Pastor Mfundo Tywaku of Khayelitsha mesmerised the audience with his uplifting worship songs during the launch of his fourth album titled Isigqibo at Salvation Church, in Makhaza, on Saturday July 8.
Local gospel artists and well-known musicians such as Sgwili Richman Zuma came out to support Mr Tywaku.
Young and old from all walks of life gathered at the church to attend the launch and many were touched while others cried hysterically as he delivered powerful healing songs.
As a gesture of thanks to the people of Khayelitsha and surrounding areas for supporting his musical journey, Mr Tywaku donated school shoes to four needy pupils and a R1 000 voucher to Khayelitsha Athletic club.
He told Vukani he had been in the music industry for 12 years and felt that this year was the right time to launch one of his albums.
He said the album contained 10 songs and were aimed at reviving faith while praising God and pleading for His intervention.
He said he recorded the album last November, over five days.
He said he worked with some well-known musicians, such as Dumi Mkokstad who produced the album, and he felt that this was one of his best compilations so far.
The 35-year-old father of two said he drew inspiration for his songs from his personal life challenges and the societal problems facing the country at the time.
He said his songs aimed to bring hope and healing to listeners.
Talking about musical challenges, he said poor marketing, distribution and lack of support from the local government were some of the main issues facing musicians in the province.
Despite these adversities, he said he vowed to continue singing because he believed that the word of God needed to be spread and the truth was that some people found inspiration and healing from listening music.
Mr Tywaku, who works as a district manager at Avbob, urged gospel artists, particularly budding artists, not only to rely on their craft as a way of making a living but to have something else to fall back on.He said he feels blessed that he has been in the industry for 12 years and he vowed to continue making music as long as he was still alive and able to sing.
Talking about his musical journey, he said he knew from a young age that he was destined to be a gospel singer.
He said his father was a bishop and he was part of the church choir which developed his singing talent.
He was ordained as a pastor in 2009. “Gospel music is a universal language. The songs that I have on this album appeal to young and old. We need to continuously ask for God’s protection. This has been one of my dreams to have an official event to launch my album,” he said.
Mr Tywaku said one of his career highlights so far was when he shared the stage with great gospel musicians such as Veliswa Skeyi, Lusanda Spiritual Group and the late Sifiso Ncwane.
He said his ultimate goal was to open a music academy to teach upcoming artists about music and how to perfect their craft.
Mr Zuma said he decided to fly all the way from Durban to support his brother-in-music and urged him to keep making powerful music. He said through gospel music people find healing, hope and encouragement.
Resident Nokwakha Matyolo said she came to support Mr Tywaku as she strongly believed that as Capetonians needed to rally behind their artists before they glorified other artists who come from outside the province.