She is a seed from the North,
transplanted to Gauteng where she has been nurtured so well
that she has bloomed into a rare and beautiful flower, the
dewy petals and dizzying fragrance of which captivates everyone.
Winnie Mashabela’s latest release, Ke Rat Wena, has
ensured that the name every gospel lover raves about is
hers.
This is something that surprises the unassuming star whose
quiet manner evaporates the minute she takes up the mic.
Her ZCC music style and honesty, cuts to the bone.
Like an innocent child she probes and asks those difficult
questions you would rather ignore . When the wound starts
bleeding, Mashaba gently administers the spiritual balm
that has healed many a souls, making them feel better.
She pours her heart out in the songs, so that by the time
she leaves the stage she has won a million hearts.
Ke Rata Wena, which means I love you, is an offering anchored
on Mashaba’s appreciation for all the things God has
done for her.
“We often ask God for a lot of things but rarely go
back to thank Him,” she says. “My producer,
William Dube, and I felt it was time to express our gratitude
to God for everything He has done for us.”
The album is brimfull of praise songs. They encourage people
to put their trust in God. Most of them, Mashaba confesses,
were written by her, with a few additions by her producer.
She is not shy to rave about Mahlomola, her duet with Sifiso
Ncwane.
Mashaba’s career owes its origins to the many hours
she spent at school, church and in neighbourhood choirs.
“I was not much of a talker as I was a singer,”
she says. “As a result I could not resist any gathering
with the purpose of making music.”
That was around the when she started pestering her mother
about a career in music.
“Instead of the resistance expected, my mother quietly
collected cassettes, compiling a list of producers,”
she recalls. “She approached them, begging them to
listen to my singing and, if possible, help to kickstart
my musical career.
“Finally she connected with Johnny Moholo with whom
she released three albums.”
After that eye-opening experience, Mashaba signed up with
her current company, CCP Records, with which she has already
dropped five CDs.
Mashaba is well known for her stylish, colourful outfits.
She says she draws her inspiration from life and events
around her community.
Intent on getting her message across, she sings in isiZulu,
Sepedi, Xitsonga and English
“I grew up listening to many artists but the ones
that affected me most were Steve Kekana and Rebecca Malope,”
she says. “I know I am still growing but I am not
considering producing at the moment.
“I am happy to leave things in Wiliam’s capable
hands.
“My eyes are wide open and like a sponge. I am absorbing
as much as I can.”
Always keeping a low profile, Mashaba, whose multi-platinum
selling music blares from taxis and shopping centres, says
though she does no like to blow her trumpet she gets fulfilment
from social responsibility.
She works closely with children’s charities, something
she does not like talking about.
“I don’t have to shout my deeds from the rooftops
because I know God will reward me,” she says. |
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