Debut album tells her story

Vella Nyoni

LIMPOPO – WHILE growing up in a small village in Jane Furse, Thembi Maphalle always knew that the gospel music industry is where her passion lay.

She discovered her passion for singing at an early age. “I started singing in 1999. Coming from a Christian family, I grew up around singing and worshipping,” she says.

Her debut album, My Story, is a depiction of what she’s been through in her life. It has 11 songs and it is her first offering to the industry.

“The album is titled My Story because it explains what I have been through and where I am going in life. People can expect an album about worshiping and praise,” Thembi explains.She is not just a singer, she also ministers at the Apostolic Faith Mission with her husband, Jan. “My husband and I started a Facebook page called Timothy and Paul. This page is about encouraging young people to pursue God and to inspire them career wise.” The couple says they mentor youngsters and motivate them to be career savvy. “We use this platform to bridge the gap between young job seekers and companies. Anyone can go on our webpage and upload their CV and hopefully they can get the job they want,” says Jan.

Thembi says she has a love for her community and giving back and she wants to get involved in more projects aimed at young people. Her future plan is to organise some local artists and record a song of praise and worship. Her advice to everyone is to be themselves and allow God to give them a mandate of what He has called them to do. “Love yourself and what you do, love God as well,” she says. She says she hopes to inspire people with her album, giving them faith in the Lord and hope for the future. Her album is available for pre-order on 082 346 9250 or send an e-mail to thembimaphalle@gmail.com for bookings.