Arts Writer
BORN in KwaZulu-Natal in Umlazi, Ntokozo Mbambo has grown into a well-rounded singer in her own right. At the age of 15 she was the youngest member to join sensational gospel group Joyous Celebration.
Having released her debut album titled Bambelela in 2001, Mbambo has made inroads into the industry. In 2007 she recorded a live CD and DVD Keep on Believing, which was produced by Nqubeko Mbatha, the music maestro she later married in 2008.
They are both based in the buzzy Joburg hub. “I was very focused on my journey with God and where he was taking me and my musical career,” she said.
Keep on Believing earned a Metro FM nomination under the category Best Gospel album 2007, and three nominations at the 2008 Crown Gospel Music Awards.
Mbambo has also been the opening act for many acclaimed gospel performers, such as Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin and Cece Winans on their South African tours.
She has also travelled abroad to perform her own music.
Her most recent travels having been in the U.S. (Dr. Bill Winston Ministries), Ghana, Swaziland, Kenya, Botswana and the UK on various invitations.
After a sold-out recording show at the Mosaiek Teatro in Johannesburg, the vocalist has released her Spirit and Life CD and live DVD. Spirit and Life is her fourth solo album, and second offering on the Koko Records label.
The album received three Metro FM nominations in 2015.
Her previous offering is Filled, which was recorded at a Lyric Theatre concert.
This album won awards at the 2013 South African Music Awards (SAMAs, the 2012 and 2013 Crown Gospel Awards and at the 2013 Africa Gospel Music Awards held in the UK).
According to Universal Music, the album has passed double platinum in CD sales.
Mbambo has now been in the industry for over 15 years and enjoys ministering at the various places she is invited, as well as training and imparting skills and knowledge to other aspirant singers.
l iTunes, www.ntokozombambo. com, Facebook, Twitter @ntokozombambo, Instagram @ntokozombambo, YouTube – Koko Records