Award-winning gospel singer Betusile Mcinga attributes his recent international award to the influence of his mother, gospel powerhouse Lusanda Mcinga, who recently retired from the stage.
On Saturday, Mcinga was announced as the male soloist of the year at the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards in the US.
The artist is following in his mother’s footsteps and making a name for himself as a musician with global appeal.
The US awards roll out a red carpet for independent gospel music artists for their excellence in the music industry.
Even though he was unable to attend the event, the Ngena Noah hitmaker said the award was God’s answer to his prayers.
Mcinga has been having a good year and scooping other awards with the hit song.
“Being recognised out of the country is something that feels surreal,” he said.
“We pray for things and some of the things we pray for look so impossible to us as humans but God has other plans.”
The artist said the nomination felt like a dream.
“I believe the gospel I preach goes in line with addressing social ills."
“I was so surprised when I received an email telling me about the nomination, that was already something big.”
Mcinga’s talent was nurtured by his mother, who also scooped awards when she was still on stage.
He was part of Lusanda Mcinga’s gospel group before becoming an independent artist.
He said it had never crossed his mind that his music would become an international sensation.
“I feel like the award was influenced by Ngena Noah.
“There is a radio station in the US that plays our music — I did a virtual show there and that is how they became familiar with the music.
“I could not go because of Covid-19 and I think the virtual performance is what opened doors for me — Ngena Noah became a big thing that side.”
Mcinga said his success had been forged by many people.
“Many people played a role in my career but I always credit my mom, because she was my pathfinder and opened doors to many Eastern Cape artists.
“When I credit my award to mom, it means that everyone who played a role in my brand falls under her umbrella.
“There is Mxolisi Mhlongo who has been producing my music since 2013 and he is among those people too. He’s played a big role.”
His recipe for success was always to stay true to self while embracing transition.
“It’s important to maintain your unique sound but at the same create music that is relevant.
“We try to make our music to be that of today, because we are trying to be relevant.”
Mcinga recently released Nomathemba, a single that speaks against gender-based violence.
He believed his role was also to address social ills and speak up against violence.
“Jesus used to addressed the socials ills happening in his society.
“Even though he did not go hungry, he saw the hungry and the needy and helped.
“He saw the ill and healed, he interacted with those who were jailed.
“I believe the gospel I preach goes in line with addressing social ills.
“Not only that but it’s important to present myself physically to people who are struggling.
“I have done so much to help people, so singing about what brutalises our society is raising an awareness and giving people a responsibility to uplift and also fight gender-based violence.”
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