Mthokozisi Ncube
GOSPEL singer Memory Mapepa, popularly known as The Gospel Princess, is using her latest Extended Play (EP), Siphephelo Sami, to reach people with different musical tastes, as she has done different renditions of a single song with different arrangement, so as to accommodate different audiences.
The project explores how one message can appeal to different listeners through a range of musical styles, including Gospel, traditional and contemporary sounds.
Mapepa wrote and performed the songs, with TRB Studios contributing to production. Oscar De Rasco handled music engineering and vocal coaching while Mandla produced a song in the project with a House music beat.
She also acknowledged the support of her management team, OBAXEL, Oscar De Rasco and Joseph, as well as her mentor, Mai Mamuka.
Mapepa said the EP was designed to bring people together through music while allowing them to enjoy different arrangements of the same message.
She said the aim was to make the music accessible to a wider audience without compromising the meaning of the lyrics.
“Siphephelo Sami is a special project to me because it is more than just a collection of songs. It is a musical concept designed to bring people together through one message, expressed across different genres. I believe that a powerful message should not be restricted by musical boundaries.
“Through Siphephelo Sami, we are demonstrating how one message can travel across different sounds, reach different audiences and still retain its identity,” she said.
Mapepa said one of the main challenges she fased in her project was ensuring that each song has its own sound while preserving the message behind the lyrics.
“The challenge is not simply to change the beat. It is to ensure that every version feels musically appropriate while maintaining the message that connects the entire EP,” she said.
Mapepa’s musical journey began at Victory Fellowship, where she started singing in church before joining the choir. The experience helped her develop her voice and laid the foundation for her gospel music career.
Her growth as a musician has also been shaped by mentorship from Mai Mamuka. Her appearances linked to Khulumani FM, Skyz Metro FM and various events, including Mai Mamuka Gala Events, have further contributed to her experience as a performer.
As The Gospel Princess, Mapepa continues to focus on Gospel music and messages she hopes will resonate with listeners.
Apart from the EP, Mapepa is also preparing to drop three singles, titled Bawo, Vutha Mlilo and Siphakamisa Izandla.
Mapepa thanked her supporters for their continued encouragement, saying their engagement with her music was important to her growth as an artiste.
“Every listener, every share, every encouraging message, and every person who takes the time to engage with the music contributes to the growth of this journey,” she said.
She encouraged fans to listen to the different versions of Siphephelo Sami, share their favourite arrangements and reflect on the message behind the lyrics.
