KNYSNA NEWS - A singer who hails from Knysna, Loyiso Vakele, is the only artist from the Southern Cape who has been nominated for the Independent National Gospel Music Awards (Ingoma) taking place later this year.
Vakele, who was born in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, moved to Knysna in 2002 and did his schooling at Thembelitsha Primary and Percy Mdala High schools. He now works in Upington in the Northern Cape as an Eskom engineer but still regards Knysna as his home.
He says music has always been his life and recalls some of his earliest memories when he used to sing Isicathamiya while herding sheep.
When Vakele moved to Knysna he joined choirs and gospel groups at his schools and in the community.
His single Ngiyabonga Jesu, produced by Dumi Mkostad in 2017, was played on various radio stations across the country, "and that is how my musical career took off". "That was only a glimpse of my musical abilities and I am so glad it was well received and appreciated," says Vakele.
The single has been nominated in the categories Best Gospel Music Video and Best Gospel Worship Album.
Vakele says the nomination happened during a time that he needed a "pick-me-up". "It's been a bumpy ride and it uplifted my confidence in myself and my music. Once again, it's humbling to have your work appreciated," he says.
The 28-year-old singer says when he became a born-again Christian at the age of 12 he got a vision that he should sing gospel music. "I don't know how to preach so mine is to spread the gospel the only way I know how – for my music to be the vehicle that spreads God's message."
For Vakele, music is a calling. "I feel fulfilled seeing people heal through my music. It gives me so much joy to liberate people and bless them. I tried to stay away from music for 10 years but it would always haunt me. I live to do this."
The artist says scooping the awards, set to take place on 24 August, would open many doors for him and would also mean his music would reach many more people. "My aspirations are not only to be acknowledged as a local artist but an African artist, and it will have my music touch as many people as possible."
He is currently working on a new single that comes out in July, and on his annual homecoming concert aimed at raising enough funds to buy school uniforms for underprivileged learners. Vakele has been doing this since 2013 and this year's event is scheduled to take place in October. The singer with the big heart then adds the proceeds of the concert to his personal annual bonus and gives back to the community by buying school uniforms or soccer kits for local youth.
To vote for him, SMS "Ingoma Best Worship Album Loyiso Vakele" to 40439 and "Ingoma Best Gospel Music Video Loyiso Vakele" to 40439.
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