Johannesburg – Sabata Masoka, the former Joyous Celebration singer famed for his powerful vocals on the hit song 'Ziyosulwa', is making a triumphant return to the music scene after a period of immense personal struggle. Years of hardship, including a battle with homelessness, threatened to silence his musical calling, but Masoka has emerged stronger, with a new single titled 'Phenduka' that speaks of repentance and a return to faith.
Masoka (44) shared with Daily Sun the trials he has faced in recent years. “The past few years have been difficult for me.” The singer revealed that a dispute with his brother over the sale of their family home without his consent led to a devastating period of homelessness.
“There was a feud between me and my brother about him selling our home without my knowledge. I was homeless while trying to fight for the house. I couldn’t even afford lawyers. Some people would offer to help and then disappear," he explained.
The singer's personal turmoil had a direct impact on his ability to pursue his music career. “I couldn’t even focus on my music because I was focusing on the issue of not having any place to live. Gigs weren’t even coming. With gospel, you need to release music to be booked,” he said, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a career in the gospel music industry without a stable base and consistent output.
However, a turning point came when an old friend, a former colleague from Spirit of Praise, reached out with an offer of support. “I got a call from an old friend who used to work with Spirit of Praise. He said he was thinking of me and asked what I was doing musically. So, I told him I wanted to get back on my feet and release music."
This call proved to be the catalyst for Masoka's return. “We met and went to the studio. We recorded and I loved the song. My energy is back now. I’m glad I’m back. People had also been asking if I had quit music,” said Sabata, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity and the renewed sense of purpose it has given him.
Masoka is now focused on rebuilding his life and career. “I'm now working on getting a house for myself. I’m currently living at my late sister’s house. Things are looking up. People are now starting to enquire about my bookings,” he said, offering a glimpse of hope and optimism for the future.
The singer's new single, 'Phenduka', carries a powerful message of spiritual renewal and a call for people to return to the core values of Christianity. “In the past few years, we’ve been seeing people go through a lot of things because of fake pastors. Pastors are making people do things for the sake of miracles."
Masoka elaborated on the inspiration behind the song, expressing concern about the growing trend of people seeking miracles rather than seeking God. “People are not seeking God but for miracles. We don’t pray for ourselves, and we don’t read the Bible. I felt in my heart we needed to go back to God, repent and seek Him. Let’s go back to the original Christianity,” said Sabata.
'Phenduka' marks Masoka's first release since his album "Restored Live in Mutale Venda" in 2018, signalling a new chapter in his musical journey. With his renewed energy and powerful message, Sabata Masoka is poised to reclaim his place as a leading voice in South African gospel music.
