Are you a fan of gospel music? If so, then you’ll know that South Africa has produced some of the most talented gospel artists in the world. These musicians have not only made a name for themselves in their home country but have also achieved global success. Their music has touched the hearts of millions worldwide and has been a source of inspiration and hope. In this exciting blog post, we will be introducing you to four veteran South African gospel artists who have taken the world by storm with their powerful voices and uplifting music. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as we take a closer look at these talented musicians and their incredible journey to success.
Deborah Fraser
Deborah was an exceptional artist, with her first single “Abanye Bayombona” becoming an instant hit, selling over a million copies and leading to her signing with Universal Music. Her success in music was only a part of her incredible journey. She was also a devoted wife to Nigerian Pastor Sockey Okeke and a respected scholar, earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Although Deborah passed away at the age of 56 after suffering a stroke, her legacy lives on through her heartwarming music. She was recognized for her talent and hard work with numerous awards, including the Crown Gospel Music Award for Best Female Artist, the Metro Award for Best Gospel, and the Kora Award for Best Gospel Artist. Some of her most famous songs, such as “Nansi le Nqola,” “Abanye Bayombona,” “Ndikhoklele,” and “Jehovah Ngiyabonga,” continue to inspire and uplift audiences globally.
Benjamin Dube
Benjamin Dube is a multi-talented South African gospel singer, songwriter, music producer, and pastor born on January 23, 1962, in Johannesburg. At age nine, he fell in love with the guitar and could play drums and bass guitar by age eleven. Benjamin’s family formed the Dube Family Singers, and in 1974 began singing in church. Benjamin founded “Share the Good News” singing group while still in school and won first prize in a talent search competition. Throughout his career, Benjamin has won several awards, including the Best Male Artist award and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Crown Gospel Music Awards in 2009. He’s also won the Best Praise and Worship Album award at the MTN-SAMA Awards in 2007 and the Best Praise and Worship Artist award at Crown Gospel Music Award in 2008. Benjamin’s story is one of resilience, faith, and a passion for music that has seen him inspire many through his music and ministry.
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Derrick Ndzimande
Derrick Ndzimande is a renowned gospel musician who gained popularity in the early 90s with his deep falsetto baritone voice. He is married to Martha Ndinisa and they have a son named Surprise. Derrick’s debut album “Nangu Jesu” was released under Reamusic Record Company, later absorbed by Sony Music. He has since released 26 albums to date, with 20 gold and 10 platinum discs achieved. His most popular albums are “Nangu Jesu” and “The Power (Amanda)”. Though his last album “UBUSISIWE” led to the closure of Derrick’s Production, he still performs and his group is still intact. With a voice that moves the soul and an unwavering commitment to his faith, Derrick Ndzimande remains an inspiration to many.
Lindelani Mkhize
He’s a versatile artist who has worked with different genres of music, including jazz, afro-pop, kwaito, and gospel. However, his most notable work has been with the SAMA-winning gospel group, Joyous Celebration. Did you know that Mkhize is the mastermind behind a reality talent competition called “I Want to Sing Gospel”? This competition has been running since 2008 and is aimed at discovering the next big gospel star in South Africa. The winner of the competition is offered a recording deal with Mkhize’s label, Lindelani Mkhize Entertainment. Isn’t that amazing!
But wait, there’s more! Mkhize has also been a judge for the Mzansi Magic reality competition called “Clash of the Choirs South Africa.” This competition aired in 2013, and Mkhize was one of the three judges. He has been an inspiration to many aspiring musicians in South Africa, and his contributions to the music industry are invaluable.
