THERE are essentially two types of gospel artists – those who sing cover versions, but sound really good, and those who sing from personal experience.
The latter are always more welcome to gospel lovers because they can relate to their lyrics and last week gospel singer, Ntokozo Mbambo, alluded to this fact by saying that the audience can identify with what has been written from the heart.
This is perhaps why many will relate to Mandla Maxwell Nduku’s, (aka Mhlekaz) album Uthandiwe. The debut solo album came about as a result of a personal tragedy.
“My wife passed away in December 2013 and I wrote the title track Uthandiwe for her. I wanted to portray the message that, when things go seriously wrong, it does not mean that God does not love you,” said the singer.
The brave step of using his own life as an example of how to remain a true believer works well because his experiences are authentic.
“I am about to turn 40 and people worry about how I am going to continue, but I am preaching the power of faith and God’s love,” he said.
“When you go through things like this you think of so much. It is easy to think that God is judging you when it’s not the case at all. Death happens to all of us, but how we receive it is what matters. I choose to concentrate on that more.”
There are no points for guessing that the Christian community took to this project and it is doing very well on radio and selling well, too.
“Uthandiwe and two other songs are playlisted on radio and doing quite well. I am very grateful that people have taken a liking to this album,” he said.
With any music project, recording is one thing, but tours are very important as they let the fans see the artist live and Mhlekaz is aware of this too.
“At the moment I go to radio stations and churches as well to do performances which are aimed at promoting the album,” he said.
As with any great album, there are a few other people involved other than the main act and Mhlekaz had outside help in producing Uthandiwe.
“I worked with a lot of people including Mxolisi Mbethe whom I featured and also asked to write some material for me.
“I also worked with Pu2ma and Sabata and Buhle from Joyous Celebration,” he said.
While some Christian artists shy away from seeming competitive in the name of being humble, Mhlekaz is hoping for some accolades to result from this album.
“It would be nice to get a Crown Gospel award. I believe I will be counted there, God willing,” he said.
When he is not listening to his own music, Mhlekaz listens to other musicians whom he says also inspire his sound.
“I love anything done by Pastor Benjamin Dube. The first time I heard him was in 1997 and I was touched by his performance. I also like Marvin Sapp,” he said.
• Uthandiwe is available at music stores nationwide.