Local gospel artist goes solo

Gospel artist Thabang Mothapo based in Willowbrook is a man of many talents in the music space as he is also a professional drummer, singer, vocal director and songwriter.

Thabang was born in Ga-Mashashane in Limpopo. He was raised in Springs on the East Rand where he grew up in a family of musicians.

“Music was like an extra language. I would often come home to find my dad and my brother playing their instruments.”My brother would be on the keyboard and my dad on his guitar, so the music in me does not come as a coincidence, it is something I grew up with,” said Thabang.

Thabang revealed to the Northsider that spending time around his musical family brought to light his talent as a singer, and made his love of music to grow.

He sadly lost his dad at the age of 14, but kept pushing himself musically and tried to learn as much as he could about the profession.

His big break came when Sabelo Mtshali introduced him to Molemo Maarohanye (Jub Jub) who was one of the biggest artists in the country at the time.

Thabang has played for some of the country’s most recognised and renowned artists, such as Simphiwe Dana, Kabomo, Bucie, William Sejake, Xolani Jwaga, Pastor Solly Mahlangu and Lebo Sekgobela, to mention a few. He quickly realised his passion for the ministry and that his calling was for gospel music. In 2002 he started playing at Water for Life Family Church, and moved to New Covenant Christian Centre in 2004. He settled at Grace Bible Pimville in 2010 where he still plays drums and sings. There his craft as a solo singing artist was moulded, and he has had the opportunity to express his love for playing drums and singing to an audience.

His drumming ability and passion have sent him on tours around the world with various well-known artists.

“Touring with different artists and experiencing the diverse cultures, conditions and how others live in and around the world, taught me to respect not only my craft, but also people in general. I gained so much knowledge and appreciation for the craft and the industry,” said Thabang.

With all the knowledge and experience that he had acquired, he felt that it was now time to pursue his solo singing career in gospel music. Naturally, things started off quite slowly but because he knew that this is indeed what God had called him to do, he persevered and never gave up. His hard work and efforts turned into a 10-track album titled Ngekashiye, which was released in 2015, with a follow-up DVD that was shot and released in early 2017.

According to Thabang, the Lord has now placed on his heart the desire to produce a new album which will consist of 14 tracks and will be released in 2020.

“This album is about healing, expressing my gratitude to the Almighty and sharing how God consistently touches and changes my life. For me, this album was an extremely personal one, and after many challenges, God showed me again and again that he never lets us down. There have been many challenges where I thought it was over, and God came through for me,” said Thabang.

He explained that if listeners took anything from his new album, it would be to show gratitude, particularly in these trying times. “The Covid-19 pandemic has affected so many people; my finances have taken a deep dive south as many events and concerts that I was booked for have been cancelled. Despite everything my focus remains on God, as He keeps all his promises,” said Thabang.

Although reluctant to categorise his latest offering, Thabang explained that the album had a smooth sound.

Some of his favourite tracks from the album include Sikwethembile, Unami and I Really Trust You.