Johannesburg-based gospel singer Banele Mhlangu is a talented musician who has had to wait far too long to release an album. His life has been marred by financial problems for as long as he remembers. He dropped out of university due to lack of funds and as if that wasn’t enough, a record label he had pinned his hopes on made an eleventh hour decision to withdraw the release of his debut album.
Some people may have lost faith but not Banele, who continued to pray and rehearse his songs. In 2008, his prayers were answered when he met a dedicated Christian record label owner, Nanagolo Leopeng, who signed him and released his first studio album Ngibonga uJesu.
The album was released to critical acclaim, earning the 23 year old a trophy for Best Newcomer at the 2nd Crown Gospel Music awards. We caught up with Banele soon after the awards and asked him a few questions:
Q: What do you generally sing about?
A: I sing about our hope in God. He is my hope and He has carried me through a lot of ordeals, I believe He can do the same to anyone who lets Him.
Q: How did you promote this album?
A: We did a lot of free events and a lot of self-distribution of the album; we are hoping to have it in stores nationwide next year.
Q: What do you think about SA gospel music today?
A: It’s no doubt that Gospel Music is the largest genre in South Africa. It’s growing tremendously and also becoming diverse with many unique artists coming up.
Q: And how is your music going to compete with what’s going on?
A: My music is going to simply introduce people to Jesus and I believe he will do the work.
Q: Do you think new artists can make it in this genre?
A: Absolutely. This award says, “Yes, South Africa is ready for young talent”.
Q: What’s your impression of 2010?
A: 2010 is promising to be a great year for me. I will be on tour with Cell C as the winner of the Best Newcomer award. We also have some mega promotion events coming up, including the re-launch of my album early next year.
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January 12th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
When i first heard Banele was 2004 and i was so overwhelmed to see him making it to win best newcomer award last year. His voice matches that of oversea artists with no doubt and God Shall certainly Bless You Banele im your greates fan. His voice is just something else…
January 12th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
The brother is blessed with mean vocals. the first time I heard him was when we both auditioned for Coca Pop stars which crowned Jamali and those guys as Pop stars. I could not believe what I was hearing was coming from him because of how he was dressed like at that time. he looked like a pantsula and dagga smoking somebody but after he opened his mouth to sing that whole image changed.
January 12th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Ndiyakubongela mi bro kunje kungemithandazo kankulunkulu so why we shouldnt c the power of our heavenly father GOD i thanx nd thanx 4u 2be the bst nw cmer ma bro. and thnx 2 all the staff who did this wonderful job even us. In the name of JESUS in future even me i wnt 2 do hs job bt im stil beg hm 2 open his doorz 4 me bcoz sendiyibonile indlela yakhe. AmEN
January 13th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
he is talented
January 13th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Congratulations Banele, you have made us proud. May u continue to grow from strength to strength. God Bless
April 1st, 2010 at 9:05 pm
I have been enjoying banele’s music from the local radio stations. Please can someone tell me where i can get his cd. I have been löoking in the past few weeks in the malls in the south of gauteng but no help. Ta.
April 9th, 2010 at 1:55 am
I think God is great after so many years I see some1 I neva thought I wud see him again “Moshimane”Leopeng,hey bro its me MFANA MARUMULO ,halla @me 0782300773
July 6th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
Hi banele u guy rock n pls kip it up, no matter how abtacles comes along ur path, that will help u 2 stay focused in what u r doing. Am also talented bt i dnt knw hw 2 start here is ma number 0737742375 i’ll b gld 2 here 4rm u, i cnt even wait! Pls do so am begging u
January 21st, 2011 at 8:55 am
Yebo baba!!! God is a wonder working God this time all glory to Him my friend “it’s by His grace indeed. Amen. Can’t wait for us to work together on my album….
February 10th, 2011 at 9:45 am
NTHABISENG FROM TSAKANE I LOVE KEEP ON UPLIFTING THE LORD,KUHLE KUYANCOMEKA HALALALALALA LOVE YOU.
August 3rd, 2011 at 4:45 pm
great stuff…..stay blessed
September 30th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
be blessed my brother.i your music i hope when time is right we will meet.because i will be doing music next year.
September 30th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
i was saying that i love your music.and next year i hope we will meet,as i will be doing music studies, blessed.
October 12th, 2011 at 11:44 am
keep it up my friend
January 1st, 2012 at 5:54 pm
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January 25th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Praise you for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this category. If option, as you gain expertise, would