adminNkululeko Nkala
MY first meeting with Tholakele the Queen of Gospel was not nice. She had a go at me and other artistes who she felt were impossible to work with because of attitudes and egos.
She even accused us of blocking her payment after a performance at some national event.
However, she didna��t know that we were also taken for a ride but it was our word against hers and she was the judge and jury.
At the time, I actually hadna��t been following her career a�� to me she was just one of those artistes in the industry.
But as fate would have it, we crossed paths a fortnight ago at ZBC Montrose Studios but this time around, with no beef of any kind, she gave me two of her CDs. Being January, and in need of spiritual healing after having had a controversy laden December and January, I needed music that uplifts the soul.
This was to be the first gospel listening session for me in a long time a�� I think the last gospel cut I listened to was Sfiso Ncwanea��s Kulungile Baba.
I was touched for days. Tholakele just had the same effect on me. Her two albums Jehova Nkosi Yami and Ngithobe Amanxeba are nothing short of amazing. The 24 tracks will take you on a musical journey that is an emotional roller coaster. She takes you from slow soulful gospel to upbeat Rhumba tunes. I was especially amazed by her covers and traditional renditions which she does very well. Produced in South Africa, the albums are sung in Ndebele , English and Shona.
With the amazing music, it got me asking. How did Tholakele get to be Tholakele? She began her music career at church as a young lady and after moving to South Africa she realised the value of music.
She formed the group Amakholwa Amahle with the late Bheki Nkala. Because of work commitments from the other members, she later split from the group to pursue a solo career. She writes and arranges all of her music. One of her biggest achievements was being part of the 2010 World Cup entourage, performing with R Kelly, Soweto Gospel choir and Shakira among others. She has performed at local galas and a lot of local music events.
Tholakele is currently in the country promoting her brand and making her music available to radio stations. Get in touch for more information about the songstress.
Until next week, be safea��
@nkuenkala 0772214373 . .
Online Reporter