After working through some tough challenges, like many up-and-coming artists experience, Ms Phumzile Ramabulana, known as “Phumzi” in the music industry, has finally released her debut gospel album, titled All His Praises.
The 12-track album marks a continuation of Ramabulana’s journey to artistic maturity, which began many years ago in the church choir. She grew up listening to famous musicians such as Barorise Ba Morena, who served as her inspiration.
Phumzi said that recording the album had not been easy. Despite having plenty of songs ready, she had to fund the project herself. To enhance her writing and composition skills, she took piano lessons and composed songs in Tshivenda, Xitsonga, and English.
Even though the album is self-marketed, it has sold many copies since its release and has been receiving significant airplay from radio stations around the country. “I worked hard until I got enough money to go to the studio, and the rest is now history. I am satisfied with the way the album is being received by the community. It’s in almost every household, and I am very happy with the support I’m receiving from my fans,” she said.
Ramabulana expressed her gratitude to everyone who has played a role in her musical career. “I cannot mention them all by name because there are too many. I recognise their contribution because I am what I am because of them. I will always appreciate my fans because their support is massive. I plan to go back to the studio next year and promise to give them something even better than my current album.”
When asked why she chose to create a gospel album, she explained that she had realised something was missing in her life. “I have been wandering around, but there was one thing that I was missing in life: God. Now that I have found the Lord, everything has to change, and my life must reflect that change. That’s how this album came into being,” she said.