Former Tshivenda Music Awards (Tshima) winner Justice "Just Ice" Mbedzi has released his eighth gospel reggae album, Zwavhudi Rothe Ri a Zwi Funa.
Speaking to Limpopo Mirror at his home in Tshipise Tsha Sagole village, near Zwigodini, on Sunday afternoon, the ever-smiling gospel reggae artist said the album, released on 31 May, was one of his best to date. The eight-track offering has already struck a chord with fans.
"I was really overwhelmed by the fans' response to the album," he said, reflecting on his performance at the Phalaphala FM Silala Music Festival at Berea Madzonga Resort on Saturday. "But it also shows me that hard work and dedication pay off."
Mbedzi said the album's core message was about unity and building a stronger, more compassionate society. "Let's preach love and fight against the scourge of gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, and criminality in general," he said.
He first entered the music scene in 2007 with Zwifhinga na Zwikhathi. "It was not easy to secure a recording contract for the first time, but as a Christian, I believed that God intervened. Through his grace, I managed to record," he said.
Since then, Mbedzi has released a steady stream of albums, including Mudzimu Asa Khethi (2009), Mudzimu Muhuluhulu (2012), Ndido Farelela (2015), Dzingwane Matombo na Misalasala (2019), Thonga ya Vhavenda (2020) and Mpheni Mudifho (2022).
Although house music remains dominant in South Africa, Mbedzi has chosen reggae as his medium to spread the gospel. He believes the genre's emphasis on love, peace and liberation makes it a natural fit for his message. "Rastas are peace-loving people who strive to see all the children of God living in harmony and prosperity. I use reggae to encourage governments, warring factions, and society at large to end conflicts and promote peace around the world," he said.
Despite his reggae roots, Mbedzi is quick to point out that he neither smokes dagga nor drinks alcohol. "I am a born-again Christian, and let me tell you, singing reggae does not mean you have to smoke ganja. It's just the music genre that I like and enjoy," he said.
He also makes sure to include at least one gospel song on every album. "Wherever we are, whatever we do, we must always remember that God is the Creator of heaven and earth. He is the reason why we are here today. Let Jah be praised," he said.