Tribute concert was unexpected, says queen of gospel Rebecca Malope

Queen of gospel music Rebecca Malope, who celebrates 35 years in the music industry, believes she is living testimony that God can take you from nothing and turn you into a star regardless of your background. 

Malope, whose stardom was ignited after winning talent search music competition Shell Road to Fame in 1987, believes that God lifted her from poverty to prosperity. From working on a tobacco farm in Mpumalanga to becoming the biggest selling female gospel artist, Malope has had an incredible career.

The giant of gospel music has released over 30 successful albums, most of which have reached gold and platinum certification and a string of accolades. During her colourful career that spans decades, she has travelled the world performing all over Africa, Europe and England. It was such an exceptional success that even President Cyril Ramaphosa saw it befitting to honour her with an Order of Ikhamanga.

This past weekend, Malope was further honoured in a glittering event that took place at The Bears Places in Mpumalanga, where she was presented with a self portrait statue and a R10,000 voucher from Mpumalanga tourism. Artists like Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Lusanda, Solly Mahlangu, Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors, Kholeka, Sipho Ngwenya and Sipho Makhabane performed in Malope’s honour at the event. 

“When I got to Mpumalanga I could not believe that the whole event was staged in my honour. It is a great feeling to be celebrated while you are still alive so that you can cry tears of joy. I have always been against the trend of only celebrating people only once they’ve passed on because that robs the person of feeling and experiencing the love and appreciation that people have for them. 

“I was very emotional because I never realised how people love and appreciate me. My prayer to God has always been that I get to experience the impact I’ve had in the world while I’m alive.” 

Throughout her illustrious career, Malope  produced timeless hits like Umoya Wam, Buyani, Hayi Ukuzenza and Inombolo Yase Zulu among others. She has collaborated with other industry giants such as Tsepo Tshola, Vuyo Mokoena, Ringo Mandlingozi and Brenda Fassie.  

With millions of records sold and unmatched stage performances, Malope remains a significant figure in the South African music landscape. What has kept her going all these years is her humility, discipline and knowing that she is just a servant who spreads God’s word through her music.

“I would have not done this without God. I know many of my colleagues did not get to where I am now. He is my secret to everything I am doing. If it was my own doing, fame would have gotten into my head and I would have started to behave like a superstar.

"I am an assurance that God can take you from nothing and turn you into something no matter where you come from. He knew it all.  I am not a superstar, I am just a servant of God who ministers through song and people get healed and pastors are born.” 

Besides for making stars, however, the music industry is also synonymous with disappointments, short-lived stardom and crushed dreams, and Malope advised aspiring musicians not to come to the industry with their eyes closed. 

“You need to understand the contracts you sign, otherwise you will be poor for good. I hear that the contracts that young artists sign these days are worse. I heard that they get salaries from their record labels, which also pay their rents and buy them cars. This simply means that they won’t get any royalties once their music is out.” 

Malope shocked the country in 2019 when she announced her retirement as a recording artist. Instead, her announcement gained her even more bookings for performances both locally and abroad. Next month she is scheduled to perform in America while she has a string of shows locally this Easter weekend.

“There are songs in my albums that I have never performed. I took a decision that I won’t release for the sake of releasing new music but I will go to the studio only when there is a message I want to spread.” 

Malope comes from an era where musicians made serious money by selling CD/Cassettes but others just blew it. However, having people like Peter Tladi in her corner saved her from making bad financial choices..

“I guess coming from a poor background where we never had a home is one of the reasons that I had to be savvy when it comes to money. I was motivated by the fact that I did not want to see myself suffer like I did as a child, living in farms and hostels.” 

“With the money I got from Shell Road to Fame, I bought a house in Spruitview, Ekurhuleni, and went to look for my mother and siblings in Mpumalanga and brought them to Johannesburg. I finished paying up that one [house] and I bought another. I also liked cars but I realised that cars are not an investment. But I wouldn’t have been this savvy about money if it was not for Bra Peter.” 

Fact File

Favourite music: Gospel & Soul

Favourite artists: Shirley Caesar, Ntokozo Mbambo

Favourite bible verse: Hebrews 13:6

Favourite TV actor: Sana Mchunu

Favourite holiday destination: New Orleans