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Gospel singer now ready to fly solo

NEW STAGE: Mahalia Buchanan is releasing an international solo album PHOTO: SUPPLIED
NEW STAGE: Mahalia Buchanan is releasing an international solo album PHOTO: SUPPLIED

After backing local and international gospel stars for a decade, contemporary gospel singer Mahalia Buchanan is stepping out of the shadows to launch her solo career.

Buchanan has backed stars such as Benjamin Dube, Joyous Celebration, Ntokozo Mbambo, Jonathan Butler and Donnie McClurkin.

The Eldorado Park singer says working with various musicians has prepared her for a solo journey that will start at the end of July when her debut album, Redeemed to Worship, will be released.

As much as it took her 10 years to record her first album, Buchanan says it was worth the wait.

"I am happy that at long last my album will be out. What makes me even more happy is that it will be released locally and internationally."

Buchanan says she took time to record the album because she was not ready and had not fine-tuned her message to people.

"Right now I am ready, I could not have chosen a better time than now. It has been a long wait. Waiting gave me time to work with amazing artists and learn a lot about the industry."

With Redeemed to Worship she wishes to thank, praise and worship God.

"I wanted to think about how he sacrificed for us. I wanted to talk about the grace of God and how he has loved us."

For her album, Buchanan has worked with a team of talented writers, including Shaun P. She features former Joyous Celebration singer Xolani Mdlalose.

She says her career highlights include working with singer Jonathan Butler in the show Gospel Goes Classical. Buchanan was also featured on McClurkin's single Great is Your Mercy.

"It was an important moment in my life. I mean, working with one of the country's best imports. I also felt fortunate to be featured on Donnie's song."

Buchanan's career began with Benjamin Dube, a man she regards as a mentor. She then joined Joyous Celebration at the age of 19 and spent seven years with the group.

Recently, she shot her live DVD, due for release later this year, at the Soweto Theatre. Her solo career will be officially launched at the Perfecting Church in Johannesburg on August 29.

She will also share the stage with Ntokozo Mbambo, Rebecca Malope and Sifiso Ncwane at a gospel concert in Carnival City in September.

After the performance, she heads to the US, where she will be performing at 12 venues.

bambalelep@sowetan.co.za

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