Ncebakazi, Could you share a bit about your early life,where you grew up, your family, and the role music played in your home?
I grew up in East London in the Eastern Cape. I come from a large family that prioritised God, music and education.
2. Was there a specific moment or event that awakened your calling as a worship leader / gospel artist?
I was always required to sing during our family Bible study and prayer session. I then moved on to sing solos during church services probably as young as age 7. All these then built enough in me for me to start ministering to larger audiences, my first large audience solo was at the Absa stadium when I was 16/17 singing Great Is Thy Faithfulness. I was later told that people left their cars and went back in as the music drew them in, I knew then that God uses music, even from me, to draw His people to Himself.
3. You spent several years with Joyous Celebration,A South African Gospel group. What was that experience like both the highs and the challenges?
Joyous Celebration was a great training ground for me to understand music presentation. It also opens you up to different audiences that you otherwise would not have realised could receive from you. The one thing that is most important when one is in an environment like Joyous Celebration is to always stay true to what God has planted in you, that way you will not sell yourself short. Without that maturity you can easily morph into the industry’s idea of what is “popping” and “relevant” whilst aborting the most important aspect of why you do what you do, which is God’s purpose.
4. In an interview, you shared how you stepped in mid-song during a church event and that became a turning point. How did that risk feel, and what changed after that?
Yes,when I came in to conclude a song that was being led by someone else, tat’ uMkhize then spotted me and offered me the opportunity to join Joyous Celebration. That moment was not planned, I had deliberately decided I would not lead that night and I hid behind others until I was taken by surprise by the conductor who signalled for me to be given the mic-internally I was like “what is he doing” but immediately I drew into worship because my God is my utmost priority always. That moment then was the start of the opening of many doors as chosen by God.
5. You also have a corporate / banking career alongside music. How do you balance those worlds?
I believe in doing all things to the best of my God given ability, this requires a lot of time and sacrifice but I believe that everything I touch must reflect God’s order and excellence. I lean heavily on His grace to help me and He does, He helps me a lot. I’ve been doing both for 15 years now and God’s never allowed my foot to slip.
6. In seasons of waiting, doubt,or doors that seem closed how do you keep believing and moving forward?
Life is full of many such moments, but I believe in time and opportunity meeting destiny moments. I use the word of God to remind me that such times are coming, cause God cannot change His mind about me and my course. I do my best to count my blessings so that I can always enjoy life even in the times of seeming silence and long waiting.
7. Tell us the story behind your song “Ukufezwa Kwamadinga” or another song that holds special meaning for you.
Ukufezwa Kwamadinga is one of those songs that was a strong part of my childhood memories, with my mother being such an anointed singer. It’s a timeless prayer that will always have relevance through all ages.
8. How has your relationship with your spouse and your roles within marriage and family influenced your ministry?
The level of support and faith in me that my husband has is probably why I continue to do what I do. I have such a strange reluctant relationship with the music ministry that if he was not here, I would have probably curled back comfortably a long time ago. However our dynamic is that we keep each other true to each other’s callings, he is that guy who will pause and ask “what has God said, cause whatever He has said, do it and I’ll support you”. So with that level of him seeing through me, there’s no hiding that I could do. He always encourages me to reach the fullness of what God’s laid in me, in all aspects, including ministry.
9. The 37th Psalm is such a profound title. What revelation or encounter with that scripture led you to base your album on
I am a lover of the Psalms, I feel like a modern day David in some respects, I love his level of blunt honesty with God, yet he had a delicate heart for God that always concluded with him showing unrelenting trust in God. Psalm 37 is one of my favourites which addresses issues of life, above all, God’s promises for staying on the righteous course.
10. You’ve already released singles like “Yebo nguYe” and “Balekela kuYe/Abadiniweyo” ahead of the album. How do those songs fit into the overall narrative of the album? What are you hoping the listeners get from this album?
Yebo NguYe places Jesus Christ clearly at the centre of the gospel, He is the why, why there is even an album, why we have a cause to sing. So it was a beautiful way to point people squarely on the crux of the gospel, the Son of God Himself. Then Balekela kuYe, again pivots our attention back to Him, from the perspective of human challenges, still, be it for salvation or rest, run to Him.
11. How has this album increased your faith and belief in God,share a testimony if you can will.
This entire album was God’s curation. When I announced I (as usual) put out feelers with my usual go to song writers, but the Holy Spirit said go back to them and make this clear “please send me a song if God has said it is for this work”. I was like God, if I set that standard then will I even get anything. That was a step of faith, difficult because I felt I needed their skill but God required my obedience. Only for Him to give me the bulk of the songs, only with 3 songs from outside what He gave me. So He had me abandon my standard approach cause He wanted to show me the abundance of the waters that He had already laid in me. The whole journey was of faith.
12. You’ve graced many stages and inspired countless people through your gift. What does serving in your local church still mean to you, and how do you stay rooted in service even when your calling elevates you to bigger platforms?
One of the things I love the most about my church is that our natural disposition is that we don’t buy into the hype, whatever that is, you can never be a celebrity at home. No matter how busy you get, you remain a normal part of the church and when you return home you just serve per normal. That for me also goes with the fact that my relationship with God demands no less, I don’t have an option not to submit because God’s Spirit resists the proud.
13. What’s one hobby or interest people wouldn’t expect about you?
I don’t have time for hobbies anymore (cry with me), but I love competitive sports, I used to love basket ball, just lost my touch busy spreading the gospel and adulting(giggles).
14. What is one scripture and song do you lean on when you feel discouraged?
Joshua 21:45 Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Song: Let the church say Amen by Andrae Crouch and Pastor Marvin Winans and Stand by Pastor Donnie Mclurkin.
15. What does “Young and Spiritually Inspired” mean to you personally?
Awakened to the reality that is shaped by God’s Spirit. It means being in tune with and being directed by God’s Spirit in all you do, so Christ realities can be translated into our lives.
Stay up to date with Ncebakazi here: Follow her
