Swazi Observer

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GCINA IZWI NGUBENIâ€™S TURN

By Njabulo Dlamini | 2019-01-19

Yet another new gospel music outfit has been unleashed to the nation. For a long time now, Gcina Izwi Ngubeni has been waiting for the right time to release her works to the nation and finally she’s here doing the most of it.

Her debut album was recorded in May last year but made available to the eager public towards the end of 2018. The debut album is titled ‘Clouds of Fire’ and was launched at an event that did not record an impressive turnout last Saturday at Manzini Central High School’s Prince Mfanyana Hall.

But Gcina Izwi said this was not an unforeseen reaction from the public as she had ‘been told by God that only the called ones would attend the event’.

Tracks in the new album are; Bayethe Jesu, Ufanelwe yindumiso, Ngcwele Ngcwele, ‘Yahweh’, Awulinganiswa, Jesu, Jesu, Nkosi yamakhosi, Uligugu lami, ‘Clouds of Fire’ and the instrumental.

Well, it was time we engaged the soft-spoken but determined soul about the new album and what it contained. We also wanted to find out what she meant when she said she was not surprised by the turn of events at her launch.

Below she pours her out to the Lifestyle and Entertainment Desk about her aspirations and gospel music career in general;

Briefly tell us who is Gcina Izwi Ngubeni?

I am a born-again Christian from a staunch family of religious persons. My father used to host prayer sessions in the mornings and evenings each day at his home and this ignited the singing ministry in me. I later joined Sunday school in my then church the Mhlambanyatsi Assembly of God where I served in various roles before leaving for Matsapha Evangelical Church in 2012. I don’t do things haphazardly so even denomination switching was divinely purposed and appointed.

How was the music cemented in you?

It was around 2003 that I got the calling to become an artist but only realised my dream in 2018 as I had to make savings for this project to be unleashed to the market. I realised I was ready for the studio when I recorded one hit song contained in the debut album titled Nkosi yamakhosi (track seven).

Who assisted you with the recording?

No one; everything was done using my savings accumulated over the years. But I’m indebted to the likes of Reverend Nicholas Nyawo (my spiritual father), DPM Themba Masuku and Prince Hlangusemphi for their assistance in my spiritual life and growth.

Clouds of fire; what inspired it?

A vision I had at Mhlambanyatsi bus stop revealed to me by God. There was lightning and thunder in the vision but it could not strike me because of God’s protection, hence the motivation to compose this song. There were also personal challenges experienced but God triumphed above it all at the end, thus He caused me to compose this track.

What are you presently pursuing in life?

I’m studying Procurement and Supply Operations at IDM (Institute of Development Management) in Matsapha towards my professional level. I already have a degree in this field. On the side, I have a business that supplies branded caps, hats and backpacks, amongst other things. I also previously worked for Swazi Mirror, Ingwazi and Independent News publications.

How has been the response from the public?

It’s been amazing. Over 250 copies of my latest album have been sold within the few months of release and this is an achievement for a new artist who is relatively unknown in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

In a nutshell, what is the gist of your message?

Simply praise and worship offering.

About the launch; what really happened?

There was really nothing out of the ordinary in my view. I had anticipated the turnout as God revealed to me that only His chosen and ordained artists would support my launch after the unexpected withdrawal of my sponsor for the event. I’m grateful to my spiritual father Reverend Nyawo who kept calling and showing face at the launch even though he was ill. He must have showed up at Prince Mfanyana six if not seven times just to find out how we were doing; for that am eternally grateful for such support from him.

Over 10 gospel music artists were scheduled to perform; isn’t that so?

Yes, but eight eventually showed up but I’m still happy because God reveals Himself in mysterious ways to me. I don’t do anything outside His approval or endorsement so even the launch ought to have been done God’s way. To me the event was not a flop as the public and the press termed it because the message was conveyed to the nation after all; forget the numbers that showed up.

What are you busy with musically?

I’ll be releasing a DVD next month and it will be shot at Mhlambanyatsi because the scenic beauty of that place amazes me.

Who inspires you in music?

The Hill song Worship which is the Christian music praise and worship group from Sydney, Australia.

Are you a member of ACASWA?

Not yet, but have already taken the joining forms and working towards registering the group so we start subscribing as soon as possible.

What are you planning for the future?

More music would be unleashed to the public but, firstly, it’s the DVD and thereafter I will be recording a new album to be made available towards the end of 2019.

Where can copies of the new album be bought?

Tikhetsele in Mbabane and Five to Five Record Bar in Manzini. With the rest of the music outlets; we are still engaged in talks and we hope this would be successful so my album is distributed to a wider audience.

How will you survive in this dog-eat-dog industry?

By God’s grace, I will survive even though I may not be into African rhythm or style of gospel music like many of our groups locally. I believe God will sustain my musical ministry.

Thanks for your time and all the best.

The pleasure has been mine and I would like to plead with the nation to support my music as an emerging artist who has recently joined the gospel music fold.

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