WeeklySA_AdminMISSION: From the small community of Salubinza in Masoyi to the national gospel stage, Pastor Sylvester Thabiso Mamize has emerged as one of the province’s most influential urban gospel voices…
By Siya Kamnqa
OVER the years, Mpumalanga province has earned enormous respect in the music industry for producing gospel music heavyweights such as Rebecca Malope, Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane and Hlengiwe Mhlaba.
For decades, Mpumalanga has been a fertile ground for gospel excellence, producing artists whose voices have carried South African worship music far beyond the country’s borders.
Among the most celebrated are gospel icon Rebecca Malope, affectionately known as the “Queen of Gospel,” whose powerful voice and decades-long career have made her one of Africa’s best-selling gospel artists.
Alongside her stands Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane, a revered worship leader whose energetic praise songs have become staples in churches across Southern Africa.
Another towering figure from the province, Hlengiwe Mhlaba has built a devoted following through her deeply spiritual music and soul-stirring live recordings.
Together, these gospel giants helped place Mpumalanga firmly on the gospel music map, inspiring a new generation of performers now rising to prominence.
Yet, a new breed of gospel artists has slowly emerged in their wake in recent years, eager to take over the baton and carve their own pathways in the genre.
One of them is Mpumalanga’s urban gospel trailblazer, Pastor Sylvester Thabiso Mamize, a 44-year-old muso who has emerged as a formidable voice on the South African contemporary urban gospel scene.
Widely regarded as a multifaceted game-changer, Mamize is blazing his own trail – not only in music but also in the world of ministry, following in the footsteps of his father, Apostle Stanford Mamize.
In music, he has garnered numerous accolades and gained industry recognition while remaining steadfast in his mission: to use his platform to fulfil his divine calling.
Apart from his establishing himself as a multiple award-winning artist, he has gained respect as a talent developer of note within the gospel industry, playing a significant role in shaping the careers of several rising stars.
Among his proteges are Nothando Dlamini of Wangihlawulela fame, NDU Music (We Will Praise Your Name), Madoda Dee (Wanqaba Ngawe), and MAMFU Bhiya (Hosanna), among others.
Through Sylvester Music, Mamize has prioritised excellence, ensuring the production of quality, spirit-filled gospel music.
Speaking to Weekly SA Mirror this week, Mamize said he was currently engaged in ministry work, preparing to host another gathering of worshippers in the winter.
“It’s going to be a testament to my enduring commitment to faith, music, and community impact,” he said excitedly.
Raised in Salubinza, Masoyi, his musical and spiritual journey began within the walls of ‘Jesus Is Lord’ Christian Revival Church, founded by his father.
“From an early age, I served both as a worshipper and later as a pastor within the church. It was here that I discerned and nurtured my calling, growing steadily in grace and musical maturity. During my high school years, I recorded several collaborative albums with local groups, laying the groundwork for what would become a flourishing music career,” he said.
In 2006, a fortuitous relocation to Cape Town marked a pivotal turning point in his journey to self-determination. There, he released his debut professional album, The Dream, under his self-founded label TBM (Top Beats Mix).
“At the same time, I balanced my musical ambitions with public service, working for the South African Police Service. Though I recorded a second album in 2010 that was never officially released, my passion for ministry and music remained undeterred.
“In 2012, I returned to my hometown, where I was identified by music producer Mr Edward Zulu. Our collaboration resulted in the album Wozani kuJesu, signed under Zuzmuz Music. During this period, I also deepened my theological foundation, completing a degree in theology and continuing to serve pastorally at Jesus Is Lord Christian Revival Church,” Mamize said.
A visionary with a heart for mentorship, Mamize has exerted his influence extends beyond the music arena, using the microphone to both disseminate God’s word and belting gospel tunes.
In 2017, the pastor, driven by his passion for developing local talent, hosted a live DVD recording at Emnotweni Entertainment Arena in Mbombela.
Recorded under his own label, Sylvester Music, the project showcased several local artists from Mbombela, further cementing his commitment to uplifting emerging voices. The album was officially released in October 2018, to local acclaim.
