"God's time is always best." Gospel singer Thuso Negondeni has been telling his fans this for years as they have tried to coax him into releasing an album. Now he has relented in order to appease them, although not by his own doing. He said the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that the time was now right, and thus his first live album, called U hone (Jesus is alive), was finally recorded at the Christ Worship House Studios in Shayandima.
Better known as Thuso Negza, this inspirational musician was born in Vhangani village near Elim. He started singing in the Sunday school choir when he was just three years old. Here was where he first started to compose, writing new songs for the choir, and eventually realised that God had called him for a purpose - not only to sing and write, but also to preach his Word.
His amazing song-writing skills are the reason that he is regarded as one of the most unique gospel artists in the industry. His motto is: 'Getting Lyrical for the Lord'.
In 2016, Thuso took part in the annual Rofhiwa Gospel Star Search, a national gospel music singing competition, where he made it through to the top 10. In 2017, he hosted his first live concert at his home village of Vhangani, which drew many gospel music fans.
Between 2018 and 2019, he became the Mass Choir Chairperson of the Students Christian Organisation (SCO) at the University of Limpopo, where he completed his studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree. He currently practices as a pharmacist at Elim Hospital.
He was signed by In Hymn Records last year (2021), and with more than 150 songs he has written from a young age, Thuso is not a novice in the local music industry. He has shared the stage with a number of well-known gospel artists, such as Takie Ndou, Ps Lunghi Ndala, Sbu Noah, Rofhiwa Manyaga, Benjamin Dube, Dr Tumi and Takalani Chairo, to name but a few. He has performed right across the country, including Gauteng, Western Cape, North-West and Limpopo.
"As a contemporary gospel artist, I want to restore the true spirit of deep and intense praise and worship to the Heavenly Father. My songs are pacified with biblical and spiritually influenced lyrics," he said. "I would like to thank the record company, In Hymn Records, who recognised my talent and signed me. I would not have been where I am now without their support."
For album sales and booking for public performances, Thuso Negza can be contacted on Tel 081 757 4893 (voice calls and WhatsApp) or inhymnr@gmail.com. He is also available on social-media platforms (Thuso Negza).