LISTEN: Mayberry Park artist crosses over from pop to gospel music

Doctor Maureen Tsotetsi-Mbodi (55), famously known as Sister Blaze, aims to make a comeback with her upcoming gospel album.

The Mayberry Park resident, who has years of experience in the music industry, wants to give music lovers an old feel of gospel music. Initially, she was popularly known for being a pop singer, but later shifted her focus to gospel music.

“I have always had a desire to make a difference in the world. I started singing and playing a piano from as young as five years old.

“I was first taught how to sing by my musician father who inspired me to consider music as a career,” she said.

Woman of many talents

Not only is she a remarkable speaker, she is a television and radio personality as well as a gospel singer.

In the late 80s she came to Gauteng to pursue her singing career and looking for greener pastures.

Her journey kicked off when she was introduced to Pat Shange, a musical artist who was established at the time.

Together, they recorded a hit song titled Number Two Two Seven in 1989 under Dephon Record Company.

It was followed by her We Can Differ But Still Be Friends album and many others.

During her time as a pop singer she told the RECORD that she received limelight and was much loved by her followers at the time.

The mother of two has also worked closely with artists such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Brenda Fassie, where they belonged under the same umbrella of management.

Maureen comes from a family of academics, having grown up with her father being a school principal while her siblings also qualified in different fields of study. She has obtained a diploma in public relations with Damelin.

She has been actively involved with communities and has for years, helped the underprivileged.

“There’s always been a desire to help others pick themselves up. I visit the Thokoza community where I preach, conduct counselling sessions and pray for the people.

“I have mentored pastors and I assist in coaching singers from local churches,” she said.

In 2019, she was recognised and given an honorary doctorate for her involvement in the community since 1993. This was also in recognition of her radio and singing ministry.

Turnaround

In 1990, Maureen’s journey in the world of pop music took a turn as she became a Christian.

She immediately changed her style of music to gospel.

“I fell ill and while being at the hospital I met a lady preacher who introduced me to the Lord and that’s where my life began.

“I then had to solely focus on producing gospel music and later in the years music lovers accepted my music,” she said.

Her gospel music was warmly received and she released hits such as The Soul of African Gospel and Glory Glory which was produced by Reverend Benjamin Dube.

She was later ordained as an evangelist and has since became a regular guest on Dumisa TV and many other Christian television channels such as One Gospel.

Maureen has travelled extensively, preaching and singing in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland. She once got invited to sing in Zambia where she shared the stage with Reinhard Bonnke and Mosa Sono.

Where to next

She is currently writing a Christian book which she said is aimed at focusing on spiritual growth and Christian values. Maureen also wants to make a comeback and is working on completing her album which will be released in September.

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