OO A K A VME M A G A Z I N E

APRIL 2021 ISSUE 05

A D I S T I N C T G O S P E L C E L E B R A T I O N with Tebello Sukwene, Dr + more Our Previous Issue OM OAK AVE MAGAZINE

EDITOR IN CHIEF / THEMBA DLAMINI ASSOCIATE EDITOR /KATLEGO MAGANO

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY/ RAGE INC STUDIOS COVER DIRECTED BY/ THEMBA DLAMINI COVER WRITTEN BY/ ANELILE DLAMINI-GIBIXEGO COVER STYLING BY/ KATLEGO MAGANO COVER MAKE UP BY/ MAMELLO MOKHELE

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR / KATLEGO MAGANO DIGITAL ART DIRECTOR / THEMBA DLAMINI

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Joshua 1:9 says, “ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” With the past year and a couple of days, entire human race has been facing a bleak future. Everyone asking himself or herself whether they will see the next day, if they will have a job or an income or who will have RIP next to their picture when they log onto social media. The recent months have been trying indeed and we try to remind our readers of the goodness of God, in a fun way. On the cover we have the Mother of African Gospel Dr Rebecca Malope and the gifted Tebello Sukwene discussing the difference between the new age gospel artists and when Dr Rebecca start. Dj Shy Guy host of the drive time and Saturday’s top 20 on one of the biggest South African Christian radio stations also taps into that conversation. We also have a conversation with the Gospel Hip Hop’s Zinzi Kahnish. Talented actress and reality star Innocent Sadiki discusses some of the myths around the Pastor’s wives. We also look at the 5 songs that took us to church without us even knowing. Hope this issue gives you hope in that God still reigns and you meditate on Joshua 1:9.

Themba Photography by, Simz M O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

SUNDAY LOOK M A K E - U P L O O K S F O R T H E P E R F E C T S U N D A Y

INNOCENT SADIKI

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 Hues of Purple and Pink with a Clean Face

Touches of Colour, one can never go wrong with a bit of colour just to add to your make-up look.

Keeping your lip clean and just playing with the eyes and upper checks will give

you that young and fun look, T

S while still being able to carry E R

E this look from church to lunch T

N to even a small gathering I P with friends. ; S E G A

M venture I

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 D E C R U O S S O U R C E D

I M A G E S ;

P I N T E R E S T

Clean Minimal Glam Look A timeless look that can never go out of trend and one can never mess up, the clean, elegant look is best. Celebrating your natural beauty, highlighting ones best features with a touch of emphasis on the eyes this look is subtle yet powerful.

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 T H E S T A T E O F T H E G O S P E L M U S I C A D D R E S S

with the Shy Guy

Thabo Matshaka affectionately known as Shy Guy to his listeners was born in Gqeberha, the Eastern Cape. I'm Almighty God's son and Jesus Christ's brother.

The calling to do radio was answered in 2004 in Gqeberha when a new radio station was being formed and they were in search for on air presenters to volunteer. The almighty God’s son aka Jesus’s brother [as he calls himself] then submitted his CV and in no time he got the call back he was hoping for, to attend the training and as we say…the rest is history. Seventeen years later Shy guy is the Afternoon drive time host [Monday to Friday 4-7 pm] and the Top 20 [on Saturdays] at one of ’s biggest Christian radio station Rainbow FM.

His listeners have raved about his authenticity, the love of what he does and overall serveanthood. You can easily hear that it is now the drive time or he top 20 through Thabo’s infectious laughter. O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 We asked Shy Guy what he thinks the difference is between the current generation of gospel singers and the previous generation., and he is quick to say “I don't think there's much difference as far as the message of the gospel is concerned. There was less experimenting from the artists of back in the days. The new guys are more experimental with their music as well as writing lyrics so there's more to choose in terms of the genre.”

As the world evolves, so has the gospel music and who better to ask about the transition than Mr. Top 20 himself. “In my opinion it has improved, if you have noticed before Covid 19 gospel artists were recording their albums with live audience unlike studio recordings. The live recordings had the advantage of DVDs as well, more like killing two birds with one stone. There's just good quality about live recordings.” says Shy guy.

The quality of music has taken the forefront and that is mainly what we look for, for a song to be part of the top 20. Relevancy also plays a major role.

"THERE'S JUST GOOD QUALITY ABOUT LIVE RECORDINGS.”

SHY GUY'S 10 GOSPEL SONGS OF ALL TIME

10. Fred Hammond - No weapons 5. Ntokozo Mbambo - In the shadow 4. Tramaine Hawkins - The Potter's House 9. Neyi Zimu - Jehova retshepile wena 3. Family Factory - Have faith 8. Benjamin Dube feat. Judith Sephuma - Oh my God 2. Kirk Franklin - Stomp 7. Lionel Petersen - My help 6. Bebe Winans - This song 1. Mary Mary - Shackles

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

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r d o e o in song l R F

s k r c a a e l WORDS BY ANELILE DLAMINI-GIBIXEGO B W

s e r p a o e l The 2 songstresses discuss their with the gospel music industry, their a W

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n a e c c w e

k Shot on Location: The Reef Hotel b u e S

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O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 COVER STORY e v i t c e l l o C & a b a r o M . K

; s s e r D

k Tebello n i P s r a S u k w e n e e W e n e w k u S o l l e b e T

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 C O V E R S T O R Y A TRUE RESEMBLANCE OF A NEW GOSPEL ERA.

The daughter: Tebello Sukwene

Although the journey was long and diverse, through the grace and alignment with God, she found her niche and calling in gospel music. Tebello Sukwene’s vast experience in other genres led her to her initial calling of singing gospel. From being discovered by T e

Sizwe Zako as a worship team leader, being b e l inspired by Dr Rebecca Malope, sharing l o

huge stages with Simphiwe Dana and S u

Malaika, to leading South Africa’s biggest k choir, joyous celebration in songs; w e Tebello is a true resemblance of a the new n e gospel era. We sat down with her and this is W what she had to say: e a r s

From an early age, the Ofana Nawe singer P i n

remembers singing gospel with her family k and leading the church worship team. But D r the journey to establishing herself as a e s s

contemporary gospel artist was not ;

K

seamless. Coming from a family of . M

academics, it was expected from her to also o r

follow suit. “I never knew that I would a b

become an artist or sing professionally. a &

Even though we had a gospel group at C o

home. This was because, my home was full l l e

of academics. The singing was not c t considered as a serious career”, she says. i v e

However, the music kept calling her and time and time again she found herself behind the microphone time and time again, from the school choir to reaching the finals of singing competition, ‘Reach for the Stars’.

Later, singing lead soprano at Assemblies of God in Springs, she was discovered by legendary producer, Sizwe Zako who was Dr Rebecca Malope’s producer and often came to Assemblies of God in Springs where she O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 was the worship team leader. COVER STORY

Tebello Sukwene Wears Pink Dress; K.Moraba&Collective A joyous celebration into gospel music – “I went to Jabu Hlongwane and told him, I will be singing with Simphiwe Dana later, take that as my audition!”.

While with Jazzy afro soul singer, Simphiwe Dana she When she saw Mam’Rebecca Malope, that’s when met one of the godfathers of gospel, bab Jabu Tebello said, “I think I want to do that, I want to be Hlongwane in a show; “I went to Jabu Hlongwane like her.” and told him, I will be singing with Simphiwe Dana later, take that as my audition!”. It took that bold Jazzy beginnings introduction with Jabu Hlongwane to pull her into Through the influence of Sizwe Zako, she was invited the gospel arena singing for him and later into to form part of Joy of Jazz Festival and that is a Joyous Celebration where she recorded Joyous 13, huge platform for a new singer. “Although I grew up 14,15, 16 and 17. in a Christian family, I was introduced to music by a This is how Tebello got mounted into the gospel jazz artist. This is when I started becoming an artist music once again, “This was a special decision and although was not sure which path I would take”. Joy a deja vu moment as I once dreamt of myself in a of Jazz festival opened so many doors for Tebello. huge choir and I was standing in front, singing. I She sang jazz with Robbie Malinga, Malaika, Jaziel could not make sense of it until Jabu Hlongwane was brothers as well as establishing their own group in my life”. A full circle back into gospel, now with “Amtoti”. This led to singing with Simphiwe Dana for new learned skills and experience to build her own seven years, where she toured and thrived in the gospel music career with ‘He’s Alive” a spirit filled space. album released in 2014.

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 SHE IS THE REASON WHY I PURSUED THIS CAREER.

“Contemporary is not new, and it has influenced my music greatly. There is a

definite role in contemporary music with the evolving times. It brings in the international edge and feel while still transmitting the word of God. My first love is Rebecca Malope who inspires me and she is the reason why I pursued this career. Traditional music and icilongo will always have a special place in my heart, so it cannot be lost. We cannot always have old fashioned people. It is a great way to let new people in and showcase their forms and maintain

the integrity of the music and balance. n o

i Contemporary and new music introduce h s new artists, new consumers and new spaces a F

where God’s voice will enter. “ e r r E

; Transitioning into the Digital Era s s

e The transformation to the digital arena is r

D leaving a lot of people behind. Traditional

k listeners enjoy gospel music on CD and c a l even some on cassette. They do not B

s understand the fundamental importance of r a e buying and streaming music. W e n Who is Tebello’s greatest inspiration? e w ‘My inspiration has always been k u

S Mam’Rebecca Malope, as a result I called o l uMam Rebecca and asked to feature her l e

b song ‘mangizifihle kuwe’ in my first album e

T and it is there as part of the Zulu medley,

because I wanted to honour her. I loved her so much even in my youth that I snuck out of home once to go watch her perform not knowing that one day I would get to be in an intimate mother-daughter relationship with her. We would later tour together, as her back up singer and I would sing at her birthday.

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 C O V E R S T O R Y

Dr

Rebecca

Malope

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 COVER STORY

THE QUEEN OF GOSPEL An inspiration to many!

Dr Rebecca Malope, the On stage, Brenda asked the queen of gospel music is an audience if anyone can sing inspiration to many ‘’ for her. I In her youth, gospel music’s ran onto the stage and sang multiple award winner Dr Weekend Special, and she Rebecca Malope confesses was so blown away, she that she wanted to be a gave me R10. I was around psychologist, however 11 years old at that time. through God’s mercy, she That experience really feels like a psychologist motivated me and I felt through the music as assured that I can sing. people find healing through How have you managed to it. Similar to Tebello, the stay in the industry? journey to gospel was not “The grace of God has kept an obvious decision but it me relevant and popular found her. through the hectic changes From arriving in Joburg in of the music industry. Its

n the early 1980s to sing amazing that I am still o i Mbhaqanga, to meeting the wanted and I am still being h s legendary Sizwe Zako and booked. Grace is the only a F

winning ‘Shell Road to explanation” Dr Malope e r Fame’ in 1987. She r E

ventured into Bubblegum On contemporary music – ; s music and released five “We must pull up our socks s e

r albums, however each of khona sizobambelela kubo” D

those albums had a gospel Music has changed e l song. The calling was strong significantly, not just gospel s s

a and in 1990 released a full music. The new direction T

gospel album ‘Rebecca involves the transition from e t i sings gospel’ which hard copies and CDs into h launched her into the the digital space. The older W traditional gospel industry, consumers struggle to “There is nothing that would transition into the new age, make me change from “even myself I am being gospel. It has made me who taught by my kids because I am!” she says with this is the era they were conviction. born in” says the Moya Wami singer. Although the R10 from Brenda Fassie! transition is difficult, there “One significant memory I are means to get to the have is when Brenda Fassie other side. gave me R10. I heard about Gospel as an industry has her performance at really grown, there is a new Nelspruit to sing with Papa influx of new and fresh and Blondie; I snuck into gospel artists coming in. the venue ‘ngafohla to see Brenda’.

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 Each one of them with their own unique way to spread the word of God. Therefore, there is space for the upcoming C O V E R S T O R Y contemporary gospel like Tebello and the likes, it is needed because as the world changes the gospel industry must also adapt. They grew up listening to our songs and we the old guard, must also listen to them. This keeps you malleable and adaptable. No, I will not change my sound, Rebecca is Rebecca, but I find new lessons when I listen to them. We must pull up our socks khona sizobambelela kubo”.

Who is sis Ribs listening to? “I love our local music; it inspires me, and I always learn from them. I feel obligated to love all of them because so many have looked up to me for ages. I have also collaborated with many, and I enjoy it when the new ones approach me.”

Which is the track of tracks, done by you? Moya wami! It’s a classic.

Milestones – a life lived in gospel What are some of the milestones that you remember that are significant in your journey? I celebrated my 40th in Maputo, invited by the late . Hosting my gospel show for 14 years. I was able to bond and to explore many gospel artists. It served to enlighten and to expand the gospel viewership Her honorary doctorates from University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of California for her contribution to the music industry

White Tassle Dress : Erre Fashion

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 COVER STORY LESSONS FROM THE OLD AND NEW ERA

Lessons from the old and new era TIPS Rebecca: The aim for us to sing gospel is to transform people’s lives. Stay true to the word and stay true for God. Rebecca: Ubuntu is very important, do not let fame get into your head Tebello – Know what you want. There are many strings that pull you in different directions but always know where you are centred. Tebello - It is important to be very firm and having a backbone. Dr Malope feels passionate about reducing corruption in the gospel industry. Artists should be careful and learn the legalities of the industry. Unfortunately, new artists come in desperate and end up being scammed. Record labels are sneaky with the new artists and become opportunists. Things like that would not be the case if there was a strong culture of knowledge sharing, regulation and transparency in the industry; “We need more workshops for the gospel industry! To teach and share information!

There isn’t a strong culture of knowledge sharing for artists on their rights and protection from the department. The corruption was there in our times and even today.”

Gig or Gift Tebello highlights that the gospel industry is just as cutthroat as other industries and it is still a just a business for some. There are artists that enter the gospel arena for economic gain and not because they are ministers of the word. They know that the gospel industry is lucrative and that consumers support us. “Even if they come for business and money but somehow Gods hand will touch them and bring them into the kingdom” says mam Rebecca, “I am not a superstar, fame isn’t mine. It belongs to God and through my acts, he must be glorified.”

COVID Impacts “We feel like we are not cared for as artists by Government. We are a significant part and contributor of the South African economy. We just want to be taken seriously. I can be rejected from the Relief fund today yet I do not even have bread and sugar! What is that?”O M

Dr Rebecca Malople & Tebello Sukwenw wear Dresses; Imprint O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

INNOCENT SADIKI

Shatters the myths that have long haunted pastor's wives!

Innocent Sadiki wears suit by K.Moraba&Collective O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

I n n o c e n t

S a d i k i

w e a r s

d r e s s

b y

E r r e

F a s h i o n

"We don’t don’t need prayers and spiritual support. No one prays for us, we always praying for others. "

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

I n n o c e n t

S a d i k i

w e a r s

O a k A v e

C u s t o m

T - s h i r t ,

P a n t s

b y

K . M o r a b a & C o l l e c t i v e "We rely on tithes and offering to support our personal life’s. we don’t, we work very hard for everything God blessed us with."

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

I n n o c e n t

S a d i k i

w e a r s

D r e s s

b y

E r r e

F a s h i o n

" W E D O N ’ T H A V E F U N O R H A V E A S O C I A L L I F E . " O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

I n n o c e n t

S a d i k i w e a r s d r e s s b y

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F a s h i o n

"You have a one way ticket to heaven! Not true, we have to work twice as hard to build a relationship with God."

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

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D r e s mistakes, or have s b y

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O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

I n n o c e n t

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w e a r s

C o a t

D r e s s

b y

E r r e

F a s h i o n ,

S k i r t

b y

K . M o r a b a & c o l l e c t i v e

"You are just your husbands ‘beauty support’ and have no work or value towards the work of the ministry"

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 1 MINUTE WITH INNO What is Inno listening to? I enjoy gospel, whether it’s local, traditional or international. I also listen to radio, but only Christian station (impact radio ,rainbow FM, and hope FM) and to 702 for news and current affairs.

Your favourite Hang out spot? My favorite hangout spot definitely has to be at Malls at fancy restaurants like Kreme and Wasabi. I love good food, and spending time with my husband as well as my twin sister Millicent Mashile. I don’t party or club or do night scenes. I really don’t mind being at home in my safe space, catching up on movies, reading books and spending time with my children.

Who is your style influence? I really love Sarah Jakes Roberts style and fashion look. She’s a young dynamic preacher like me but she dresses very flick and modern. It’s important to dress your age, and look the part. So I try and look hot but still decent. It’s a think and complicated line to cross but it’s definitely possible.

What do you never leave the house without? My phone without a doubt. It has my life in it. My bible, my social media, my contacts everything basically.

Who inspires you? I’m truly inspired by powerful women who are not afraid to take up space. Women who know God and what He has done for them. Courageous, independent and business minded fearless women. I believe strongly in empowerment and uplifting the future generation. It’s time to create opportunities, to show that it’s possible for every young black child. Also believers, people who believe are dreamers and have a better chance of making it in this world.

Innocent Sadiki wears Knit by Erre Fashion, Skirt by K.Moraba&Collective O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 OO A K A VME M A G A Z I N E

APRIL 2021 ISSUE 05 TOP 5 SONGS THAT TOOK US TO CHURCH WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT

B Y @ T H E M B A _ S A Y S

It is never shocking to see commercial artists whether R&B, Afropop or even house music artists doubling into gospel. It is however always communicated that "I am now doing gospel", for a various number of reasons. Below we look at 5 artists who stuck to their genre and released songs that were a commercial success yet most of us were not even aware that it's gospel!

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 Master KG

Master Kg featuring Nomcebo – Jerusalem This song took over the world and everyone was dancing and singing along! This is one song that brought the entire world together in worship. With “Jerusalema, ikhaya lami. Ngilodoloze, uhambe nami. Zungangishiyi lana.Indawo yami, umbuso wami awukho lana, ngilondoloze”.[ Jerusalema is my home. Guard me, walk with me. Don’t leave me here. My home is not here, my kingdom is not here, guard me!]

Tamia – Tomorrow This is one song that was played everywhere and some none believers sang out loud to, not knowing that they actually worshipping. Tamia sings “Jesus said, "Here I stand, Won't you please take my hand?"And you said, "I will... tomorrow!" Jesus said, "I am He who supplies all your needs"And you said, "I know... but, tomorrow!".

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 It is never shocking to see commercial artists whether R&B, Afropop or even house music artists doubling into gospel. It is however always communicated that "I am now doing gospel", for a various number of reasons. Below we look at 5 artists who stuck to their genre and released songs that were a commercial success yet most of us were not even aware that it's gospel!

Brenda Fassie – Thixo Undiphile The Queen of Pop has always had a gospel song here and there but this song spoke to a lot of people and further proved her versatility. This song was begging the masses to give their lives to God while there is still time

TProfessor featuring Speedy – Baphi I always get this confuse look when I tell people that most of Professor’s song are gospel songs. One song that bares testimony to this is Baphi featuring Speedy. Some of the lyrics on this song say “uyambona manje, nangu uyatatazela, angithi uzwile uJesu nangu naye uyasekela [He is shaking because he heard that Jesus is coming].

Lauryn Hill – Lost Ones Lauryn Hill has been known for her spirituality and consciousness but this was one song the drove hip hop heads crazy. This song had everyone bumping their heads with Lyrics like “Wisdom is better than silver and gold, I was hopeless now I'm on hope road, Every man want to act like he's exempt. When he need to get down on his knees and repent. Can't slick talk on the day of judgment. Your movement's similar to a serpent”

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 T H E R E E F H O T E L I S S I T U A T E D I N T H E H E A R T O F T H E C I T Y O F J O H A N N E S B U R G

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L O O K o u r c e d

I m a g e s

f r o m

S A

F A

LOOKS FROM TOP TO S H I BOTTOM O N

W E

1.MMUSOMAXWELL E K 2.BAM COLLECTIVE 3.RUBICON

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I m a g e s

f r o m

S A

F A S H I O N

W E E K

LOOKS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

1.MANTSHO 2.SOBER 3.FIKILE ZAMAGCINO SOKHULU

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 A L L H A I L W e r e c e n t l y p o s t e d a v i d e o o f G o s p e l H i p H o p a r t i s t Z i n z i K a h n i s h o n o n e o f o u r s o c i a l T H E Q U E E N O F S A m e d i a p l a t f o r m s a n d w e g o t i n u n d a t e d w i t h p e o p l e w a n t i n g t o f i n d o u t w h o s h e G O S P E L H I P H O P w a s a n d t o h e a r m o r e f r o m h e r .

T h e S o w e t o b o r n Q u e e n s a y s “ I S P R I N K L E S H E R A N N O I N T E N T w a s g r o o m e d i n h i g h s c h o o l V O I C E T O T H E S O U T H A F R I C A N w h e n I w a s i n a g r o u p c a l l e d H I P H O P F R A T E R N I T Y ! p o e t r y m a s t e r s w h e r e I w a s s u r r o u n d e d b y t a l e n t e d h i p h o p a r t i s t s w h o t o o k t h e i r t i m e t o t e a c h m e a l o t o f w h a t I k n o w n o w . ” A f t e r H i g h s c h o o l , s h e g o t s i g n e d b y N a t i v e R h y t h m s R e c o r d s u n d e r S i p h o S i t h o l e w h e r e s h e r e l e a s e d h e r h u g e l y s u c c e s s f u l f i r s t s i n g l e t i t l e d " I t ' s a b o u t t i m e " w h i c h w a s a n o d e t o B o o m S h a k a . T h a t r e l a t i o n s h i p w a s s h o r t - l i v e d a n d i t w a s t h e n t h a t s h e d e c i d e d t o g o i n d e p e n d e n t a n d d o m o r e o f c o n s c i e n c e r a p m u s i c s h e h a s b e e n l o n g i n g f o r . T h i s , w i t h o u t k n o w i n g , w a s p a v i n g t h e w a y f o r h e r t r a n s i t i o n t o C h r i s t i a n H i p h o p . T h e t r a n s i t i o n w a s c a r v e d b y t h e c h a n g e i n h e r l i f e a l s o , a s s h e h a d r e c e i v e d C h r i s t a n d r e a l i s e d t h e r e w a s m o r e t o h e r g i f t t h a n j u s t c o m m e r c i a l m u s i c . H e r d e s i r e t o w o r s h i p a l s o m a d e h e r d e c i s i o n e a s i e r . “ M y m u s i c j o u r n e y h a s b e e n b e a u t i f u l i n t h a t G o d p l a c e d m e i n s i t u a t i o n s t h a t m o l d e d m e t o b e t h e k i n d o f w o m a n I a m t o d a y , e s p e c i a l l y i n t h i s m a l e d o m i n a t e d i n d u s t r y a n d a s a C h r i s t i a n H i p h o p f e m a l e a r t i s t . ” s h e s a y s .

“ M Y M U S I C J O U R N E Y H A S B E E N B E A U T I F U L " Z I N Z I

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 ”I guess she saw the destiny before I did"

ZINZI ON HER MOTHER'S SUPPORT

”I guess she saw the destiny before I did and Zinzi continues to say that, at this point, went out of her way to make sure that I see it she is excited and borderline crazy about too.” Zinzi says Another vote of confidence was from the spreading the Word of God through her church that she went to that encouraged her music and is looking forward to seeing not to leave hip hop behind but to use her what God has planned for her in this talent for the Glory of the Lord. Zinzi chimes in journey as a Worshipper. For a “I must say everything about the transition felt mathematician mother, she assumed that right to me outside of anyone’s opinion about she would be pushed towards academics it but it was beautiful that I received so much [which she was good at] and was encouragement from my family and everyone surprised when her supported her music around me too.” O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 career. “Music is more than a calling to me, but a personal conversation between me and God. For instance, when I was writing Rock of Ages I was woken up by the Lord at 5am and I heard him tell me that the name of the song is 'Rock of Ages' and I knew exactly what he meant because I knew he wanted me to describe my relationship with him in this song.” Zinzi also says she was so emotional as she while putting the song together because what was supposed to be a song started to feel like a prayer, it was a way for him to explain to me who he really is.

S h e t h e n w r o t e i t a s a p o e m t o t h e L o r d . Z i n z i s a y s i t i s m o m e n t s l i k e t h e s e t h a t r e m i n d h e r o f D a v i d i n t h e b i b l e w h e n h e w r o t e t h e P s a l m s a n d h o w t o h i m w h a t w a s a O n e o n O n e c o m m u n i c a t i o n b y h i m w i t h G o d b e c a m e a b o o k i n t h e b i b l e . S h e s a y s t h i s b e c a u s e o u t s i d e o f w o r s h i p a n d p r a y e r s h e i s n o t c e r t a i n t h a t w o u l d b e a b l e t o m a k e i t i n t h i s l i f e .

W h a t d o e s E a s t e r m e a n t o y o u ? T h e d e a t h o f J e s u s f o r m y s i n s a n d h i s r e s u r r e c t i o n f o r m e t o l i v e i s t h e r e a s o n w h y I d o w h a t I d o . I c a n n o t i m a g i n e a n y o n e a s s e l f l e s s , a s l o v i n g a s m y L o r d J e s u s C h r i s t . H i s r e s u r r e c t i o n p r o p h e s i e s t h e l i f e I a m a b l e t o l i v e i n h i m , i n f a c t i t i s w h a t d r i v e s m e t o d o w h a t I d o . I h a v e s e e n t h e m o s t h o p e l e s s s i t u a t i o n s t r a n s f o r m a n d b e c o m e h o p e f u l j u s t b y t h e b l o o d o f J e s u s , w h i c h w a s s h e d o n t h e c r o s s f o r m e . W h a t B l o w s m y m i n d a b o u t h i s d e a t h a n d r e s u r r e c t i o n w a s t h a t h e d i d n o t j u s t d o i t f o r c e r t a i n i n d i v i d u a l s b u t h e d i d i t f o r e a c h a n d e v e r y o n e o f u s r i g h t d o w n t o t h o s e t h a t p u t h i m o n t h e c r o s s , n o w w h a t k i n d o f L o v e i s t h a t ?

S o i n a n u t s h e l l t h e R e s u r r e c t e d K i n g h a s r e s u r r e c t e d m e a n d I w i l l c o n s t a n t l y c e l e b r a t e t h i s t r u t h n o t o n l y i n E a s t e r b u t i t w i l l a l w a y s r e f l e c t i n t h e t e s t i m o n y o f m y l i f e a n d i n m y w o r s h i p f o r h i m . L o o k o u t f o r h e r m u s i c o n a l l m u s i c d i g i t a l p l a t f o r m s a n d h e r v i d e o o n y o u t u b e a s Z i n z i K a h n i s h .

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 Good Morning Holy Spirit

These are the songs we play every morning, to start the day and help us inviting God into our day and ask him to order our steps.

1.Benjamin Dube feat Zinzi -Walk Upon The Water 2.Bucy Radebe - Impilo Yami (original) 3. Sbu Noah - Zundikhaphe 4. Zaza - Ngena

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 A powerful force who is synonymous with the most successful South African events, campaigns and high profile personalities. He has proven to be the fastest moving PR machine and many reputable circles consider him SA's most powerful publicist and a highly sought-after TV producer. This is... S I M P H I W E M A J O L A

O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 G E T T I N G T O K N O W A F A S H I O N L E G E N D

A N D W h e r e d o y o u s e e F I A S A i n t h e n e x t 5 - 1 0 y e a r s ?

P R M A V E N T h e F I A S A A w a r d s w i l l s t i l l b e s t e a d i l y h e l p i n g t a l e n t e d d e s i g n e r s a t a l l s t a g e s o f t h e i r c a r e e r s f r o m t h e c o l l e g e l e v e l r i g h t H o w h a s y o u r j o u r n e y t h r o u g h t h r o u g h t o t h e m b e c o m i n g h o u s e h o l d t h e S o u t h A f r i c a n e n t e r t a i n m e n t f a s h i o n b r a n d s . W e w i l l b e t h e g o t o c o m p a n y f o r a n y o f t h e b u s i n e s s o f f a s h i o n i n d u s t r y b e e n l i k e ? m e n t o r s h i p p r o g r a m m e s t h a t a i m t o i m p r o v e e q u a l i t y a n d o p p o r t u n i t y s o t h a t F o r 1 6 y e a r s , S i m p h i w e h a s b e e n t h e S A f a s h i o n i n d u s t r y r e m a i n s d i v e r s e e x t e n s i v e l y i n v o l v e d i n S A S t y l e A w a r d s a n d o p e n t o a l l . a n d 1 1 y e a r s w i t h t h e G Q B e s t D r e s s e d M e n o f t h e Y e a r , G Q M e n O f T h e Y e a r A w a r d s a n d t h e G l a m o u r W o m a n o f Y e a r A w a r d s W h a t w e r e y o u l o o k i n g f o r i n m a k i n g h i m a f a s h i o n e x p e r t . T o c e m e n t t h e t e a m y o u w o r k i n g w i t h ? h i s s t a t u s h e a l s o a c t e d a s a f a s h i o n e x p e r t f o r 4 y e a r s o n t h e b i g g e s t r a d i o s t a t i o n i n I w o r k w i t h a n a m a z i n g t e a m o f y o u n g o u r c o u n t r y , U k h o z i F M . M o s t r e c e n t l y h e c r e a t i v e s w h o a r e d y n a m i c ; c r e a t i v e ; s h o w e d h i s a p p e t i t e f o r t h e f a s h i o n a r t i s t i c ; t e a m p l a y e r s ; h a v e a c o m p e t i t i v e i n d u s t r y b y c o - f o u n d i n g a n d b e c o m i n g s p i r i t w i t h g r e a t c o m m u n i c a t i o n s k i l l s d i r e c t o r o f t h e n e w l y l a u n c h e d F a s h i o n I n d u s t r y A w a r d s S o u t h A f r i c a , t o b e h e l d l a t e r t h i s y e a r . 5 M O S T I M P O R T A N T L E S S O N S H o w d i d t h e F a s h i o n I n d u s t r y L E A R N T T H R O U G H O U T H I S A w a r d s S o u t h A f r i c a ( F I A S A ) C A R E E R : c o n c e p t c o m e a b o u t ? G O T H E E X T R A M I L E – P R I S S T R A T E G I C , T h e m a i n c o r e f o c u s i s t o e d u c a t e a n d W H I C H I S A B O U T M A K I N G T H A T E X T R A e m p o w e r u p c o m i n g f a s h i o n i n n o v a t o r s ; P H O N E C A L L , S E N D I N G T H A T E X T R A w h i l s t h o s t i n g a v a r i e t y o f w e b i n a r s , p o p E M A I L O R F O L L O W I N G U P T H A T O N E u p f a s h i o n a c t i v a t i o n s a n d m u c h m o r e E X T R A T I M E l e a d i n g u p t o t h e a w a r d s . E X P O S E Y O U R S E L F T O O P P O R T U N I T I E S T h e F I A S A A w a r d s a r e m e a n t t o c e l e b r a t e S E T R E A L I S T I C E X P E C T A T I O N S – A S A i n v a l u a b l e c o n t r i b u t i o n s a n d a c k n o w l e d g e P U B L I C I S T Y O U C A N N O T C O N T R O L T H E b u s i n e s s e x c e l l e n c e t h a t h a s c h a n g e d t h e M E D I A ( A L W A Y S U N D E R P R O M I S E A N D e n t i r e f a s h i o n l a n d s c a p e . O V E R D E L I V E R ) C O M P O S U R E W H E N U N D E R P R E S S U R E – W h a t c a n p e o p l e e x p e c t f r o m W H E N A S I T U A T I O N I S N O T G O I N G A S t h i s p l a t f o r m F I A S A ? P L A N N E D , Y O U R R E A C T I O N C A N M A K E O R B R E A K I T W I T H Y O U R C L I E N T , P U T T h i s y e a r , t h e F I A S A s w i l l h o n o r a n d O T H E R S A T E A S E B Y R I S I N G A B O V E T H E c e l e b r a t e F a s h i o n D e s i g n e r s ; B r a n d s , S I T U A T I O N A N D Y O U W I L L B E A T A R E A L c r e a t i v e s a n d i n d i v i d u a l s w h o h a v e c r e a t e d A D V A N T A G E I N T H E P R I N D U S T R Y c h a n g e w i t h i n t h e f a s h i o n i n d u s t r y . T h i s B E S I N C E R E – N E V E R E V E R L I E T O A w o u l d b e t h e f i r s t e v e r a w a r d s i n t h e J O U R N A L I S T – Y O U W I L L B E F O U N D O U T c o u n t r y t o r e c o g n i z e t h e v e r y b e s t A N D Y O U W I L L L O S E Y O U R C R E D I B I L I T Y . I n n o v a t o r s a n d C r e a t i v e s i n t h e S o u t h A f r i c a n f a s h i o n i n d u s t r y . O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1 F A S H I O N D I R E C T O R Y

I M P R I N T Z A

3 4 9 A l b e r t R o a d , W o o d s t o c k , C a p e T o w n , W e s t e r n C a p e A f r i c a R i s e S t o r e , 6 6 A n d e r s o n S t r e e t , J o h a n n e s b u r g 0 @1i m p r i n t _ z a

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K . M O R A B A & C O L L E C T I V E

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O A K A V E B E S P O K E

2 0 B a d e n h o r s t R d , B l a c k h e a t h , J o h a n n e s s b u r g i n f o @ o a k a v e . c o . z a 04@ o f f i c i a l o a k a v e

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w w w . m m u s o m a x w e l l . c o m s t u d i o @ m m u s o m a x w e l l . c o m 06@ m m u s o m a x w e l l O A K M A G | A P R I L 2 0 2 1