Best is yet to come, Padi pledges

WELKOM singer Sechaba Padi has emerged as the new star of the South African Music Awards traditional gospel genre, having dominated the category for the past two years.

The former street kid-turned-music star has suddenly taken the gospel world by storm and is following in the footsteps of a legend such as Rebecca Malope.

Surely, taking the award for two consecutive years is proof that Padi's amazing voice has finally been recognised.

"It has still not sunk in that I've won the category for the second time," Padi says.

"I believe everything has its time and I am grateful to God for blessing me with this talent."

Last year Padi, whose career began with the popular Joyous Celebration, stole the award right from under the noses of well-known gospel musicians such as Sipho Makhabane, Worship House, Hlengiwe Mhlaba and Winnie Mashaba.

He won the category again this year, despite competing against the country's best in Deborah Fraser, Kholeka Dubula, Lundi and Malope.

Now that the new prince of gospel has been finally given the recognition he so richly deserves, Padi says he will work very hard to take it again next year.

He has promised his fans that his best is yet to come and that they should look forward to his next CD.