She is one of the talented gospel singers set to perform at the Moja LOVE Easter Gospel Festival on 9 April 2023 at Carnival City. Mpumi Mtsweni is part of the line-up which consists of gospel giants Benjamin Dube, Dumi Mkokstad, Canaan Nyathi, Lebo Sekgobela, Ayanda Ntanzi, Tebogo Moloi, and Zaza Mokethi, supported by the Rising Sun Choir, which will bring worshipers together through song.

MUSIC RUNS IN THE BLOOD

Singer and songwriter Nompumelelo Portia Tshabalala, known by the stage name Mpumi Mtsweni ,looks forward to a day of praise and worship. "I cannot wait for the concert. I look forward to God restoring his people and bringing them back to the foundation of Christ,' Mpumi tells ZiMoja. Mpumi started making music when she was four years old. "I started singing as a worship leader at my local church, New Life Missionary Church,' she says. Born and raised in Middleburg and raised in Emalahleni in Witbank, Mpumi gets her musical gene from her mother, who can also sing. "The person who influenced me to get into music was Philani Buthelezi who saw the gift in me from Sunday school and Pastor Makhudu who sort of nurtured, it both spiritually and vocally,' she says. 

LOVING THE RECOGNITION

 Growing up and singing in the church meant she was well-known in the community for her talent. "My childhood memories include being recognised by big artists such as Lebo Sekgobela and Khaya Mthethwa at that time... I didn't believe in myself,' she says. "I mean, I did an opening at Lebo's first live recording for 'Melusi' and that was one of the most amazing moments of my life.' A qualified electrical engineer by profession, Mpumi says she balances the two well. "I was good with mathematics and physics, so I studied at TUT and got my degree at the age of 21. I love playing with electricity.' 

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

 Mpumi has been making music professionally for 10 years now. "My professional career began in 2015 when I hosted my first gospel show which sold out. In 2018, I did a live DVD recording of my music, which was a huge success,' she says. Since her booming music career, Mpumi says she has overcome betrayal and rejection. ""While starting out, I had to invest in myself and pay for the DVD recording from my own pockets,' she says. "I was once disqualified from being part of Women In Praise and I almost killed myself. What motivated me to not give up was my family: mom, husband, and my siblings,' she says. Her challenges made her realise that singing gospel music is a calling. "It is not about fame but to make our God famous and have a chance to share what God drops in my spirit,' she says. 

Catch Mpumi at the Moja LOVE Easter Festival on the 8th April at Big Arena at Carnival City. Tickets are available at Computicket.