Fans of gospel artist Merlyn Rathogwa is very excited over her latest album, titled Riya Livhuwa (Let's give thanks to God), which was released in April this year. The album contains six worshipping songs, which she hopes will inspire her listeners to give God His due praise.
Rathogwa was born and raised in Gondeni Ha-Mabilu, just outside Thohoyandou. She is a staunch member of the Divine Empowerment Centre in Phiphidi village, where she teaches other young and aspiring gospel singers.
"I started singing in the school choir while I attended Phiriphiri Secondary School, in the Nzhelele area, back in 1987, and I never looked back. I grew up listening to well-known gospel artist Rebecca Malope and felt inspired by her songs. I was always imitating her while singing in the church choir," she said.
Her first album, U khou Vhuya (Jesus is coming) was recorded in 2004, followed by Murendeni (Keep praising God) in 2013.
Rathogwa says Riya Livhuwa, which is her third album, is a testimony of God's love. It follows a difficult period in her life, but through prayer, she says, He has made her life better again.
"One of the songs on the album, No netaho, encourages those who are tired to come to Jesus Christ and give their problems to Him, as He will listen to their grievances and solve all their problem. In the last song on the album, Mudzimu asa baleliwi, I sing about how God cannot be defeated. I want to tell my listeners that, with God, one can only fight winning battles."
Riya Livhuwa was recorded at the Worship House Church in Shayandima. For booking and live performances, call Rathogwa on 082 761 5367.