“I discovered my love for music at a very tender age. I remember my grade 1 teacher giving me a solo to sing at a school concert. I don’t know how she knew I had a good voice, maybe she just saw the passion I had. After the concert when I was walking with my mother, other parents and teachers kept congratulating me and commending my voice,” she says while reminiscing about her childhood.
Our childhood has a tendency of revealing what’s to come; gifts unravel themselves in ways that don’t seem too obvious however, years later as we look back, it all starts making sense. Born and raised in the capital city of the Mpumalanga Province, Nelspruit, Nokulunga Mabuza is among those whose childhood gave a glimpse of what was to come before they stepped into adulthood.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 is one of her favourite bible scriptures which she believes underpins the posture we ought to live our lives from – a posture of love. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. [NIV]. “I love the whole chapter, but these first 3 verses specifically remind me that all that I do for others and for God should stem from a heart-posture of love. This chapter also reminds me of the love of God, nothing would exist without it,” she says.
Raised by parents who had strong christian beliefs and valued education, she strongly believes it is the values they have instilled in her that assist in how she navigates her life today. A woman of many gifts she is and working with numbers is right up her alley. Having had a keen interest for numbers from a very young age, she pursued a degree in Accounting and is now a Chartered Accountant CA(SA). “I appreciate the knowledge and skills I have acquired through this profession and I believe they can serve me in any other venture I choose to pursue, even in the gospel music industry,” she says.
At times, stepping into a new industry is like walking on unfamiliar grounds; sometimes your steps are steady, sometimes they are not and oftentimes guidance is needed. This mirrors Nokulunga’s first step into the gospel music industry. “The biggest challenges for me were learning the rules of engagement and understanding the business elements of the music industry. I overcame these challenges by surrounding myself with knowledgeable and experienced people, not being afraid of asking a lot of questions and most importantly being teachable,” she says.
Her teachable spirit and commitment to living out God’s purpose for her life have opened incredible doors for her this year. Not only did she release her first EP titled Rest but was nominated twice at this year’s INGOMA Awards in the Best Music Video and Best Contemporary Gospel album categories. “It was really humbling to be recognised on such a large and prestigious platform like the INGOMA Awards for my first EP project. I was nominated with other artists that I look up to and admire, so, it lets me know that my music and sound is well received and I’m very grateful for that,” she excitedly says.
Nokulunga shares that although the EP has seen success since its release, it was birthed during a turbulent time in her life. This is the period where she learnt to find her rest in God and to rest in the knowledge that nothing is outside His control. “Even when things happen that I never anticipated, nothing comes as a surprise to Him and because He knows the end before the beginning, I can rest assured that everything that concerns me is well,” she says in confidence.
“I’d like to sincerely thank all those who support my music ministry whether they stream my music on digital platforms, watch and download my music videos on YouTube, or like and share my content on social media, thank you”, she says while overflowing with gratitude.
Rest is available on all digital music platforms, so go ahead and find your rest in the Lord!
