Gospel sensation encourages fans to put education first

SHE is a well-known local gospel sensation and her debut album Kharendwe Yesu became an instant hit, winning her a nomination for best female artist at the Tshivenda Music Awards (Tshima), but fame did not stop Thabelo Thavhanyedza from furthering her studies.

Thavhanyedza ascended the podium at Worship House Centre to be awarded her diploma in financial management at Makwarela’s Vhembe FET College on Friday.

Thavhanyedza is the only daughter of Phuluso and Livhuwani Thavhanyedza. Her father is the pastor of The Beautiful Gate Church.

Born and bred at Tshilavulu village in Thengwe Mulodi, Thavhanyedza’s star started shining at the tender age of eight years when she entertained fellow learners at Vision Independent School in Tshilamba village. At the age of 10 years, she did her first stage performance with the group Revival Sound.

This inspired her to join the main choir at Thengwe High School where she graduated to be the conductor of the same musical group.

Thavhanyedza first graced the gospel fraternity when she started a group called Pile God Christian choir. After working with scores of gospel artists as a backing vocalist, her big break came when her 2013 hit album Kharendwe Yesu hit the airwaves.

Thavhanyedza, a member of Afro Pop group Vhalondoti Cultural Clan, said she values education and will continue her studies until her hair turns grey.

“Education gives you direction. I have many young people looking up to me and I want to inspire them. They must learn from me that whatever talent you might have, education must come first,” the soft-spoken singer said. She added that the music industry had more to offer than singing, and a knowledge of the dynamics of one’s career created opportunities for growth.

“With education I will be able to determine which marketing strategy to use and how I can invest wisely.”

Kharendwe Yesu saw the light of day after Thavhanyedza won the Rofhiwa Manyaga’s Gospel Star Search, an initiative aimed at unearthing raw talent.

Thavhanyedza urged her fans to follow in her footsteps and to strive for a better future.

“My message to aspiring musicians is that they must hold on to their dreams and stay focused.

“Take every critique as a motivation and find a way to remain positive throughout.”