Selinah Musobi, a disabled gospel singer from Madombidzha, won the Best Gospel Song award at the Mogale Music Awards that took place at the Kagiso Hall in Mohale City on 19 November. The song that won her this esteemed award is called Dzulana na nne.
Musobi started her music career when she was 12 years old and attending the Tshilidzini Special School. She grew up listening to famous musicians such as Rebecca Malope and Sechaba, and says she drew her inspiration from them. She has made a name for herself nationally, despite the fact that she uses a wheelchair to get by.
"Gospel music was always in my veins, and I felt I had to use my talent to keep on praising God," she says. "I want to be recognised as an artist. Most of all, I want to reshape people's view of physically disabled people, the world and themselves."
Musobi says she owes her success to her fans, who never cease to support her music. "I wouldn't have achieved this on my own, and I thank everyone who played a role in what I am today. It is also important to thank everyone who nominated me for this award," she says.
She is arguably one of the leading Tshivenda musicians to spread a positive message to help build a stronger relationship between communities and their families and educate young people and the elderly.
"When I started music, I did not know it was to be my lifelong career, but here I am today; bagging awards that I never in my wildest dreams thought I would achieve. It must be a sign that I am doing a good job, and it gives me courage. I sing [about] what is relevant to people's lives, something that empowers them," she says.