Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu [email protected]
BULAWAYO-based gospel musician Memory Mapepa, known as the Gospel Princess, believes her latest offering is another step in fulfilling the calling she says God placed on her life. On Friday, August 1, she will release an EP, Siphephelo Sami, a project carrying a message of hope, healing and unwavering faith.
The EP, whose title translates to My Refuge, will be available on all major digital streaming platforms, with the official music video for the title track premiering on the same day.
Unlike conventional EPs featuring different songs, Siphephelo Sami explores one worship anthem through four distinct musical styles — Original Mix, House Mix, Acoustic Mix and 3-Step Mix — allowing listeners with different musical tastes to connect with the same message of faith.
Gospel Princess said the project was inspired by her personal walk with God and His faithfulness through life’s challenges.
“Siphephelo Sami was inspired by my personal walk with God and the realisation that, no matter what we face in life, our greatest refuge is in Him. We all go through seasons of uncertainty, pain and waiting, but I have experienced God’s faithfulness firsthand. This EP is a testimony that true peace and security are found in Christ,” she said.
She said releasing the song in four different versions was a deliberate decision aimed at reaching a wider audience.
“I wanted the message of Siphephelo Sami to reach as many people as possible. Each version offers a unique worship experience while carrying the same message of hope, faith and God’s protection. Whether someone enjoys a traditional gospel sound, a contemporary arrangement or a more intimate worship style, I wanted everyone to connect with the song in a meaningful way,” she said.
Gospel Princess hopes listeners will leave with renewed confidence in God despite the challenges they may be facing.
“Above everything else, I want people to know that God is still our refuge. No matter what you’re facing — fear, disappointment, loss or uncertainty — you are never alone. My prayer is that every listener finds hope, healing, encouragement and renewed confidence in God’s promises through these songs,” she said.
Gospel Princess ventured into music professionally in 2020 after beginning to compose songs in 2014. She recorded her first demo in 2018, an experience that gave her the confidence to pursue music and eventually release her debut single, Malibongwe.
Away from music, Gospel Princess is also a hairdresser and make-up artist. She says she has always viewed gospel music as a ministry rather than entertainment, with a vision of producing music that heals souls and inspires people to draw closer to God.
Her calling became clearer while she was a member of the choir at Victory Fellowship Church after receiving what she believes was her first song through a dream.
“At first I thought I had simply woken up singing a random song, but later realised it was a song released for me. That is when I understood that God had placed a calling on my life to minister God’s word through music,” she said.
Gospel Princess credited her husband Jabulani Mapepa, her family, mentor Dr Margaret Mwamuka, Mum Bealah Huskins, Mrs Muchaneta Mhoni and gospel musician Tsepo Dube for nurturing her gift and encouraging her ministry.
Producing the EP came with its own challenges as she balanced studio sessions and video production with running her hair and beauty business.
“Trying to balance appointments with my clients at the salon because I take both music ministry and work seriously was not always easy. However, through prayer, teamwork and God’s grace, everything came together beautifully,” she said.
The project was produced with the assistance of TRB Music Studio, whi…
