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THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR NOTHANDO!

17/02/2019 04:15:00 BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA

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Since winning ‘Women of Praise’ auditions in 2015, Eswatini-born gospel music Nothando Hlophe’s music career has sky rocketed. From being a back-up artist, her face has graced international music TV channels and the most loved 1G (One Gospel), which is famous among Christians and gospel music lovers.

Not only is she beautiful but her voice sends many into deep worship, changing and touching lives. ‘Khulul’ugcobo’, her trademark songs, gave her high recognition and paved her way to her glorious second album titles ‘Nothando Live in Soweto Theatre’ which was recently dropped.
STYLE has a one on are with the rising star and she sent us through her musical journey intimately.

Who is Nothando?
Nothando Buhle Hlophe are my names as they appear on my birth certificate. I was born and raised in Lobamba in a family of two girls and three boys. I am still blessed to have both my parents alive and still a constant encouragement.

I started my primary education at St Andrews Primary in Malkerns and later moved to do my secondary education at St Mary’s High School, and completed high school education at Phumelele High School.

When did you discover your love for music? And the talent?
My love for music goes way back to my days at Sunday school at the local Lobamba Christian Fellowship Church where I am a member to date. I joined the praise team there and served for a number of years, and I guess the constant encouragement made me discover the talent. The first audition in 2008 also helped give me the confidence in the talent God has given me.

When did you take your music career to a professional level?
My journey started way back in 2008 where I joined some auditions and hoped to be the next big star LOL. From there, Frans Dlamini spotted me and asked me to join him as one of his backing vocalists, a role I played until 2015. In 2015, I joined the Women in Praise auditions where I was the eventual winner. From there, I was part of Women in Praise which was recorded live in Swaziland in April 2015.

I then recorded my first album titled “Impilo yami” which was recorded live at Esibayeni Lodge in February 2016. In the same year, I was blessed to be part of the Spirit of Praise Volume 6 recording at Carnival City. In April 2018, I recorded a live DVD at Soweto Theatre and later in July recorded with Spirit of Praise volume 7. It has been a journey that has taken me to several award events already; SAMAs, Crown Gospel Awards, Mzansi Christian Awards, NACAs, SGMAs.

Does your choice in the gospel music genre have anything to do with your faith? Please elaborate?
Good question, I am a born again Christian and have passion for gospel music, because it represent who I am and what I believe in. I actually believe that as people listen to my music it brings Christ to them as it starts ministering to me first.

Over the years, your music career has grown exponentially... What strongly attributed to that?
It is a series of efforts that actually brought about the growth.

The biggest factor has been exposure to the best. Working with Women in Praise really opened my eyes and introduced me to the world of professional music.
Joining Spirit of Praise for the last 2 editions has really contributed immensely to my growth. Working under the legendary Benjamin Dube really pushed me a lot.
Winning the awards a couple of years ago really motivated me to push even more and seek to attain greater heights.

What challenges have you faced since being in the public eye and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge, I’d say is expectation. You have one big hit and everyone expects your life to change instantly. Like every craft, music takes time and effort to give returns and requires a lot of sacrifice from one, it’s not all glitz and glamour all the time.

What are you two best highlights in your career?
The highlights of my journey thus far:
Recording my first live DVD in Soweto last year which is due for release this February.
The response my single “Yebo” has been receiving in the industry since the release last November, going as high as number 2 on both iTunes and Google Play gospel single charts in South Africa. This song also ot to number 1 on EBIS music charts and number 2 on Rainbow FM top charts.
Winning MTN SWAMA awards in 2017 for Best Gospel Artist and Best Female Artist.
Being part of the Spirit of Praise volume 7 live DVD recording at Carnival City alongside the greats in the gospel industry; Benjamin Dube, Dumi Mkokstad, Thinah Zungu, Matema, Neyi Zimu, Omega, Sipho Ngwenya, Bongi and Collin, etc
Being part of the Spirit of Praise volume 6 live DVD recording at Carnival City alongside the greats in the gospel industry; Benjamin Dube, Dr Tumi, Dumi Mkokstad, Winnie Mashaba, etc. Recording and releasing my first album in 2016.
Over 1.1 million views on YouTube for the “khulula ugcobo” song I lead on Women in Praise. The first ever live recording I was part of the Women in Praise project and winning the Swazi auditions.

Currently, what is your biggest project and what should people expect from it?
My biggest project this year is the release my album title “Nothando Hlophe live at Soweto Theatre” which is due for release this coming Friday in Swaziland. I spend the year doing promotions across the region and I am planning to do tour shows on some of the major cities during the year.

What are other projects which gospel music lovers expect from you?
Even though my primary focus is on promoting my album, I will also continue being part of Spirit of Praise seven tours and events as a featured artist. A single “Impilo yami” from that album has been in high circulation over the Christmas period and another single “Qina” I do with Sipho Ngwenya will also be promoted this year, from the same project.

Wise words to aspiring artists..
“Attitude determines altitude”…If you keep a positive attitude and work hard on your craft, only the sky can be the limit, no short cuts.