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MBABANE — Anticipation is reaching fever pitch across the regional Gospel music scene as the highly- awaited single ‘Mmeli Wami’.
The song features powerhouse worship leader Nothando Hlophe and the collective Spirit of Praise, prepares to officially drop on October 23.
Following the single’s audio release, fans can look forward to the accompanying music video coming out on October 24.
The track serves as a major precursor to the full Spirit of Praise 12 album, which is scheduled for release on November 13. While the track has garnered immense love, engagement and viral traction across social media platforms in July, the growing online excitement was accompanied by a wave of debate and controversy surrounding the song’s origins.
To address the discussion head-on, a joint statement was released by Mzo Dlamini and the management office of Nothando Hlophe to set the record straight.
The statement clarified that ‘Mmeli Wami’ is a deeply collaborative work: The resonant chorus was written and is owned by Mzo Dlamini, while the powerful verses performed by Hlophe during the live recording were penned by Hlophe herself. Both creative contributions form an integral part of the final, completed song.
Beyond the music itself, audiences online have deeply connected with the spiritual depth and energetic delivery of the performance.
Supporters have expressed particular fondness for the way Hlophe engages with the song physically, expressing joy and devotion through her distinctive dancing during the performance, which has resonated widely with Gospel music lovers.
The immense excitement surrounding ‘Mmeli Wami’ further cements Hlophe’s standing as a leading force in African Gospel music. Among her standout achievements, Hlophe clinched the prestigious Best of Africa Award at the 18th Crown Gospel Music Awards, cementing her position among the continent’s elite artists.
Her remarkable catalogue includes massive fan favourites and viral hits such as the monumental ‘Methodist Medley’, which has pulled in tens of millions of views in her projects A New Dawn and popular anthems like ‘Sithumela Wena’. These milestones continue to solidify her legacy as an enduring and influential voice in contemporary worship.