Veliswa Skeyi, the Woman of Praise, has released her third solo album titled Umhlobo. This brand new album was once again produced by Bigboy Mlangeni and can be described as simply brilliant!
The album opens with the words “Uyathwala Umthwalo Wami” (He carries all my burdens). Immediately you get transported back to the good old days where hymns and Psalms characterized the church and singing still held that power to heal and seemed to melt all our problems away. Umhlobo, also the title track, was traditionally arranged by Veliswa. This powerful song carries a message of hope to anybody who knows what it is to face difficulties, proclaiming that Jesus is our true Friend through it all.
Andisoze is a track through which Veliswa declares that like a true soldier of the cross, no matter how tough things get along the way, she will never leave the path of the Lord Jesus Christ until she gets to her heavenly home. She encourages others to also hang in there and not to lose hope in the midst of their despair. “This recording reaches out to all of God’s children who are suffering, whether it’s from HIV/AIDS, poverty, whether living in darkness or any other situation they may find themselves in,” Veliswa explained. “I want them to keep hope alive and to thank God in all situations.”
The album even has a message for African leaders in the track Nkosi Sikelela. With minimal instrumentation, this track is reminiscent of the indispensable women in church, who uphold the name of the Lord as well as His church, in prayer. The song has a very serious tune, depicting our present times of uncertainty and despair but it also spurs our leaders on, encouraging them that even in these difficult times they should continue to lead their countries with integrity and faithfulness.
All in all this album is strongly influenced by traditional hymn sounds and also includes some up tempo praise anthems, ensuring that this particular recording will appeal to all of Veliswa’s fans regardless of age, language or background. Although Veliswa sings predominantly in Xhoza, she realised that she is also getting enormous support from fans who speak other languages. She has thus decided to accommodate some of these fans by adding a Sesotho track titled Mookamedi. Other outstanding tracks on this album include Amen and Masiqhubeke.
Working on this new recording was an exciting and challenging experience for Veliswa. She not only arranged most of the songs but even composed some of them herself. Veliswa is also a keen musician, easy to work with and extremely creative making her just about any producer’s dream.
Although she currently has three albums to her name, Veliswa’s music career spans over 10 years. Today, she has become a household name in the gospel industry. She, however, has not let fame get to her head. She is an extremely talented musician yet she has managed to uphold humility and warmth and continues to endear herself to her fans young and old.
