KNYSNA ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - A Knysna gospel singer, Loyiso Vakele, has released a single called Uyinkosi (You are King) featuring multi-award gospel artist Putuma Tiso on 12 February. The newly released single is available on all digital platforms. Speaking to Knysna-Plett Herald, Vakele said his single was produced by renowned gospel producer Musa Ngwenya at the TMP studios in Johannesburg.

"In my music career I have worked with Dumi Mkokstad who produced my fist single titled Ngiyabonga Jesu. The single won the best music video award at the Ingoma (Independent National Gospel Music Awards)," he said.

The 30-year-old founder of the annual Homecoming Concert said he aspires to do a live recording in Knysna where his music career started.

"I would also like to do another in Johannesburg, which is the hub of South African talent. I want to transcend borders through my music. I want to uplift the standard of gospel music in the Southern Cape," he said.

Vakele said his musical journey started in 1999 when he was a lead singer in an a cappella group.

"I got introduced into gospel music and that is when my love for singing and writing music started. From there I never looked back. I started singing gospel and became the lead vocalist and a choir conductor for an AFM church choir," he said.

Vakele said his voice helped him gain popularity in his community.

"I then joined a gospel choir and also pursued my musical journey as a solo artist. In my career I have shared a stage with big artists like Unathis Mzekeli, Andile ka-Majola, Solly Mahlangu, Dr Tumi and Lebo Sekgobela. In 2015 I was featured on an EP gospel project by an award nominee Afro gospel group called SSPEL."

He released his first single in 2017, collaborating with Dumi Mkokstad.

He called on Knysna residents to support him and other artists from the area.

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