WeeklySA_AdminADVERSARIAL: Book is a contribution towards strengthening relationship between church musicians and leadership…
By Siyabonga Kamnqa
MULTI award-winning gospel artist, songwriter and music producer Ndumiso “Papa Ndu” Manana has added a new title to his already glittering career.
The Mpumalanga-born musician recently launched his debut book, titled The Church Musician, which has raised his spirits, something that was unmissable this week as he sat down with Weekly SA Mirror to share more about his delight over his new project.
Papa Ndu said, having been a musician in his local church for close to 30 years, whilst also being a career musician and artist, he saw the need to share with the Christian communities as well as people in general, the important elements that have made his relationship and his church leadership to work for such a long time.
“I had noticed an undesirable trend and culture that has creeped into the church in SA, of musicians hopping from one church to another in search of greener pastures (loosely meaning a church that pays well), as well as the explicit hostility on social media platforms between pastors and musicians due to differing opinions on matters pertaining the relationship thereof,” he said.
During the 2020 Covid pandemic, Papa Ndu said the lockdowns afforded him enough time to sit and jot down some of the points that would later culminate in the book.
He said more than anything, the book was simply his contribution towards strengthening the relationship between musicians and church leadership. It deals with some of the factors that strain the relationship from both sides.
And, as the author who has been a musician in his church for the last 30 years, he had to use his own life experiences as a point of reference, and how he managed to manoeuver around the dynamics of being a musician in church.
“I also highlight the things that my pastor and church did right to win me to stay committed for so many years despite challenges. The book addresses musicians, pastors, and the congregation at large about the role each one has to play to ensure that this relationship works. It highlights the benefits of a good relationship as well as the disadvantages of not having a good relationship. It also addresses issues of managing conflicts and offenses, as well as the controversial issue of remuneration,” said Papa Ndu. Having been involved in the music production and live performances for a long time, Papa Ndu has written songs for various gospel artists including Putuma Tiso, Mabongi Fero, Tshwane Gospel Choir, Zaza, Keneiloe Hope, Nothando Hlophe, to mention but a few.
He is a qualified advanced digital music producer and studio technician from the Emendy Multimedia Institute and has been a musical director for the Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards and has conducted music workshops across the country, the neighbouring Eswatini, and most recently was invited to be one of the keynote speakers at the Songwriter’s pen conference in Tema Ghana.
His book was launched in Nelspruit as well as in Johannesburg and also plans to launch it in the different cities of South Africa, including the neighbouring countries.
“The reception has so far been overwhelming, especially from the clergy. People are really receiving it warmly. We have been able to sell over 300 copies in its first three weeks of release,” he said.
(Readers can get it by ordering it by sending an email to info@foretaste.co.za or by sending a whatsapp to 076 528 9594)
