WeeklySA_AdminMILESTONE: Rising gospel artist Boni Maleke marks a defining career moment with the release of Umhlengi Wami, a four-track EP blending heartfelt worship, soul and traditional Itende influences rooted in faith and gratitude…
By Sibusiso Ketwa
Gospel artist, worshipper and songwriter Boni Maleke has officially released her latest EP, Umhlengi Wami, a four-track project that marks a significant milestone in her career and introduces her to the mainstream gospel music audience.
Having built her career steadily over the past five years, Boni now steps into a broader media space with a body of work that reflects her spiritual depth, musical maturity and authentic South African sound.
Umhlengi Wami blends soul, heartfelt worship and traditional Itende influences, offering listeners a spiritually uplifting and culturally rooted experience.
The EP features the following tracks: Umhlengi Wami, E Sehlabelo, Saka Baba Wethu and Shout Hallelujah.
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Boni Maleke has grown her fan base through live recordings, church ministry and festival performances across the country.
Her growing catalogue includes: My Offering (2021), An Attitude of Gratitude – Live Recording (2022), Grace Imparted – Live Recording (2025), The Cross – Live Recording (To be released in 2026) and Umhlengi Wami – EP (2026).
Her commitment to excellence has earned her recognition from leading gospel platforms, including the Crown Gospel Awards, Mpumalanga Gospel Awards, Independent National Gospel Awards (INGOMA) and the Free State Gospel Awards. Career highlights include winning Best Live Recorded DVD in 2023 and Best Single in 2025.
Deeper connection
Recent releases such as Igazi likaJesu, Kungumusa and now Umhlengi Wami reflect Boni’s growth as a worship leader and songwriter who draws inspiration directly from the word of God. Her music is centred on authentic worship, spiritual healing and encouragement.
Speaking about the EP, Boni says, “Umhlengi Wami is a reflection of my journey of faith and gratitude. My prayer is that this music will bring healing, hope and a deeper connection with God to everyone who listens.”
With this release, Boni is poised to make a strong impact in the South African gospel music space. Umhlengi Wami is now available on all major digital music platforms. – Fullview
ENTERTAINMENT Briefs
Kirk Whalum to headline SA concert
US jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum will headline the 2026 Gauteng Soul and Jazz Concert, set to take place at Sunbet Arena on June 13 2026.
Born on July 11 1958, Kirk Whalum is a renowned American smooth jazz and R&B saxophonist from Memphis, Tennessee. Famous for his soulful, gospel-influenced sound, he is best known for his iconic saxophone solo on Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and over seven years of touring with her. A 12-time Grammy nominee, he won his first Grammy in 2011.
The Gauteng Soul and Jazz Concert has become a signature experience on the country’s live music calendar, known for its premium production, timeless music and sophisticated audience. The 2026 edition is set to raise the bar even higher, delivering powerful live performances, rich musical collaborations and an electric atmosphere.
This year’s stellar line-up features some of South Africa’s most beloved and iconic artists, including: Judith Sephuma, Lira, Zonke and Mafikizolo.
Headlined by the international jazz legend Kirk Whalum for a special performance. Tickets are exclusively available from Ticketmaster.
Art of Collecting: Revisiting Irma Stern
Art collectors and enthusiasts are invited to a rare, intimate exploration of provenance and artistic legacy when Stephan Welz & Co hosts Provenance and the Art of Collecting: From The Firs to Die Kunskamer – The Legacy of Irma Stern in Observatory, Cape Town.
Led by Stephan Welz & Co art specialist Matthew Partridge, the talk delves into the power and nuance of provenance through two important upcoming auction highlights by Stern: Mother and Child and Still Life with Flowers and Ceramic Figure.
The discussion will also explore the recurring themes in Stern’s work, from the ceramics produced in her studio at The Firs, to the flowers that continue to bloom in the garden of her former home, now a house museum. Particular attention will be given to Stern’s subjects, including the significance of her depictions of Cape Malay people and their place within South African art history.
The talk takes place at 15 St Michael’s Road, Observatory, and will be presented across three sessions: Thursday 12 February at 6pm; Friday 13 February from 1–2pm; and Saturday 14 February from 10.30–11.30am.
Booking is essential. Interested attendees can contact the Stephan Welz & Co Cape Town office on 021 794 6461 or email info@swelco.co.za
Durbanville Hills Sundaze
Durbanville Hills’ summer music series moves into top gear with Dr Tiny T scheduled to spin the vinyls on February 8 under winery’s Sundaze blaze.
Sundaze Summer Sessions unwind from 13h00 to 17h00 with award-winning wines, cocktails, craft beer, and delicious eats available for revellers who attend.
DJs will play cool tunes ranging from Deep House, RnB to HipHop as guests relax on the lawns overlooking Table Bay and Table Mountain with food served from the Olive Grove Bistro.
Other dates for the forthcoming sessions are March 8 (Dags on Decks) and March 29 (DJ Tiny T). Picnic blankets allowed. Durbanville Hills Winery, M13 Tygerberg Valley Road. Entry fee is R100. Sessions start at 14h00.
Wellington hosts Lux FirE
A blend of Western-inspired luxury, live music and social purpose comes to Wellington in the Cape winelands on February 28, when The Wake-Up Call takes over Dunstone Country Estate for an evening designed to entertain — and to give back.
Created by social media power duo Kiki La Coco and Malcolm Wentzel, The Wake-Up Call promises a “Western luxe with a conscience” experience, combining country music under the stars, flame-grilled food, exceptional wines, fashion, art and thought-provoking conversations.
Guests will move through curated spaces across the estate, beginning with welcome drinks and fire-grilled bites at the manor house, followed by a fashion show, live performances and keynote moments. Guest speakers include NLP coach Michelle Israel, reality TV personality Anita Lloyd, and country singer John Casey.
A highlight of the evening is a charity art auction featuring works by leading artists, with all funds raised going towards improving conditions at Pioneer House, an elderly care home in Vanderbijlpark.
The event starts at 16:00 and ends at 22:00. Tickets cost R1 200 per person. Bookings via itickets.co.za. – Compiled by Len Maseko
