Up-and-coming Khayelitsha gospel artist, Athenkosi Qwetha has released his debut 11-track album titled Uyaphila.
The softly-spoken musician said he had been working on the album for quite some time and was grateful that he had finally managed to complete it. Athenkosi, 28, says the album contains uplifting songs which praises the greatness and power of God while encouraging everyone not to give up on their dreams.
He says the album talks about the daily challenges that people might be battling with in their lives. However, he says, when he penned some songs he was motivated by his personal struggles and challenges which had made him the strong and wise person he has become over the years.
He says he wrote most of the songs on the album when he was 15 years old and still at school. At the time, he says, he never imagined that one day he would release them.
He believes that gospel music enables him to connect to the almighty and that it has the power to uplift and transform people’s lives.
“I have poured out my heart in this album. These songs in this album speak to your heart. This album brings healing and motivation. The album accommodates everyone because God is not exclusive or works for certain people but everyone is protected by Him,” he said.
But it hasn’t been smooth sailing for him, he says. Among his challenges were growing up without his father, having to work while studying, to pay his fees and rent – and then sourcing the finances to record his album.
Last year he released a book of his Xhosa poetry and he is currently working on making a video for the title song of the album.