GOSPEL singer Sipho Makhabane bowed out in style as a recording artist at the weekend.

GOSPEL singer Sipho Makhabane bowed out in style as a recording artist at the weekend.

Makhabane, a pastor and one of the best-selling male gospel singers, shot his last live DVD at the State Theatre in Pretoria on Saturday and yesterday.

The multi-award- winning singer will continue to honour various performance invitations. Last year Makhabane dropped his last album, Ebenezer.

Speaking to Sowetan before the event, Makhabane said after so many years in the industry he felt his contribution as a singer was enough.

"My company has grown to about seven artists. My focus now is on making these artists become the stars of tomorrow. I want to make a difference in the lives of many artists."

After singing a few songs on the stage Makhabane officially handed the microphone to one of his promising musicians, Pastor Ncanda.

"This is where I am stopping as a singer and I give this microphone to you to continue where I left off," an emotional Makhabane said.

Musicians such as Winnie Mashaba, Rebecca Malope, Pastor Ncanda, Sphumelele Mbambo, Pongola Gospel Wagon, Tshepiso Motaung and Hlengiwe Mhlaba were part of the live DVD recording.

Queen of gospel Rebecca Malope opened the session before Mashaba got the audience dancing.

When Makhabane walked on to the stage he was welcomed with a standing ovation. He ended this chapterof his life with a remarkable performance that captured the imagination of music lovers.