Bongiwe Madela's musical odyssey

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

- LUTHO PASIYA

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.

She shared the stage with luminaries like VaShawn Mitchell, Kirk Franklin and Kelly Price, showcasing her talent to an international audience. Since then, her discography has expanded, with multiple songs now available on various digital platforms, capturing the hearts of listeners with her unique sound and meaningful lyrics. A significant milestone in her career came in June 2024, when Madela held her first live concert at the House of Treasures Ministries in Johannesburg.