Once 26-year-old Thamsanqa Mvelase discovered he could sing, there was no turning back.
Fondly known as ‘Thami’, he has just released his second gospel album and is hard at work creating a third.
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Definition: Gospel is a genre of Christian music. Gospel music can vary according to culture and social context.
Back in 2014, Thami released his debut CD entitled ‘Nxa Efika Ujesu’ (When Jesus Comes), followed by Jehova Elshadi.
Last year, he returned to the music scene with a bang, dropping his latest album entitled ‘Sikunika Udumo’ (We Give You Praise), which features 12 songs. The album is out on online music apps.
“My music is a mix of traditional praise and worship, as well as motivational gospel songs,” explains Thami.
He has shared the stage with big names in the industry such as Lindani Gumede, M-Siya and Mshana-de-ve.
“I grew up listening to and watching these artists, and to have Lindani Gumede discover me and now mentor me is huge,” smiles Thami.
He has been privileged to have these artists feature on his new release.
“I order 100 CDs every month and as of June last year, to date, all are sold out. All I have is the copy I play as my backing music at live shows,” he says excitedly.
He adds that track three, entitled Uyayithun Tutha, is his favourite song on the album.
“It is just very motivational and speaks to people my age,” he enthuses.
The stepping stone to fame
Thami was born in Ntabamhlophe and raised by his mother after his father passed away shortly after he was born.
The family relocated to Emabhalonini and Thami began schooling at Celukuphiwa Combined School.
“I would always ask my mother if I could sing for our visitors when we had people over at our house,” reminisces Thami fondly.
His mother realised his passion and introduced him to a local Isicathamiya group.
“I was a member for three years before deciding to form a school gospel group. We used to sing songs at assembly, in competitions and at other school functions,” shares Thami.
This was the point when he discovered he had a “golden” gospel voice.
“The response I got from my school, the fans and community helped me pursue this dream. My principal told me to look after my talent because I was gifted. Since then, I have never stopped singing,” remembers Thami.
After this turning point came a big change.
“Fans began to question why I didn’t behave like a Christian, yet I sang gospel music. This was when I decided to turn my back on the world and behave accordingly in order to change lives through my music,” he tells.
After giving himself to God, Thami found it easy to sing about His personal Lord and Saviour. You can interact with Thami on Facebook at Thami Mvelase SA.
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