All he wants is to sing gospel

KEMPTON Park resident Kahludi “The Gentleman” Malele hopes to come out tops in I Want To Sing Gospel, a local gospel talent reality TV show aimed at giving unknown musicians the big break in their careers.

The show, which first aired on South African TV screens in 2008, is a reality TV talent competition that unearths gifted individuals not yet discovered.

This 32-year-old piano technician and musician believes he is one of those people who have a talent that is ready to break out into the gospel industry.

“I have been singing all my life and gospel has always been in my heart, so I strongly believe this is my calling,” Malele says.

The husband and father of two was chosen out of 2 000 hopefuls from around the country who auditioned in Johannesburg, East London and Durban to be in the top 15 contestants competing for the grand prize of R200 000 and a lucrative recording deal to kick-start their career.

Not only is he a talented singer, who originates from the North West, but Malele also plays the piano, is a songwriter and producer and has worked on a few music projects with up and coming artists.

“I have some experience in the music industry and I don’t only sing. So I have a holistic approach when it comes to this industry.”

Malele, who is a member of the Temple of Grace Church in Kempton under the leadership of Pastor Vusi Mahlangu, sure does have some experience, as this is not the first reality competition he has taken part in.

“I entered Pop Stars back in 2010, where I made it into the top 15. I also took part in Idols Season 7, where I also got through to the top 15.”

So this is why I Want To Sing Gospel is so important to Malele, because as he puts it, gospel is his lifestyle, his way of living.

“We are Christians and strong believers in God, so gospel is a genre of music that is only natural for me.”

This “Gentleman”, who chose his nickname because of his devotion to Christ and his lifelong mission to be only as pure a man as He is, only sees himself singing gospel, but says that if his dream of starting a record label comes true, his doors will be open to all kinds of musicians.

“My long term dream is to eventually start my own record label and produce other artists. I will welcome all genres of music as I want to contribute to and give a platform to others out there who also dream of becoming musicians.”

And with his number one supporters and cheerleaders behind him, his wife and kids, this big dreamer and devoted Christian has all the power he needs to represent Kempton in the singing competition.

Show your support by watching Malele on I Want To Sing Gospel Season 3 every Thursday at 7.30pm on SABC 2. You can also follow him on Twitter @K_TheGentleman or like his Facebook page Kahludi – I Want To Sing Gospel 3.