Legendary traditional gospel singer Thumeka Lothe has released her 10th album entitled Asiphelelanga kushota uYesu.
The singer has been singing gospel music for the last 23 years and has made a name for herself with her single “Hana”.
It reached gold status and even a decade after the song was released it is still her signature song.
Lothe (known affectionately as Thumeka in gospel circles) was at the Somerset West taxi rank promoting her new album recently.
She told City Vision she worked with well-known singers on her new album – the likes of Nqobile Ngidi, Reverend Nkomfa and her husband, Eric Lothe.
“I have been in the industry for many years now,” she pointed out. “And I can tell you now it is not easy. But what is important is to know God. He will make possible all that your heart desires.”
Lothe says the album contains love and peace, and accommodates everyone.
“The youth are not left behind on this album,” she promised, “because they like complaining. You will hear them say our songs are for the elderly only.”
Lothe has shared the stage with many known artists in the genre, such as Dumi Mkokstad, Bethusile Mcinga, and many more.
She says she has taken young people under her wing to make them prosper in music, especially gospel.
“The gift God gave us is not for us only but to help grow His kingdom,” Lothe said. “We must equip others, so they can also go and be a light to others. We were brought here on earth to serve others with our skills hence I am giving young people lessons.”
She says challenges faced by recording artists are similar.
“Our CDs are sold for R10 in the streets, and we have to sing at taxi ranks to make money,” she said. “We have no recording labels, and that is a big challenge for us, but we trust in God in all of this.”
Lothe advises up-and-coming artists not to be lured by money. “Do it because you love it, not because there is money in it,” she says.
“Money runs out, but love never does. There is healing on this album, and I encourage people to rush to the stores to get it.”