Banda lives out destiny and parents' dream

purpose-filled: Sbu Banda is representing his parents through his gospel music PHOTO: SUPPLIED
purpose-filled: Sbu Banda is representing his parents through his gospel music PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Gospel artist Sbu Banda was first introduced to music by his aspirant musician father who taught him to play the piano.

He is now living out the dreams of both his parents and making them proud through his music.

His mother was the leader of a choir, while his father was the conductor. "They never got the opportunity to get into the music industry in those days, so I'm sort of living their dream.

"They are very proud of my work. I played my mother some of my songs and she said there was an anointing and a message in the music," a proud Banda says of his folks, Jacob and Thandi.

I speak to the man from Mkhuhlu township in Mpumalanga over the telephone on a sunny yet windy spring day. He's in good spirits as he prepares for his live DVD recording next week for his yet-to-be titled album.

"I'm still praying about that [the title] hey. I'm not sure, but I think it'll be titled Pentecostal Move as the album is really about the movement of the Holy Spirit," he says.

He might not yet have the same crowd-pulling power as a Sfiso Ncwane or be as popular as Loyiso Bala, but the 30-year-old is no slouch in the gospel music industry.

His debut album received the best live album Ingoma award and he was also was also named best Southern African Artist at the Kenyan Extreme Awards last year.

Other forms of recognition came as nominations in the Crown Gospel awards, the SABC Munghana Lonene awards and the first annual Mzansi Gospel Awards this year.

"When my parents see all these awards and nominations they say, I'm taking over where they left off. They support and come to my shows," Banda says.

He'll be sharing the stage with Benjamin Dube on the night of the DVD shoot. "My father actually introduced me to Benjamin Dube's music. He's a fan.

"I see a reflection of myself in him [Dube] and I look up to him as a young artist and because he's a worshipper."

Banda's ardent fans will wonder what happened to the dreadlocks he had when he came into the industry.

"I thought I needed a fresh look because I had the dreads for about nine years. I also needed a more decent look as a gospel artist."

After our lengthy chat and just as I am about to hang up, he gets into evangelist mode. "People should come to the show because it's for everyone, saved or not," he says.

"There's a part of the show where I'll have an altar call for those who want to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. There'll also be a lot of dance and worship."

tiwaneb@timesmedia.co.za

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