose harmonies wrapped around her soaring vocals, she moved effortlessly between her celebrated hits and the fresh treasures from her latest release, 'Unusual Deluxe'.
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When Mncwango stepped into the spotlight - elegant, poised, every inch the queen she is - the room erupted.
Image: Instagram
The music and the message
'Unusual Deluxe' is more than just a re-release - it's a gift for the fans who have journeyed with her. The extended version of her acclaimed 2024 studio album 'Unusual" retains the 21 original tracks and adds five live recordings from her Carnival City concert earlier this year.
The bonus tracks - 'Igama Lakho', 'Alikho Igama', 'Thank You", 'Healing Power" and 'Liyabasebenzela' - carry a raw, unfiltered power that live worship uniquely brings. 'Some of these songs are not just about music,' she said. 'They are markers of my journey, my faith and my calling as a worship leader.'
On stage in Durban, the new and the old flowed together effortlessly. Her songs transformed the atmosphere - hands lifted, tears fell, and an almost tangible stillness settled over the room as she sang.
From church benches to centre stage
Mncwango's story begins in the pews of her local church, where she first discovered her voice and her purpose.
'I was drawn to the power of worship and how music could shift an atmosphere,' she reflected. 'Gospel was not just a genre to me; it became the way I connected with God on a deeper level.'
That deep connection has never left her. Even now, with award wins, platinum plaques, chart-topping singles and millions of streams to her name, she still describes herself simply: 'Before I am a singer, I am a child of God. That keeps me grounded.'
While other artists might chase trends or industry demands, Mncwango is deliberate about staying close to what she calls 'the Source.' 'I spend time in prayer, I observe life, and I allow God to speak to me through everyday moments,' she said. 'That's what keeps my music fresh.'
Accolades and anointing
Earlier this year, she claimed a Metro FM Music Award - a win she describes as 'God saying, 'I see you.'' She added, 'It is more than recognition. It is encouragement to keep ministering, to keep trusting the path even when it's not always clear.'
Her shelf is already lined with gold and platinum plaques, proof of sales and streaming milestones rarely achieved in the gospel genre.
But for Mncwango, the numbers tell only part of the story. Her true measure of success is the lives touched - the testimonies from fans who say her music carried them through illness, loss or despair.
Women who shaped the woman
When asked who inspires her, Mncwango does not hesitate. 'My mother,' she said with warmth in her voice. 'Her faith, her quiet strength, her prayers … They have carried me through seasons I did not think I would survive. She is the embodiment of grace under pressure.'
'And believe it or not, my little sister. She is the reason I sing professionally. She is such an embodiment of inspiration. She believed in me before I did.'
As for Women's Month, Mncwango sees it as more than just a symbolic date on the calendar.
'It is a time to honour those who came before us, who made space for us to stand tall today,' she said. 'In the industry, it's about breaking barriers, supporting each other and using our voices - not just in song, but in influence.'
Even with her already glittering career, xolly Mncwango's dreams remain expansive.
Image: Supplied
Mentorship and ministry
Her influence is already spilling into mentorship. She has plans - still under wraps - to create something specifically for young women in ministry. 'If it is God's will, absolutely,' she said. 'I believe we are called to pour into others.'
Her advice to emerging artists is firm but nurturing: 'Stay anchored in God before anything else. The industry will test you, and so will life, but if you are rooted in your calling, you will stay grounded."
"Know your worth, protect your voice and soul - literally and spiritually - and never lose the message for the sake of the platform.'
Dreaming beyond borders
Even with her already glittering career, Mncwango's dreams remain expansive. 'Internationally, working with someone like CeCe Winans would be a dream; her humility and anointing are unmatched,' she said.
'Locally, I would love to do something powerful with other women in gospel. There is something about women coming together in worship that shifts things.'
"The Unusual Encounter" - a spiritual homecoming
That night in Durban felt like the culmination of all these threads - her roots, her influences, her message, her anointing. We were not just entertained; we were ministered to.
Songs became prayers, and moments between tracks turned into heartfelt testimonies.
By the time the final notes faded and she took her bow, no one wanted the night to end. Some lingered in their seats - myself included - while others embraced strangers, bound together by the shared experience.
Mncwango's voice - both literal and figurative - had done its work. She had reminded the room that gospel music is not background noise or filler. In her hands, it is a force, a healing balm and a celebration all at once.
Her return to KZN was more than a tour stop. It was a reminder to her fans - and perhaps to herself - that no matter how far she travels or how high her career soars, the foundation laid in her home province still holds.
And just like that, "The Unusual Encounter" lived up to its name - a night that will be remembered not just for its music, but for its ministry.
Lutho Pasiya's top 5 Xolly Mncwango songs you need to listen to: 'Umuhle Baba' is a beautiful, soulful song that celebrates the beauty and strength of a loved one, often interpreted as a tribute to a father or a respected man.
'Jerusalem' is a powerful, inspirational gospel-infused song that reflects themes of faith, hope and spiritual journey. The track symbolises a quest for peace, freedom and divine connection, drawing from the biblical city of Jerusalem as a metaphor for a promised or sacred place.
'Yebo Nkosi' is a heartfelt gospel track filled with praise and worship. The phrase 'Yebo Nkosi' means 'Yes, Lord' in Zulu, and the song expresses deep reverence, gratitude and surrender to God.
