Out-of-box approach is the gospel, says Khaya

Singer-songwriter Khaya Mthethwa, above, has an outof-the-box approach to gospel music.

On his new show, Rhythm and Gospel, he will chat to musicians in his living room.

The lifestyle show airs today on BET Africa (Dstv channel 129).

Mthethwa says: “Rhythm and Gospel is, firstly, a young show, whereas a lot of gospel shows are older and traditional. But I think the show has a young approach to the whole gospel movement and spirituality.

“Secondly, it’s formatted as a lifestyle show; it’s not very churchy in its context. It aims to discover the people behind the music, those behind the mic. Who they are from a normal Monday to Friday.”

The talk-style show should appeal to everyone, even non-christians, he says.

“I think there is a legion of young spiritual men and women out there who can’t find a connection.

“Being part of champion shows like this, which are all-encompassing in context... you don’t need to pray for two hours to watch the show. There is no prerequisite to understanding any spiritual language, so it’s really about the normality of the young Christian walk we do.

“These artists also have bad days. They listen to music that is so-called non-christian music, so it’s a life we live from Monday to Friday.

“It’s kind of bringing that aspect of their lives to television where they can share close stories,” he says.

He says the show will speak to people in different ways and he hopes to inspire them to start every week with a positive outlook.

“There is so much negativity, so much bad news. It is good to have a show on a Sunday afternoon on which you can reflect and see the challenges faced by some of these greats.”

Mthethwa was called in for a screen test, which he says was like an audition.

“I’m grateful to BET for giving me this wonderful opportunity and trusting me with their first African gospel show.”

With four albums under his belt, Mthethwa is cooking up new songs in the studio.

“I’m working on a couple of new singles. One I’m about to release is called Makhulu Umsebenzi, which has been making its rounds on social media. I’m excited about that.

“I’m working hard to merge my TV life with my music life and obviously with church life as well.”