“I HOSTED A LIVE SHOW AND ONLY 8 PEOPLE BOUGHT TICKETS” - MPUMI MTSWENI'S JOURNEY OF FAITH AND RESILIENCE

From a Poorly Attended Live Show to Gospel Stardom

Mpumi Mtsweni, born in Middelburg and raised in Hendrina and Witbank, is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. The second-born child in her family, Mpumi's journey began in Hendrina, where she attended Mphephethe Primary School before moving to Witbank for her secondary education at Allendale Secondary School. After matriculating, she pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

From a young age, she was immersed in music and church life, thanks to her strict but loving mother who ensured she attended church regularly. At just four years old, she joined Sunday school, where her musical talents were nurtured by her teacher, Philani Buthelezi. Coming from a musical family, Mpumi's great aunts and cousins were also singers, further embedding music into her life.

Her big break came when she joined the renowned gospel group Spirit of Praise. Before this, she had collaborated with artists such as Lebo Sekgobela, Lebogang Kgapola, Omega Khunou, and shared stages with various artists. Mentored by Lebo Sekgobela, she realized the seriousness of her musical journey.

Despite her achievements, Mpumi faced significant challenges. Years ago, she auditioned for the group Women In Worship and won, only to find that she was signed with a company that refused her the opportunity to work with Spirit of Praise, leading to her disqualification. She and her husband had to start from scratch in terms of her career with all the limitations that came with being signed to that company.

After being let go, Mpumi and her husband decided to press on with their musical endeavors. They organized a live show in eMbalenhle, but despite their efforts, only eight people bought tickets and attended. Undeterred, Mpumi performed with all her heart, ministering as if there were thousands in the audience.

The following week, she received a surprising call from Spirit of Praise, inviting her to join them. Stunned by the unexpected opportunity, she kept the news to herself for a week before finally sharing it with her husband. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, one that would lead to incredible success and recognition.

With Spirit of Praise 8, Mpumi wrote the hit song "Thath’indawo yakho" with her husband, which topped charts nationwide. This opportunity marked a significant turning point, allowing her to grow musically and spiritually. Reflecting on her journey, Mpumi expresses gratitude for mentors like Bishop Benjamin Dube, Aubrey Peackock and Matthew and her experiences with Spirit of Praise.

Her journey has not been without hardship. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her husband wrote "Thath’indawo yakho" during difficult times, not expecting it to become a massive hit. The song’s success brought unexpected blessings, with people of all ages and professions singing it with heartfelt passion.

She believes that the scripture “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). manifested through this song.

She wishes to share the stage with renowned gospel artists such as Tasha Cobbs, Ntokozo Mbambo, and Khaya Mthethwa. She deeply admires these artists for their significant achievements and the paths they have paved for others in the gospel music industry. They provide her with hope and inspiration, showing that despite the challenges in the industry, one can still achieve great success.

Mpumi is particularly inspired by Ntokozo Mbambo's character and testimonies. She has learned a lot from Ntokozo and dreams of one day sitting down with her to share words of wisdom and further her own growth as an artist.

The hitmaker reflects on her first project, acknowledging that it came with many hassles and challenges. Despite these difficulties, she remains grateful for the opportunity. She recognizes the mistakes she made along the way and appreciates the lessons learned from those experiences.

She is thankful for the support of her husband, her pastor, and her church, who stood by her during those hard times, helping her navigate through the obstacles and grow as an artist and individual.

Mpumi is now gearing up for her upcoming live recording on September 28th at Goshen City Church. This event will be a reflection of her gratitude to God for guiding her through life's challenges, including health scares and suicide attempts. This recording promises to showcase her growth and resilience, learned from industry greats.

In a message to her followers, Mpumi quotes Genesis 1:27, encouraging them to take authority in their lives and trust in God's plan. She emphasizes the importance of scripture as a source of knowledge and empowerment.

Tickets for Mpumi’s Live Recording are available at Computicket. Let’s support her by purchasing tickets and helping her achieve a sold-out show.

We wish her all the best and look forward to witnessing her next chapter of musical and spiritual triumph.