MBABANE – Award-winning Gospel powerhouse Nothando Hlophe is gearing up to headline the upcoming Phakama Mpumalanga Festival.
The event is scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 1 at Montana Gardens (Ngwenya Estate) in White River, South Africa. Known for her soul-stirring vocal ability, powerful live ministry, and chart-topping contemporary Gospel anthems, including her widely celebrated project A New Dawn and the viral hit “Methodist Medley”, Hlophe continues to be a leading ambassador for Eswatini’s Gospel music scene on international stages. Her career has been marked by major milestones, including high-profile collaborations with South Africa’s renowned Spirit of Praise collective.
As she prepares to take the stage for the two-day cultural and music celebration, Hlophe shared her excitement and expectations for the festival. Speaking about what audiences can anticipate from her performance, she said, “I promise the people of Mpumalanga a powerful, spirit-filled experience of worship, praise, and genuine connection with God. I am coming with a heart full of gratitude and a desire to minister through music that touches lives, strengthens faith, and reminds people of God’s faithfulness. To everyone attending the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival, come ready to worship with me. I look forward to sharing this special moment with you!”
The upcoming festival appearance follows a remarkable period of growth for the artist, anchored heavily by the massive reception of her recent music. Reflecting on the phenomenal journey of her breakout hit, Hlophe opened up about what the milestone means for her ministry and identity as an artist, saying, “Celebrating this milestone for the Methodist Medley is a humbling moment for me. It is a reminder that when you remain faithful to your calling and give God your best, the impact can go beyond what you imagined. Seeing the song touch millions of lives across different platforms and borders is truly overwhelming.”
For the artist’s career, this milestone represents growth, greater reach, and a responsibility to continue producing music that carries a meaningful message. “I believe this is only the beginning. My desire is not just to dominate the music charts, but to make a lasting impact in Gospel music, preserve our rich Methodist musical heritage, and continue taking the sound of Eswatini to the world. Above all, I give God the glory, because this journey is bigger than me,” she said.
