South African praise gospel music is a vibrant genre that blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary worship, creating songs that inspire and uplift. This blog post explores 22 iconic praise gospel songs from South Africa, each with its own unique story and impact. From the powerful voices of Joyous Celebration to the soulful renditions of Ntokozo Mbambo and the harmonious Soweto Gospel Choir, these songs have touched the hearts of millions around the world.
Let's delve into the details of each track, including their recording processes, writers, financial successes, and the countries where they have found the most resonance.
1. Praise Medley by Ntokozo Mbambo
Ntokozo Mbambo is a prominent South African gospel singer, known for her powerful vocals and spiritually charged music. Her album Lavish Worship (released March 21, 2023) won Album of the Year, Best Contemporary Faith Album, and Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 South African Music Awards, indicating significant commercial success. The album has over 8 million views for related tracks online, suggesting strong streaming revenue, and is popular in South Africa, the UK, US, and other African countries, especially among South African communities.
Praise Medley is a Part of Lavish Worship, this live medley includes "If I Be Lifted," "Wena Wedwa," "Mbonge," and "Ikherubi." Recorded in Durban, it was released on October 11, 2024, as an official music video. Writers include Nqubeko Mbatha and Ntokozo Mbambo for "If I Be Lifted," with others likely involved in the medley. Its success contributed to the album's awards and global reach.
2. Amen by Ntokozo Mbambo with VaShawn Mitchell and Joe Mettle
A collaborative track released as part of VaShawn Mitchell’s projects, featuring Mbambo and Joe Mettle. This international collaboration highlights Mbambo’s global appeal, with the song gaining traction in South Africa and beyond due to the artists’ reputations.
3. Omama Bomthandazo Medley by Joyous Celebration
Joyous Celebration, active since 1994, is known for their annual live recordings, which are major events drawing large crowds. Their albums, like Joyous Celebration 28 (released in 2024), often top charts in South Africa and have international appeal, particularly in Africa and the diaspora, with performances at venues like the Potter’s House in Texas, USA. Past releases like Vol. 9 have been certified 2× platinum, indicating financial success.
Performed during Joyous Celebration 28 at the Durban ICC on March 30-31, 2024, led by Vuyelwa Oke, Kuda Hlongwane, and Esethu Siwe. While not included in the official albums (The First Set released June 28, 2024, and The Second Set released August 22, 2024), it was a highlight of the live performance, showcasing the choir’s vocal strength.
4. Mnini Mandla Onke Live by Joyous Celebration
Likely from one of their live albums, known for its uplifting message and group harmonies, popular in concerts and on streaming platforms.
5. Yesu Wena UnguMhlobo Live by Joyous Celebration
A fan favorite from their live recordings, known for its spiritual depth and harmonic richness, part of their bestselling live sets.
6. Ndenzel' Uncedo Hymn 377 by Joyous Celebration
A traditional hymn with a contemporary twist, part of their live repertoire, cherished by fans for its emotional delivery.
7. Ndofamba naJesu by Spirit Of Praise 10 ft. Everton Mlalazi
Spirit Of Praise is known for their live albums, recorded at venues like SunBet Arena in Pretoria, featuring various artists. Their music blends traditional African elements with modern gospel, popular in South Africa and other African countries, with a growing international following. Albums like Spirit Of Praise 9 (2023) and Spirit Of Praise 10 (2024) have significant streaming numbers, indicating financial success.
From Spirit Of Praise 10, recorded live at SunBet Arena, released around October 2024. Written and composed by Everton Mlalazi, it emphasizes walking with Jesus and has resonated with audiences for its message of faith.
8. Moy’Oyingcwele by Spirit Of Praise 9 ft. Ayanda Ntanzi
From Spirit Of Praise 9, recorded live at SunBet Arena, released in 2023. Features Ayanda Ntanzi, known for his emotive performance, and is a beloved worship song.
9. Qala Enhlizweni by Spirit Of Praise 10 Choir
From Spirit Of Praise 10, blending traditional Zulu elements with modern gospel, popular in live settings.
10. Bamba Mzalwane by Spirit Of Praise 9 Choir ft. Pastor M. Tshabalala
From Spirit Of Praise 9, a call to hold on to faith, featuring Pastor M. Tshabalala, known for its spiritual message.
11. Underneath the blood by Spirit of Praise 9 ft. Takie Ndou
From Spirit Of Praise 9, another worship track with Takie Ndou, popular for its emotive delivery.
12. Wene Olalelwa by Spirit of Praise 9 ft. Xolisa Kwinana
From Spirit Of Praise 9, known for its beautiful melody, featuring Xolisa Kwinana’s performance.
13. Nkosi Sihlangene by Spirit Of Praise 6 feat. Dumi Mkokstad
From Spirit Of Praise 6, featuring Dumi Mkokstad’s powerful voice, a standout track from their earlier recordings.
14. Amen by Soweto Gospel Choir
Soweto Gospel Choir is internationally renowned, with performances at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House, and Grammy nominations. Their music combines traditional gospel with African rhythms, appealing to global audiences, particularly in the US, Europe, and Asia. Their albums and live performances generate significant revenue, with strong streaming numbers on Spotify and Apple Music.
Recorded multiple times, with versions from 2020 and 2022 available. A staple in their concerts, it has millions of streams and is popular worldwide, contributing to their international acclaim.
15. Mbayi Mbayi by Soweto Gospel Choir
Another beloved song from their repertoire, showcasing their harmonious vocals, with strong presence on streaming platforms and in live performances.
16. Ebenezer by Xolani Jwaga
Xolani Jwaga is a rising South African gospel artist, known for his soulful voice. His recent single "Ebenezer," released on September 30, 2024, is available on platforms like Apple Music and Boomplay, gaining traction in South Africa. While early in its lifecycle, it’s part of his growing discography, and he’s known for collaborations like "Enkosi Bawo" with other gospel artists.
Released as a single on September 30, 2024, with a duration of 7:27 minutes, likely recorded in a studio setting. It showcases Jwaga’s vocal talent and has gained popularity in South Africa.
17. Ebenezer by Benjamin Dube Ft. Jonny Vilakazi
Benjamin Dube, a veteran in South African gospel music, has numerous awards and hit songs. His live performances are known for their energy, and his music has a significant impact both locally and internationally. Exact financial figures aren’t publicly detailed, but his albums and concerts generate substantial revenue.
A collaboration from one of Dube’s albums, showcasing his timeless vocals and ability to connect with audiences, popular in South Africa and beyond.
18. Ongiholayo Live by Benjamin Dube
A live performance that captures Dube’s dynamic stage presence, a standout track in his discography, known for its spiritual power.
19. Wonderful Words of Life by Siyanqoba Mthethwa ft. Sam Chiwanda
Siyanqoba Mthethwa is known for his powerful voice and collaborations. His music often reimagines classic hymns, appealing to both traditional and modern gospel fans. Specific details like recording time or writers weren’t detailed, but his collaborations, like with Sam Chiwanda, suggest growing popularity.
A duet offering a fresh interpretation of the classic hymn, blending their vocal talents, popular in South Africa.
20. Joy, Peace and Happiness by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, famous for isicathamiya, has won multiple Grammy Awards and collaborated with artists like Paul Simon. Their gospel music combines traditional African harmonies with spiritual messages, with a global following. Specific details for "Joy, Peace and Happiness" weren’t detailed, but their international success is well-documented.
From their gospel collection, blending isicathamiya with gospel, resonating with fans worldwide, especially in the US and Europe.
21. Thapelo Tsa Rona by Nelly Boyi
Nelly Boyi is known for her powerful voice and emotional performances, with a dedicated following in South Africa. Specific details like recording time or writers weren’t detailed, but her music carries deep spiritual messages, popular locally.
Showcases Boyi’s vocal range and spiritual depth, a favorite among gospel music lovers in South Africa.
22. Sondela by MaNgcobo Khoza
MaNgcobo Khoza is recognized for her heartfelt songs and emotional delivery, with music exploring themes of faith and perseverance. Specific details weren’t detailed, but her songs like "Sondela" resonate deeply with audiences in South Africa.
Known for its emotional delivery and heartfelt lyrics, a staple in Khoza’s performances, popular locally.
23. Ame by VaShawn Mitchell Ft. Ntokozo Mbambo, Joe Mettle
This international collaboration features VaShawn Mitchell (US), Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa), and Joe Mettle (Ghana), showcasing the global reach of gospel music. The song "Amen" has been well-received by fans across continents, with Mbambo’s involvement highlighting her international appeal.
A collaborative track that highlights the unity of gospel music across borders, featuring Mitchell’s soulful vocals alongside Mbambo and Mettle, popular in South Africa and beyond.
