Top Eastern Cape gospel musicians drop new albums
TWO of the province’s award-winning gospel artists launched their new albums over the weekend.
Multi-award-winning Bethusile Mcinga launched his fourth album, Intando Yakho, in Mthatha on Saturday night, and Khanyisa Sabuka launched her 10th album titled Ewe Lowo in East London the following day.
The all-night event at Mthatha’s OR Tambo Hall saw hundreds of gospel music lovers packing the venue, where 33-year-old Mcinga also officially launched his Bethusile Mcinga Foundation.
Launching his charitable foundation, the Mthatha-based singer and philanthropist called upon fellow South Africans to show patriotism and ubuntu by investing in the future of the youth and helping to support needy children.
As part of his foundation’s work, Mcinga will be giving back to communities by raising funds, collecting food, and buying school uniforms, shoes and sanitary towels for children who are less fortunate.
“As Africans I think we all subscribe to the notion that it takes a village to raise a child. So the child next door is my child and if we are indeed patriotic, we will without any hesitation extend a helping hand to needy children out there.
“Most of us are what we are today because of the contribution of the community we grew up in,” Bethusile told the jovial crowd.
The father of three said children were very close to his heart and that making a difference to their lives was what allowed him to be at peace with himself.
He said it should take a concerted effort by all country lovers to make a huge difference in the lives of millions from poor families.
“Some of these children drop out of school and end up on the wrong side of the law because some community members could not assist them in their upbringing,” Bethusile said.
He told the crowd – which included Post and Telecommunications Deputy Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abraham – that he would hold concerts “in many districts” in South Africa to raise funds for his foundation.
Ndabeni-Abraham, who described Bethusile as a role model, said she appreciated the initiative he has taken to assist needy children.
Other artists in the audience on the night were Dwala Lam hit-maker Veliswa Skeyi, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Dumi Mkokstad, Butho and Yonela Vuthela and Bethusile’s musician mother Lusanda Mcinga.
He is also the managing director of his own record label, Bethusile Music Entertainment.
East London music lovers also had their fair share of uplifting and heavenly sounds when Khanyisa Sabuka launched her album yesterday.
Sabuka started her music career two decades ago as a lead singer of the now defunct Mdantsane gospel outfit, Youth With Mission.
Her 20 years experience on different stages across the country was apparent during her performance on Sunday.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch after her performance, Khanyisa said it was the support of her fans that has kept her going.
“The journey was not smooth. It has not been easy, but God has kept me going.
“Through the support I am getting from my siblings, my husband and my fans I am still standing,” she said.
“What also kept me going was understanding the purpose of God about my life.
“If it was for money I would have quit a long time ago.
“I have passion for music. I have passion for recruiting unbelievers to know Christ.”
The working mother of four said through the support of her husband she was managing to juggle between being a mother and having to travel around.
“My husband understands my ministry very well and he supports me 100%. That makes things easier for me,” she said. —