Making Good Music for Good Ears

By edgar , 12 Nov 2009 | (5) Comments

We are at a time were the south African music industry is dominated by house music and Durban kwaito music. Some believe that dance music is slowly but surely taking over the music scene in South Africa.

However there are those who still believe in making good music for good ears, the music that will stand the taste of time. Gospel El Mariachi is his name and afro-soul is his game. He is one of the few young people who believe in making good music without compromising his genre and taste in music.

“…this brother has the tendency of stealing women’s hearts wherever he performs

Hailing from the dusty township of Mkhuhlu in the Mpumalanga Province, Gospel El Mariachi is Mzansi’s next biggest export. Never has vocal capabilities ever met such a wealth of song writing skills and musicianship in one basket. This brother oozes talent - period. Born Gospel Mark Silinda by a pastor and a renowned guitarist, this brother has the tendency of stealing women’s hearts wherever he performs.

Contrary to his name “Gospel”, he writes and produces Afro-Soul and also ventures into light Jazz. He brings the subject of love in almost all of his compositions and enhances the message with his golden voice. It is high time South Africa produced such talent to compete at an international level. Njalo is Gospel’s first recorded release (EP) and also the title of his first radio single. It is already making rounds in several radio stations .

The sacred melodies and harmonies explored through his music have made this youngster a favourite to both the young and old. Forced into singing by his parent from the tender age of four, it is no surprise that he became a choir master by the time he was at tertiary level conducting Vaal University of Technology’s SCO until 2006. Around the same period, he also recorded several songs with a group he co- founded, Impact later known as Connection.

“…if you are a house head you might think of remixing the tracks…”

As Connection they performed at weddings, graduation ceremonies and entered talent search competitions. It was through his involvement with the Chariots of Fire Tabernacle Church as a Music Director, a position he still holds, that he began experimental performances with a live band.

Come 2008 Mariachi, the 8 members Afro-Pop/Soul/Jazz fusion band was created with the lead singer being our very own Gospel. This is when 034 Music decided to sign this amazing talent.

The band: Mariachi comprises of 8 members namely: Musa (Bass), Thulani (Keys), Ntsiki (Keys), Sam (Drums), Trisha (Backing vocals -Soprano), Prince (Backing vocals - Alto), Tshepi (Backing Vocals - Tenor) and of course our lead singer Gospel. This combination has dazzled audiences numerously leading to the lead singer Gospel embracing the band name as his stage name.

Ok everybody now is the time to give recognition were it is due. Give him a listen and if you are a house head you might think of remixing the tracks so that you can also enjoy music of one mzanzi ‘s talented young man.