SABELO Mabhena, an upcoming gospel musician from Lower Gweru in the Midlands province recently released an album where he basically shares his life experiences in each of the songs.
His songs don’t just tell his story but speak for the many souls who have gone through hardships but persevered.
“Music has always been my way of expressing what I see around me. I write about the situations people are in—how life is hard, and yet, through it all, God remains with us,”Mabhena told NewsDay Lifestyle.
For Mabhena (45), the closest he ever felt closer to God was during the hardest times of his life. Before he became a musician there were moments when despair almost consumed him. “There were times I thought I wouldn’t make, reflecting on those dark days. But “uThixo wala lempilo yami” —God saved my life. “I went through -a lot before I even became a musician there were times I could have died but God played a big role. My profound encounter with God’s grace later became a recurring theme in my music,”he said. His journey to becoming an artiste was filled with trials, but it was these very struggles that gave his music its raw authenticity. “My first album, Izinyembezi captures the essence of human suffering it carries within it a message of unwavering hope. When I write, I don’t dream about the songs. It just happens—my music is a reflection of what I see happening in life.”
As Mabhena’s career progressed, so did his message. His albums Uyangazi, Konke Kulesikhathi Sakho, and Ngezwa Izwi explored the depths of human experience through the lens of faith. Yet, the songs are not just praises, they are testaments to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
“Uyangazi holds a special place in my heart. It came from a time when I felt rejected, even by my own family. But even in those moments, I knew that God knew me. Even when no one else understood, He did. The song became a personal anthem, a reminder that no matter how abandoned one might feel, God is always present, leading the way.
“Another song, Umalusi , resonates deeply with my own life story. It’s about how God protects us. Wendlala itafula phambi kwezitha zami….He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. That’s been my life in so many ways. There have been times when I laughed through the pain, but God has always guided me and kept me safe,”he added.
Mabhena also applauded the rise of digital platforms saying they played a significant role in his journey, allowing his music to reach audiences far beyond the borders of Zimbabwe. “Digital platforms have made it possible to share my message with people I never imagined I would reach. I actually acknowledge the impact of the global music landscape.
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“But my heart is still in live performances. I want to connect with people face-to-face, to feel the energy of the crowd. We’re working on live shows to attract sponsors and promoters, both here in Zimbabwe and abroad,” he revealed.
For him, the music was more than just a career; it was a calling, a way to bring healing to those in need of hope.
“Gospel music plays a big role, especially in times of hardship. I believe that’s what people need right now—songs that speak to their pain but also remind them that God is still with us.”
