Top 20 Local South African Gospel Stars
The gospel industry is one of the biggest industries in South African music. We put together a list of Top 20 Local South African Gospel Stars who are the most favoured SA gospel artists.
1. Benjamin Dube
Reverend Benjamin Dube began the journey of his calling in ministry in 1986.Thirteen years later, he cut a deal with Harmony Records in New York, USA, under Epic Record label and recorded his first live album – “I Feel like Going On” which sold over platinum in RSA only. His music ministry has briskly grown internationally, in USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Paris, Australia, and Japan and has an office in London -UK.
2. Lundi
Ludi’s career started off as back up singer for Rebecca Malope till he was spotted by Tsepo Nzimande who helped him launche his solo album.
3. Soweto Gospel Choir
Founded in 2002 and by the end of the year 2002 their first album “Voices of Heaven” was recorded and went on to reach the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s World Music Chart within 3 weeks of its release in the US. since then, they have grown massively and tour the world and perform on the greatest stages with legends.
4. Judith Sephuma
She was first introduced into the industry through jazz and afro-pop but has been seen on stage with great gospel artists such as Benjamin Dube. She has since released a gospel DVD.
5. Joyous celebration
The Joyous concept has always been enigmatic to a lot of people because of its format. The have release a lot of albums starting form Joyous 1 till 18. The are know for traveling the country delivering great performances and recording DVD.
6. Ntokozo Bambo
Ntokozo Mbambo is an award winning gospel singer, who boasts one of the biggest voices in South Africa. A diva in her own right, she’s one of the best gospel singers South Africa has ever seen and heard. A former member of the award winning Joyous Celebration, she has been in the music industry for more than ten years.
7. Hlengiwe Mhlaba
Known for her album uJesu uyalaela which was released in 2006 and made it big in the local gospel industry. Her career since then has blossomed with her releasing 4 more albums since.
8. KeKe
He then got the opportunity to go on tour with Benjamin Dube 1999 before joining “Joyous Celebration 5” in 2000-2001 as one of the choirs lead singers. Doing the lead on the song ‘Jo Ke Mohlolo-Hlolo’ also gave him the opportunity to work with the male group Redeemed.
9. Solly Mahlangu
The best thing to have happened to the ZCC church. Solly Moholo and his great performances and music videos that went viral in the country. He is known for this hit song “Botsotsi”.
10. Avante
Avante, which is famously known for its hit song ‘Qina’. They lost a member yet they still stayed together. They have performed in stages all over Africa.
11. Sifiso Ncwane
In 2001 relocated to Gauteng where he was soon spotted by producer Tshepo Ndzimande, and had released four new albums and a DVD with Bula Music by 2005. He has launched his own label he has gone from strength to strength.
12. We will worship
We Will Worship is a band that has successfully crafted a style and sound for a new generation of the South African gospel lover. We Will Worship’s debut album “The Movemeant Begins…” received critical acclaim and collected industry awards.
13. Rebecca Malope
Rebecca has performed at many music festivals across the country, becoming known as the ‘Queen of Gospel’, and continues to inspire listeners globally. She has collaborated with various musicians to record her albums, most notably Vuyo Mokoena.
14. Debra Fraser
Deborah Fraser is a South African gospel artist with a solo career spanning close to decade and more than a million units sold, cementing her status as a singer of incomparable power in the tradition of richly melodious, faith-based pleasant music.
15. Sechaba
Sechaba is know for his deep voice hit song Eloyi that made his mark in the gospel industry.
16. Winnie Mashaba
Winnie Mashaba has teamed up with Solly Matseba on “Koloi ya Eliya”, Sfiso Ncwane on “Mahlomoleng”, Merriam Moukangwe on “Tsiu tsaka”, Jerrette Lehlokoa on “Go Tseba Jehovah” and Kutullo Moagi on “Sefefo sa Moea”, a popular uplifting hymn in “Difela tsa Sione” hymn book. She has made it beyond the boarders of Limpopo into the entire country.
17. Sipho Makhabane
Sipho Makhabane is another award winning gospel musician, a legend of the genre. Having won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the SABC Crown Gospel Awards, Makhabane has a wealth of knowledge about the genre.
18. Jabu Hlongwane
Jabu Hlongwane singer, songwriter and producer has paid his dues in the music South African Music industry and is justifiably rated comfortably with the best in the world. His recent accolade from Africa Gospel Music Awards in the category ” Best Contribution in Gospel Music” in Africa bares testimony to the reach of his work.
19. Melani Steenkamp
Melanie Steenkamp is a dedicated young singer who has devoted her life to the Ministry. With her continued efforts to relief the suffering in Third-World countries like Cambodia, this talented artist is more than just a pretty face. She is steadfast in the teachings of Christ and a true inspiration to many of South Africa’s youth.
20. Niel Higgins
Microphones On Street Corners, his debut album, encapsulates what Niel is all about – writing and singing love songs to our God of love. Niel’s brand new worship album “The Noise We Make” is out now and available worldwide.
Mbali Radebe
