Latest news with #Yende
Evening Standard
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Pretty Yende on the raw power of music: ‘opera is literally soul food'
And if there's anybody who can connect the crowd to the music, it's Yende. Now 40, she is currently starring in the title role of Handel's Semele at the Royal Opera House, which isn't for the faint of heart: Oliver Mears' production is a very dark interpretation of an opera that already includes kidnapping and forced marriage. 'It's a heavy tale,' Yende explains. 'Although it can seem very light, with all the nice music that Handel wrote, the actual story of my character is quite intense. What is amazing about the production is that visually you get the sense of that.'
eNCA
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Musa Yende spreads her wings as solo vocalist
JOHANNESBURG - Rising gospel singer, Musa Yende, is spreading her wings as a solo artist. She's gearing up for what's promising to be an unforgettable music concert, The Live Experience. This follows the recent release of her debut EP, Sustained by Grace. Yende has been in the music industry for over a decade.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Musa Yende debuts with 'Sustained by Grace', heralding a new era in South African gospel music
Born with a gift that she could not keep to herself, Musa Yende's foray into music emerged as a natural expression of her faith. Image: Supplied South African gospel artist Musa Yende is stepping into the spotlight with the release of her highly anticipated debut EP, 'Sustained by Grace'. This seven-track offering represents a vital milestone for the artist, showcasing her as not only a vocalist of rare skill but as a dynamic worship leader and storyteller deeply rooted in grace and intention. Born and raised in Spruitview on the East Rand, Yende's musical journey began early when she was singing in church. After graduating high school, she pursued formal studies in music, majoring in jazz, an influence that has undoubtedly shaped the fluidity and control in her voice today. Before stepping into the limelight as a solo artist, Yende honed her craft working behind the scenes, providing backing vocals for gospel luminaries such as Dr Tumi and Benjamin Dube, and embarking on projects overseas. This dedication and behind-the-scenes work have laid the groundwork for her current breakthrough, as she stands centre stage ready to share her profound talent with the world. 'Sustained by Grace' is more than just an album; it is a sonic and spiritual experience that has been carefully curated and prayerfully crafted. Alongside her producer Joseph Makola, Yende handpicked every track, instrumentalist, and harmony. The result is a well-balanced offering that beautifully blends technical brilliance with deep emotional resonance. It is a personal testimony wrapped in melody, detailing her heartfelt encounters with the sustaining power of God. The EP's striking cover art further establishes Yende's brand, paying homage to her signature blue hair - a bold statement of her individuality. This visual reflection encapsulates her personality: calm and thoughtful, yet unafraid to stand out in a crowded industry. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The EP's striking cover art further establishes Yende's brand, paying homage to her signature blue hair - a bold statement of her individuality. Image: Supplied The EP opens with a powerful track, 'Angesabi Lutho', a bold proclamation that exudes confidence in God's power. Featuring dynamic vocal layers and a captivating melodic journey that crescendos with conviction, the song reassures listeners that faith can banish fear. This uplifting message sets the tone for the entire EP, which is imbued with resilience and empowerment. One of the standout tracks is 'uMelusi', the first single released from the EP earlier this year. This song, meaning 'The Shepherd', speaks to God's unwavering care and guidance - an ode to His shepherding presence in times of uncertainty. Yende's unique ability to blend theological depth with contemporary musicality shines through, making 'uMelusi' not only a worship anthem but also a soothing balm for those navigating life's challenges. Following this powerful track is the 'uMelusi Prayer', a touching spoken-word interlude that deepens the message of divine guidance while showcasing Yende's heartfelt devotion to her ministry. The EP also boasts an impressive collaboration with beloved gospel artist Brenden Praise on the track 'Amandla Amasha'. Despite his mainstream success, Praise has long regarded Yende as one of South Africa's most talented gospel vocalists, often expressing admiration for her artistry. Their musical partnership has been carefully nurtured over several collaborations, and on 'Amandla Amasha', the duo takes their synergy to new heights. The track celebrates the renewing strength found in God, further enriching the listening experience for fans. Born with a gift that she could not keep to herself, Musa Yende's foray into music emerged as a natural expression of her faith. Image: Supplied Born with a gift that she could not keep to herself, Yende's foray into music emerged as a natural expression of her faith. "God gave me a gift, a gift that I couldn't keep to myself. So it became a way of expressing my faith, healing, and reaching people in ways words couldn't," she explained. This unwavering commitment to her craft is evident in the compelling narratives that are woven into each track on the EP. Musically, Yende drew inspiration from various artists who shaped her sound and defined her artistry. Icons such as Jazmine Sullivan, India Arie, Donnie McClurkin, and Le'Andria Johnson have had a profound influence on her. "I've been influenced by a lot of people," she said, acknowledging the diverse musical landscape that has contributed to her unique style. The creative journey for "Sustained by Grace" began in mid-2024, as Yende set out to craft songs that would resonate with listeners on a spiritual level. "Just to create music that carried hope and restoration," she said, reflecting on her motivation. Each song stands as a testament to moments of prayer and divine strength encountered during challenging times. The title of the EP itself holds significant meaning for Yende. "Sustained by Grace" serves as a touching reminder that it is not through human strength that we endure hardships, but through divine grace. The title encapsulates every difficult moment she faced and the resilience garnered from faith. "It's about surviving seasons we didn't feel ready for, overcoming things we didn't think we could, and still standing - not because we had it all together, but because His grace kept showing up,' she reflected. With her music, Yende has a clear vision: to lead hearts back to God. "If one soul is encouraged, restored, or drawn closer to Jesus, the mission is fulfilled,' she elaborated, emphasising the impact she wishes her songs to have on her audience. Looking ahead, Yende is not just focused on her musical career but is also eyeing business ventures for 2025. "I want to have a clothing range, a hair business, and just spread God's message across the continent,' she shared, showcasing her ambition to make a broader impact beyond music. With her heart set on making an impact, Yende's journey has only just begun.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Ridiculous and lame': South Africans mock Trump proposals
On the streets of Johannesburg's student district, US President Donald Trump's offer to accept white Afrikaners as refugees landed as both "ridiculous" and "lame", among South Africans of all races. On Friday, Trump cut off aid to South Africa and claimed, without evidence, that the Pretoria government is seizing white-owned land and persecuting Afrikaners, descendants of European settlers. South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, the world's richest person and Trump's right-hand man, has in the past echoed far-right conspiracy theories about a "white genocide" in the country. "Trump doesn't know anything about this. I feel like Elon Musk is pushing him behind and saying: 'There's something there. Go look at it,'" said Lulusuku Mahlangu. "Its greed," the electrical engineering student said. "When you have too much power, you think you can control everyone." Many have expressed indignation and bemusement that whites could be assigned victim status in South Africa. The white-supremacist apartheid government, headed by an Afrikaner nationalist party, ruled the country until 1994. Whites still own two-thirds of farmland and on average earn three times as much as black South Africans. "I find it funny because I live here and I don't see that sort of persecution in any way," said Lwandle Yende, 34. - 'Borderline lame' - "It's ridiculous, funny and weird," said Yende, a telecommunications specialist with neat black and brown dreadlocks and a chin-curtain beard. "I think we've been quite accommodating with everything that has happened in our past," said Yende, adding: "There is no such thing like apartheid 2.0." Trump's criticism centres on a new law that allows the South African government, in certain particular circumstances, to seize property without payment if this is ruled to be in the public interest. The law mainly clarifies an existing legal framework. Legal experts have stressed it does not give new powers to the government. Trump's offer to accept Afrikaners as refugees caught many off guard, including right-wing white lobby groups. The suggestion "has some racist undertones," said Reabetswe Mosue, 22. "It is uninformed and borderline lame." Trump's executive order pulls the plug on all US funding to South Africa, including a major contribution to the country's HIV programme. "America has betrayed us by bringing him back," 56-year-old pastor Israel Ntshangase said of Trump. "He messed up with Africa and he is doing it again," he said, warning that Trump's policies "will haunt him". - Life in America 'not cheap' - The South Africa government has sought to allay fears about the fallout from Trump's resettlement proposal, saying it was "ironic" that it came from a nation embarking on a deportation programme. "Who wants to leave this beautiful country?" posed Yende as he adjusted his designer shades, adding that his white friends found the proposal laughable. Trump's scheme appears to offer much to Afrikaners but may ultimately deliver little, said Matthew Butler, a 62-year-old tax and insurance specialist. "America is not cheap," the white man with a calm demeanour told AFP. "Are you going to have work? How are you going to make a living?" Nonetheless, the South African Chamber of Commerce in the United States reported a surge in inquiries about resettlement, estimating that 50,000 people may consider leaving South Africa. None of them should be stopped from leaving, opined University of the Witwatersrand lecturer Hannah Maja, on her way from shopping for a staff party. "Let them do whatever they want to do in order for them to get the fresh air that they need and want," the 28-year-old said sardonically. "I think there's something interesting when white people get together and decide to fight. Because at the end of the day, black people still suffer," she said. It was a call that did not resonate with film student Clayton Ndlovu, however. "We do need those Afrikaans. As much as we don't get along, we actually do need them," said the 22-year-old. "Trump is just trying to scare people." ho/gs/gil
