Debut gospel album after 11 years in the background

A MQANDULI-born gospel musician, who has been a backing singer for more than a decade, is on the road to stardom with the release of his first album.

Speaking to the Dispatch, Samkelo Ngqamza said he had been singing as a back-up for 11 years for artists such as Nkosinathi Ngceke and Andile Kula, and last year decided to embark on a solo project.

“Most musicians start off as backing vocalists but as the years went by I realised God wanted more for me and I decided to focus my energies on my own project. This solo project is a fulfilment of my vision and dream,” said Ngqamza.

He is yet to sign a marketing deal with a major label but recorded his work at Tops Records in Mthatha with Luyanda Ruca on production.

“I am an independent artist and that comes with a lot of challenges obviously, like getting your album in major music and retail stores,” he said.

“Even securing gigs is not easy because people are reluctant to give you a chance if you do not have the endorsement of someone famous, but I am determined to make a success.”

Ngqamza said the 10-track offering, titled (God is Real) was released last November and is a combination of original compositions and traditional songs that have been rearranged.

“The title says it all – with this album I am ministering to revive lost souls, people who have lost their faith in God by giving my own testament of what God has done for me,” he said.

Ngqamza’s music is available on iTunes and Deezer, and although he has yet to release any music videos, he is working on a live DVD which he intends to release at the end of April.