Gospel music fanatic aims for stars
LEEUWFONTEIN – A gospel music star is rising from the shores of the rural Leeuwfontein Township outside Marble Hall in Apostle Sipho Mgaga.
The down to earth, loving and caring Christian was born and bred in Evaton near Sebokeng in the Vaal but moved to Zebediela in the Capricorn District, Limpopo before relocating to Leeuwfontein Township with the Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality in 1985.
The traditional ladder climbing Gospel music artist Sipho, who is currently based in Mamelodi, Gauteng Province, to widen his spectrum of opportunities, says he started at very young age when he participated in clap-and-tap music groups.
The gospel music fanatic said he later became a leading vocalist in his local church, the Evangelical Apostolic Church in Zion where he formed choir be the name of Lord of Mercy.
“I started my professional journey in 2011 when I collaborated with Madala Kekana and formed an apostolic music group, Balatedi and released our first album titled Khumbula. In 2012, I collaborated with Asina Mokoena on the album, Africa, which consists of hits like Ebusheni Bami, Africa, Moses and many more. After performing in a number of communities, including my biggest event when the Netherlands cricket team visited South Africa in 2012, I went solo and released an album titled Makweru. It enjoyed airplay from SABC radio stations as well as a number of community radio stations,” remembered Sipho.
The determined gospel music artist says he draws inspiration from a number of established gospel artists and groups that boost his spiritual being.
However, Sipho says lack of resources, which hindered progress of most upcoming artists, remains a challenge in reaching more audience.
“I have two albums so far. I am busy with the third one, a single, which is due for release soon,” said Sipho.
He encourages aspirant musicians to remain humble, focus on their work and put their trust in the Almighty in everything they do.
“We are busy organizing to avail our music at music outlets and also online to be able to reach more Gospel music lovers,” he says.
Sipho AKA Apostle Sipho Mgaga also helps in community development projects such as the Msiga Rural Community Development programme. They donate school uniforms to the needy and provide motivational talks to addicts of alcohol and drugs in various communities.
