Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
FROM the Great Wall of the People’s Republic of China to the great City of Kings and Queens, is the story of the new gospel kid-on-the-block.
Conferred a degree in International Economy and Trade in foreign land six years ago at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in Zhejiang province, China, no one would think that Xolani Donga would take to the mic and sing.
Neither did he think so himself. The idea to sing was brought about by the need to adhere to God’s calling in his life.
“I’ve been a devout Christian all of my life but this year marked a steep levitation in my spiritual life.
This is because 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,” said Donga.
The Bulawayo-born and Chinese-taught Economics studies graduate, recently released his debut gospel album.
He said the album titled My Strength is about acknowledging God’s input in one’s life.
“My debut album is 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.
This is my special Christmas gift to lovers of the gospel music genre,” explained the singer.
The album has 10 songs and the cherry on top is the one titled Yi ma ne li which is the Chinese equivalent to Emmanuel. Yi ma ne li is a song sung in both Chinese and IsiNdebele.
Other songs on the album include Malibongwe, Hossanah and Esteri.
“Yi ma ne li is a dedication to Karl, a Chinese friend of mine. He took me under his wing during my 10 years living in the People’s Republic of China and it’s a special song.
He helped me compose it hence I dedicated it to him. His input in my life has been invaluable and I thank God for him,” he said.
The debut album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Innora at his Innora Music studio in Njube.
It features Revival Crusade Missions’ Praise and Worship team.
Donga said he will shoot videos for Esteri and Ye ma ne li which will feature his Chinese friends next year. – @eMKlass_49.
Online Reporter