WELCOME HOME SIYAKHA UNATHI MZEKELI
Former Joyous Celebration singer, Siyakha Unathi Mzekeli is making a
great impact in the music industry worldwide. Even in the midst of stardom on
international platforms such as the Austrian Andre Helle's "AFRIKA AFRIKA”,
the much loved member of the gospel group “STAND” has not
forgotten his East London roots.
“East London is not just my home but a point of reference to my
Christian walk. I come home for a reality check, encouragement and
introspection to correct my path. Johannesburg is like a huge mine filled with
everything you want; one has to make serious choices daily to lead
a righteous lifestyle"
MDANTSANE BORN: Siyakha Unathi Mzekeli, The man who sings his heart out.
Picture supplied.
The 27 year old star
was born and raised in Mdantsane by his grandmother then later joined his
parents in East London to advance his intermediate faze at Aqua Vista Primary
School and matriculated at Greenpoint Secondary School.
“My first experience
at multiracial school was pathetic because I could not speak English.
“One day I asked a
friend of mine to speak on my behalf to the teacher so I may be excused to the
lavatory, which made me feel powerless
“So I opted to learn
English and I did”.
LOXION SWAG: He is his own
personal stylist. Picture supplied.
Wallowed in low self esteem, mocked in society everyday of his childhood life because of his weight.
“People’s remarks would erode a piece of me each
time but now I am glad as they prepared me to withstand anything in life.”
BIG BREAK: On stage for the first time with Joyous Celebration in East London
after auditions, 2008. Picture supplied.
Time flies, it seems
as though it was yesterday, when Mzekeli made it to the Joyous Celebration
auditions that were held in East London 2008.
AFRIKA AFRIKA!!
AFRIKA AFRICA EUROPE TOUR: Siyakha Unathi Mzekeli
with Shirley Hlahatse sing together over every performance done on stage. Europe tour 2013. Picture credit:
Former Joyous Celebration singer, Siyakha Unathi Mzekeli is making a great impact in the music industry worldwide. Even in the midst of stardom on international platforms such as the Austrian Andre Helle's "AFRIKA AFRIKA”, the much loved member of the gospel group “STAND” has not forgotten his East London roots.
“East London is not just my home but a point of reference to my Christian walk. I come home for a reality check, encouragement and introspection to correct my path. Johannesburg is like a huge mine filled with everything you want; one has to make serious choices daily to lead a righteous lifestyle"
MDANTSANE BORN: Siyakha Unathi Mzekeli, The man who sings his heart out.
Picture supplied.
The 27 year old star
was born and raised in Mdantsane by his grandmother then later joined his
parents in East London to advance his intermediate faze at Aqua Vista Primary
School and matriculated at Greenpoint Secondary School.
“My first experience
at multiracial school was pathetic because I could not speak English.
“One day I asked a
friend of mine to speak on my behalf to the teacher so I may be excused to the
lavatory, which made me feel powerless
“So I opted to learn
English and I did”.
Wallowed in low self esteem, mocked in society everyday of his childhood life because of his weight.
“People’s remarks would erode a piece of me each
time but now I am glad as they prepared me to withstand anything in life.”
BIG BREAK: On stage for the first time with Joyous Celebration in East London
after auditions, 2008. Picture supplied.
Time flies, it seems
as though it was yesterday, when Mzekeli made it to the Joyous Celebration
auditions that were held in East London 2008.
ANDRE
HELLE’S AFRIKA AFRIKA: A Concert tour based in Germany
that takes people from all walks of Africa to celebrate their individuality
through all aspects of art.
Mzekeli recently resigned from Joyous Celebration, he says
he did not plan to leave the group this soon but God opened a new door for him
on the 14 August 2013 to travel to Europe with the Andre Helle’s Afrika Afrika
Show.
Mzekeli recently resigned from Joyous Celebration, he says
he did not plan to leave the group this soon but God opened a new door for him
on the 14 August 2013 to travel to Europe with the Andre Helle’s Afrika Afrika
Show.
“I planned
to pick up where I left off with Joyous when I came back to South Africa on May
2014 but I rather had a conviction to move and focus on my personal calling in
the gospel music industry."
“I planned
to pick up where I left off with Joyous when I came back to South Africa on May
2014 but I rather had a conviction to move and focus on my personal calling in
the gospel music industry."
OUTSTANDING MOMENTS: Mzekeli on stage with
Joyous Celebration 16, singing one of the hit songs “IKHERUBIN”. Picture
supplied.
“Leaving Joyous
Celebration was an act of obedience to God and though it was not easy, it was
time to let go.”
Triumphantly, he returns home, having composed and arranged a
number of hit songs such as “ UYANGIHOLA”, “NDIZOKULANDELA” JC-17 and “BEKANI
UYEHOVA” JC-18 that touched many people’s lives.
He also ministered through the song “IKHERUBIM” JC-16
written by Sibongiseni Mbhele which became a common hymn sang in
most local churches.
STAND!!
STAND
FAMILY: Mzekeli has been a member of the East London gospel group “STAND”
since 2006. Picture credit:
Mzekeli will now continue working with "AFRIKA AFRIKA" and “STAND”, a gospel group from East London.
Sharing his deep
relationship with the gospel group Mzekeli says:
“I cannot leave STAND because they are my family musically,
“It is where I was shown my capabilities.
“They
saw greatness in me which amazed me and boosted myself esteem."
Now Mzekeli is planning to work on his own album and establishing his business “TELOS” with
his partners.
Warm hearted Siyakha
Unathi Mzekeli says in advice to aspiring gospel artists:
“Seek God independently for counsel
instead of people. Maintain originality and find the purpose of the music you
want to do, to God’s glory not yours”
Watch more of Siyakha Unathi Mzekeli’s videos on
YouTube.
“Leaving Joyous
Celebration was an act of obedience to God and though it was not easy, it was
time to let go.”
Triumphantly, he returns home, having composed and arranged a
number of hit songs such as “ UYANGIHOLA”, “NDIZOKULANDELA” JC-17 and “BEKANI
UYEHOVA” JC-18 that touched many people’s lives.
He also ministered through the song “IKHERUBIM” JC-16
written by Sibongiseni Mbhele which became a common hymn sang in
most local churches.
STAND
FAMILY: Mzekeli has been a member of the East London gospel group “STAND”
since 2006. Picture credit:
Mzekeli will now continue working with "AFRIKA AFRIKA" and “STAND”, a gospel group from East London.
Sharing his deep
relationship with the gospel group Mzekeli says:
“I cannot leave STAND because they are my family musically,
“It is where I was shown my capabilities.
“They
saw greatness in me which amazed me and boosted myself esteem."
Now Mzekeli is planning to work on his own album and establishing his business “TELOS” with
his partners.
Warm hearted Siyakha
Unathi Mzekeli says in advice to aspiring gospel artists:
“Seek God independently for counsel
instead of people. Maintain originality and find the purpose of the music you
want to do, to God’s glory not yours”
Watch more of Siyakha Unathi Mzekeli’s videos on
YouTube.
JOYOUS CELEBRATION 14:
Shout
if you are as proud as I am of this fantastic guy!!
This is sooooo inspiring :) Especially to youngsters like me. Love him.
ReplyDeleteGood point of focus. Bringing such inspiring young people to our attention will surely serve as a good reference point to the youth of the Eastern Cape. Well done. Congratulations to him as well for staying grounded and remembering his humble beginnings. We need people like this in ''our faces'' to constantly remind us that we are part of His bigger picture. Love the story behind this. Peace
ReplyDeleteThis is a great piece; accentuating the positive and profitable is great reporting. Pity the common world prefers hearing about downfalls and shortcomings. I love this. So proud of Unzo!
ReplyDeleteSuch profound words guys thank you for your input. Unathi is indeed one of a kind in the Buffalo City Municipality, may we continue supporting our very own artists, I'm super proud of him.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back home Unathi.You have an amazing gift,and am surely one of the many people touched by your music.I am soo proud of you! :)
ReplyDeleteUnathi you have the most unique voice I've ever heard and the song you sang with Benjamin and Dr. Tumi (You love me) my brother your voice is beautiful. May the Lord Richly bless you my man, carry on singing and blessing us, hopefully we'll hear you go solo��
ReplyDeleteUnathi has indeed impacted our lives in this industry
ReplyDelete