Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE journey of gospel musician Xolani Donga, from the lecture halls of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in the People’s Republic of China to the recording studios of Bulawayo, appears to be one of divine orchestration.
Today, Saturday 6 December, Donga marks his 42nd birthday not just with a private celebration, but with the release of his fourth studio album, Cross to Eternity — a gift to himself and to gospel music lovers across the nation and internationally.
Donga’s path to becoming a full-time gospel artiste is distinctly unconventional. Having graduated with a degree in International Economy and Trade from Zhejiang province, China, his professional future initially seemed rooted firmly in the world of commerce.
Few, including Donga himself, could have foreseen a life dedicated to spiritual song. This shift was prompted by a profound spiritual awakening. Donga attributes his musical destiny to an elevated spiritual experience this past year.
“I’ve been a devout Christian all of my life, but this year marked a steep levitation in my spiritual life,” he said, elaborating on the moment he realised his true calling: “God started to communicate lyrics of songs with me through visions. I shrugged them off at first but they kept recurring till I eventually gave in.”
This surrender to a higher purpose birthed his musical ministry. The album, Cross to Eternity, arrives as a special Christmas offering to the gospel community and a poignant birthday present to the singer, representing a deep acknowledgment of divine guidance.
The Bulawayo-born singer shared the main message of his new album.
“The album is about acknowledging God’s input in one’s life. It’s a praise and worship project where I acknowledge that God is the ruler of my life and my strength to face challenges in life is from Him.”
The album has 15 tracks and promises a rich mix of worship songs. Dalu Moyo worked on the instrumentation, while Innora handled the mixing and mastering. Backing vocals were provided by Nombali Cele, Primrose, Eugie, Dalu and Stho.
Songs like UMsindisi, Zul’elisha, Sish’udumo and Divine Favour explore themes of salvation, renewal, God’s majesty and grace. One standout track is He san na, sung entirely in Mandarin. The title means “Hosanna” and reflects Donga’s unique journey, blending his Chinese academic past with his Zimbabwean gospel roots.
Cross to Eternity follows three earlier albums, My Strength, Myriads of Angels and Balm of Gilead. The second album’s title, Myriads of Angels, gives insight into Donga’s creative process. Unlike most musicians who write from daily experiences, Donga says his music comes from above.
“I don’t get in the groove, I don’t write what I see or hear. I believe my lyrics come from above. I dream of myriads of angels singing songs to me and I would wake up in the middle of the night to record melodies of the songs on my phone.”
This deep spiritual connection, receiving melodies and messages in dreams, is the foundation of his music.
It gives his songs a heavenly quality and strong spiritual meaning. Donga insists the angels are not just his inspiration but his collaborators, delivering songs to him in the quiet of the night.
With the release of Cross to Eternity, Donga signals not just a new chapter in his discography but a new phase in his ministry. Moving beyond the studio, he has promised to bring his unique, angel-inspired worship to the stage.
“Moving forward, Donga promised to begin live performances so that a lot of people get to know his music,” he stated, eager to connect directly with audiences and share the messages received in those divine visions. —@MbuleloMpofu
