Growing up as a shy child, Mokgadi Mashao “Mkgadee” found her comfort in music. It made her heart leap for joy, as though there was a magnetic pull between music notes and her little heart.
Raised in Limpopo, Tzaneen. Her music journey began at the age of ten. This was when she was appointed to join the church worship team by Mr Asaph Hutamo, who she regards as someone who played a pivotal role in her music journey. “I had to grow up fast there, I was the only child and holding a conversation was very hard. But it was not bad at all, it challenged my character and I learnt a lot about ministering through music”, she says
Support is a treasure and this girl definitely has her treasure chest full. Her family, the Mashao’s who she refers to as the warthog clan, have been a great support system. Her mother and name twin, Mokgadi Mashao always reminded her that prayer will sustain her and to commit all things to the Lord. Her younger sister Kholofelo, has always been on board with everything she’s wanted to do. Her younger brother, Mpho and her father, Zachius Mashao, “I remember last year when I had my worship night and my father came all the way from Joburg for that weekend just to be there,”she says. She says the following about her family, “they celebrate every milestone with me, above all pray with me and that’s the best gift one can give you”. This also includes her friends Malcolm Favor, Prudence, Abigail and Judith who constantly remind her that she is on the right track.
She shares with us a scripture that she holds near and dear to her heart. 1 John 5:4 [NIV]. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. “This verse keeps me going, that even when I go through the toughest situations, I will overcome for it is in me to overcome, it is who I am”, she says exuberating with confidence.
On recent exciting news, her debut single Malofha a Yeso has been released today on all major digital streaming platforms, yes today! So, what are you waiting for? The song which she says was inspired by the word of God was beautifully written by her. She goes on deeper to explain what she loved the most about working on the single. “The people I worked with on this single are amazing. They are also my friends which made the whole process easy because they know me and understand what I am about”, she says. Not leaving out the enjoyment and thrill she got from being part of the process of putting all the song elements together which according to her was “mind blowing”.
She expresses her gratitude to great minds such as Dr Pat Malungani who is the producer of her single, “he encouraged me so much, to embrace who I am and to never try to be someone else”. This also includes Ishmo Ramalepe of Ishmo Records for granting her opportunities and platforms to expand as an artist.
Mkgadee says the aim of the song is to remind people that what Jesus did on Calvary has no expiry date. “We are the redeemed of God, therefore there is no condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus. The old has passed and the new has come. Our sins have been atoned for once and for all”, she says.
This young lady is definitely leaving her imprint in the gospel music industry and we can’t to see what her future holds!
Written by: Dimpho Malatjie
