Local gospel singer walks away with top church award

Idah Dlamini proved that one should never give up on their dreams and talents based on what others think and say.

Idah is an up-and-coming gospel artist who recently won the Best Church Solo Artist in Gauteng 2018 Award at the first annual Gauteng Christian Church Awards.

“This award means a lot to me, it is a big achievement for me, especially when I think of everything I went through in this industry,” said Idah.

“I will forever cherish this achievement and recognition.”

Although the Kempton Park CBD resident began her singing career at a young age, she temporarily put it on hold.

“I have always wanted to sing and started working on my career when I was 21,” said Idah.

“I sang and competed in talent and singing competitions and also tried recording at studios, but unfortunately I was discouraged to pursue my career as men saw an opportunity to take advantage of me.

“When I refused to be used as an object I was told I would never succeed in life and that I have no talent. It was really tough to experience and encounter such things as it discouraged me and led to me letting go of music for years.”

At the hands of people who dampened her spirit, Idah then left music to pursue other things. Years later she got married and gave birth to two children. It was when she found God that she went back to music.

“I found the Lord and I am born-again. Being a Christian has changed my life for the better,” explained Idah.

“I devoted myself to going to church, and one day my pastor asked me to join the church choir. After much consideration, I decided to join which was when my passion for music and singing came back.

“Based on my previous experience, I went back to my singing career being more careful and wiser. I am more confident and won’t allow people to crush my dreams or try and take advantage of me.”

Idah’s return to the industry involved her registering her own company, Kwafika Marketing and Musical Projects.

“I am happy that I realised my talent again; I now write and compose my own songs. I have more than 30 of my own songs with 12 of them already registered with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro),” said Idah.

She told Express she loves all her music but three of her songs – Siyabonga, What A Love You Show and Ngihambile -are closer to her heart as they are related to what she went through in the industry when she started.

Some of the gospel artist’s short-term goals include launching an album.

“I have performed most of my songs and it is time to work on launching my album and recording a music video or two,” she said.

“I am just in need of money and need to work hard to put it together. I appeal to the community to assist me in any way possible.

“I don’t want money donations but rather musical instruments, sound equipment and photography type of donations. If anybody has and is willing to allow me to use their equipment, I would dearly appreciate it.”

For more information follow Idah on Facebook: Idah Dlamini