After more than two decades in gospel music, Malusi Mbokazi is celebrating a major milestone in his career with The Revival With Malusi Mbokazi, a live recording set to take place at the Durban ICC on September 5.
The event will mark 10 years since Mbokazi embarked on his solo career, following more than a decade as a member of the popular gospel group Abanqobi.
Health scare marked a turning point
Mbokazi began his musical journey in 2001 before taking the leap into a solo career in 2015. But the decision to pursue his own musical path came after a frightening health scare that threatened to end his singing career altogether.
In 2014, Mbokazi experienced problems with his voice and was told by doctors that he might never sing again. When his voice eventually returned, he viewed the experience as a second chance and decided to pursue his dream of releasing his own music.
Now, 10 years into his solo journey, he is bringing that journey to life through The Revival.
“I started singing in 2001 with Abanqobi, but I started my solo career in 2015. So this is a celebration of those 10 years as a solo artist,” he said.
More than entertainment
For Mbokazi, music has always been about more than entertainment. One of the songs that holds particular significance for him is Ngisize Nkosi, which he says demonstrated the power music can have during someone’s darkest moments.
He recalled an encounter with a man who had contemplated suicide but changed his mind after hearing the song.
“That showed me that music can heal and can save someone,” Mbokazi said.
That belief in music as a source of healing is also central to The Revival, which he describes as an experience designed to allow audiences to reconnect with themselves, their faith and their emotions.
“Let us be revived. Let us heal. Let us enjoy. Let us feel great. If you want to cry, cry. If you want to be happy, be happy,” he said.
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For Mbokazi, the event is deliberately bigger than his own 10-year milestone.
“It is our day. It is not my day,” he said.
Star-studded live recording
The live recording will feature a carefully curated line-up of gospel artists, including Khaya Mthethwa, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sbu Noah, Sneziey Msomi, Babo Ngcobo, Paradise Mdlalose, Xolisa Kwinana and Ntokozo Ngongoma.
Mbokazi says the artists were chosen because of their musical ability, performances and the contribution he believes they can make to his vision for the event.
“These are artists I have been thinking about and envisioning working with. I chose them because of their performances and the quality of their voices,” he said.
Audience promised healing and revival
With The Revival, Mbokazi hopes audiences will leave with more than memories of a concert.
“They should expect an experience. I want people to come and enjoy the music, heal, feel revived and take something meaningful from the day,” he said.
For an artist who was once told he might never sing again, the September 5 celebration represents more than a career milestone. It is a testament to resilience, faith and the enduring power of music.
The Revival With Malusi Mbokazi takes place on September 5 at the Durban ICC.
- After more than two decades in gospel music, Malusi Mbokazi is celebrating a major milestone in his career with The Revival With Malusi Mbokazi, a live recording set to take place at the Durban ICC on September 5.
- The event will mark 10 years since Mbokazi embarked on his solo career, following more than a decade as a member of the popular gospel group Abanqobi.
- Health scare marked a turning point Mbokazi began his musical journey in 2001 before taking the leap into a solo career in 2015.
- But the decision to pursue his own musical path came after a frightening health scare that threatened to end his singing career altogether.
- In 2014, Mbokazi experienced problems with his voice and was told by doctors that he might never sing again.
