Entertainment / Celebrity
Up Close & Personal with Mantongande
03 Nov 2011 at 08:48hrs | Views
Simangenkosi 'Mantongande' Nkala, nee Dube, is a breakthrough gospel singer helping to fill a huge void in Ndebele music which is struggling to catch on after the golden era of Solomon Skuza, Ndux Malax, Freedom Sengwayo, Brian Sibalo, Fanyana Dube, Don Gumbo, Matonto, Lovemore Majaivana, Busi Ncube and many more.
Mantongande, as she's known to her worldwide following, released her debut album, Behold the Lamb of God, in 2008. She followed that in 2009 with Ngihamba Ngegunya. Part of 2009 and 2010 were spent working on her two DVD videos before releasing her third album Kuyonyakaza in 2011.
Mantongande, has been nominated for Gospel Artist of the year. To vote for her - CLICK HERE >>>> Zimmusicawards
Up and close with Mantongande
Home Town: Bulawayo
Children: Two boys Perfect, 11, and Patrick, 6
Marital Status: Married to Pastor Obert Nkala of the Brethren in Christ Church
Who is Mantongande?
Mantongande is a gospel music artist who was born in Lupane, Matebeleland North, Zimbabwe. I attended primary education at a local school before doing her secondary education at Entumbane Secondary School. I am married to Pastor Obert Nkala. As youths we both went to the Brethren in Christ Church. Pastor Nkala was an assistant pastor at the Lobengula BIC Church before we moved to the UK to further our education. I am studying towards my first degree and plans to start my Masters programme in 2012. We have two children.
When did your interest for Gospel start?
Mantongande's interest in gospel music started when she notably 'naughtily' refused to sing a traditional African song at primary school when asked by her teacher; unbeknown at the time that she would one day sing gospel in front of crowds. Childhood for Mantongande was unremarkable, but her siblings report that she demonstrated independent working at an early stage. There was a time when she volunteered to stay and help her mother in the rural areas when her brothers and sisters sought education and work in urban areas. 'Town life did not really excite me,' she remarks. 'I like growing my own organic food. Even in London, I have my own vegetable allotment where I grow greens.'
I have always been a member of the Praise and Worship Team of every congregation she fellowships in. My interest in music emanates from her Christian values and her motivation to minister to others through music.
Where does the name Mantongande come from?
The name Mantongande is adopted from her maiden name Dube-just like Moyos are Dewas.
When was the debut album and title?
After shying away from recording for many years, her current music manager, finally encouraged her to record her first album, Behold the Lamb of God, in 2007. This was followed by a Ndebele/Zulu Album, Ngihamba Ngegunya in 2008. 2009 and 2010 were spent working on her two DVD videos before releasing her third album Kuyonyakaza in 2011. In these albums, are praise and worship songs with a Southern African rhythm which fuses with traditional gospel. Mantongande writes her own songs assisted by her husband who is her producer. Pastor Nkala composed the songs in the first album.
How many band members do you lead?
Mantongande leads a 15 member band, the Melodies of Grace, based in the UK. She also has another band based in Zimbabwe.
Any live shows?
Live shows have been confined to the UK because of studying full time. She will soon be doing live shows in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana.
Anything you want to tell your followers?
'I would like to thank gospel music lovers for supporting us. To God be the glory. The best day in my life was when I became a born again Christian. I encourage those who listen to my music to reflect on the purpose of living.'
Which Zimbabwean musician do you look up to?
Quite a number including Mai Charamba. 'All of them sing so melodiously. I wish we could all fill up Barbourfields Stadium and sing Nkosi Sikeleli Africa.'
Of your albums, which one is your favourite song?
Surprisingly I do not have a favourite song from my albums. I am still making up my mind. I change everyday depending on my focus at the time.
Who has give you the most valuable advise?
I get a lot of encouragement and advise from my manager, a family friend. However the most encouragement comes from the fans when I am singing live with my band.
Biggest regret?
Not starting her music career earlier.
Is your music played by Zimbabwe radio stations?
Yes, my music is played regularly by radio stations in Zimbabwe.
What are you most afraid of?
I do not like 'crippy' crawly animals like snakes.
What are you currently reading?
Apart from her academic books, she reads the Bible everyday.
Where can we get your CDs, DVS or cassettes?
My music is marketed internationally by my management company, Ngonyama Music directly and via other distribution outlets as full cds, dvds or single tracks mainly from iTunes- see CDBaby or Ngonyama. In Zimbabwe, the main distributor is the BICC Youth Office at Matopo Book Centre. In South Africa, it's available from Music Moods.
Any Awards?
Mantongande, has been nominated for Gospel Artist of the year-see zimmusicawards.com to vote for her.
Mantongande, as she's known to her worldwide following, released her debut album, Behold the Lamb of God, in 2008. She followed that in 2009 with Ngihamba Ngegunya. Part of 2009 and 2010 were spent working on her two DVD videos before releasing her third album Kuyonyakaza in 2011.
Mantongande, has been nominated for Gospel Artist of the year. To vote for her - CLICK HERE >>>> Zimmusicawards
Up and close with Mantongande
Home Town: Bulawayo
Children: Two boys Perfect, 11, and Patrick, 6
Marital Status: Married to Pastor Obert Nkala of the Brethren in Christ Church
Who is Mantongande?
Mantongande is a gospel music artist who was born in Lupane, Matebeleland North, Zimbabwe. I attended primary education at a local school before doing her secondary education at Entumbane Secondary School. I am married to Pastor Obert Nkala. As youths we both went to the Brethren in Christ Church. Pastor Nkala was an assistant pastor at the Lobengula BIC Church before we moved to the UK to further our education. I am studying towards my first degree and plans to start my Masters programme in 2012. We have two children.
When did your interest for Gospel start?
Mantongande's interest in gospel music started when she notably 'naughtily' refused to sing a traditional African song at primary school when asked by her teacher; unbeknown at the time that she would one day sing gospel in front of crowds. Childhood for Mantongande was unremarkable, but her siblings report that she demonstrated independent working at an early stage. There was a time when she volunteered to stay and help her mother in the rural areas when her brothers and sisters sought education and work in urban areas. 'Town life did not really excite me,' she remarks. 'I like growing my own organic food. Even in London, I have my own vegetable allotment where I grow greens.'
I have always been a member of the Praise and Worship Team of every congregation she fellowships in. My interest in music emanates from her Christian values and her motivation to minister to others through music.
Where does the name Mantongande come from?
The name Mantongande is adopted from her maiden name Dube-just like Moyos are Dewas.
When was the debut album and title?
After shying away from recording for many years, her current music manager, finally encouraged her to record her first album, Behold the Lamb of God, in 2007. This was followed by a Ndebele/Zulu Album, Ngihamba Ngegunya in 2008. 2009 and 2010 were spent working on her two DVD videos before releasing her third album Kuyonyakaza in 2011. In these albums, are praise and worship songs with a Southern African rhythm which fuses with traditional gospel. Mantongande writes her own songs assisted by her husband who is her producer. Pastor Nkala composed the songs in the first album.
How many band members do you lead?
Mantongande leads a 15 member band, the Melodies of Grace, based in the UK. She also has another band based in Zimbabwe.
Any live shows?
Live shows have been confined to the UK because of studying full time. She will soon be doing live shows in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana.
'I would like to thank gospel music lovers for supporting us. To God be the glory. The best day in my life was when I became a born again Christian. I encourage those who listen to my music to reflect on the purpose of living.'
Which Zimbabwean musician do you look up to?
Quite a number including Mai Charamba. 'All of them sing so melodiously. I wish we could all fill up Barbourfields Stadium and sing Nkosi Sikeleli Africa.'
Of your albums, which one is your favourite song?
Surprisingly I do not have a favourite song from my albums. I am still making up my mind. I change everyday depending on my focus at the time.
Who has give you the most valuable advise?
I get a lot of encouragement and advise from my manager, a family friend. However the most encouragement comes from the fans when I am singing live with my band.
Biggest regret?
Not starting her music career earlier.
Is your music played by Zimbabwe radio stations?
Yes, my music is played regularly by radio stations in Zimbabwe.
What are you most afraid of?
I do not like 'crippy' crawly animals like snakes.
What are you currently reading?
Apart from her academic books, she reads the Bible everyday.
Where can we get your CDs, DVS or cassettes?
My music is marketed internationally by my management company, Ngonyama Music directly and via other distribution outlets as full cds, dvds or single tracks mainly from iTunes- see CDBaby or Ngonyama. In Zimbabwe, the main distributor is the BICC Youth Office at Matopo Book Centre. In South Africa, it's available from Music Moods.
Any Awards?
Mantongande, has been nominated for Gospel Artist of the year-see zimmusicawards.com to vote for her.
Source - Byo24News
