Bongiwe Madela's musical odyssey

FROM FAITH TO FAME

- LUTHO PASIYA

IN A remarkable era for gospel music, female artists in South Africa are leaving an indelible mark that echoes far beyond the church walls.

Their powerful ballads and uplifting worship anthems are not merely filling airwaves; they are shaping the contemporary soundscape of faith-based music as never before.

These talented women are breaking barriers, leading worship, headlining tours and creating a renewed sense of connection for audiences across the nation.

One shining star in this vibrant scene is Bongiwe Madela, a gifted singer and songwriter hailing from Katlehong, Gauteng.

Madela's journey began with a Music Performance degree, where she cultivated her musical talents as a backing vocalist for several prominent South African artists, including Dr Tumi and Collen Maluleke.

Her skills ultimately found a larger platform when she joined Joyous Celebration, an internationally acclaimed gospel group, three years ago.

Her transition from supporting roles to a leading figure has been marked by determination and a lifelong dream of creating her own music.

"It has always been a dream of mine to create my own music and I've always had the gift of songwriting," she recalled. "It was just a matter of time."

Madela's rise in the industry was further marked by her powerful representation of Africa on BET's Sunday Best in 2019.