Gospel Life

Author: Eddie Hatitye

Newly formed record label Set Free Records is set to release the first urban gospel mix-tape ever in South Africa. The groundbreaking offering, which features a team of up-and-coming gospel musicians from South Africa and abroad, will be given to fans free of charge.

Titled From Death2Life vol.1, the much-needed mix-tape will deliver a Christ-centered message with fresh rhythms and timbres.

Siyabonga Xulu, who heads the record label with his brother Lucky in Umbilo, Durban, says their mix-tape is a response to the increasing demand for urban gospel music in South Africa. He says that, despite traditional gospel music being one of the most successful genres in South Africa, many youths prefer urban genres like hip hop, R n B and House.

Some of the gospel acts billed to feature in From Death2Life vol.1 include popular hip-hop artist C-Jay and the record label’s first gospel outfits the Fifty50 Family and Mawat. Ugandan rapper, Frank Reborn and American R n B singer Young Prayzer have also been confirmed for the mix-tape. Prayzer, who is arguably the most experienced on the team, has performed with noteworthy US star Kirk Franklin.

The scheduled release date for the mix-tape is Good Friday, a day that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus in the Christian calendar.

Fans will get From Death2Life vol.1 either by downloading it on the web or attending shows hosted by artists featuring on the mix-tape.