Solly Mahlangu
Solly Mahlangu | |
|---|---|
| Born | Solomon Mahlangu Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Genres | Gospel music, Contemporary Christian music |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, pastor |
| Years active | 1999–present |
Solly Mahlangu (born 1971) is a South African gospel singer, worship leader, pastor, and recording artist. He is known for his hit songs Siyabonga Jesu, Obrigado,[1] Wahamba Nathi and Mahodimong. He also serves as a pastor of Word Praise Christian Centre International in Tembisa, Gauteng.[2] His career spans several decades, with multiple awards including major wins at the SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards[3] and recognition at national music award ceremonies.
Early life and background
Mahlangu was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1971 and was raised by a single mother. He developed a passion for music and ministry from an early age and began singing as a child.[4] Raised in a Christian environment, Mahlangu became involved in church music and worship leadership as he grew up, later becoming a worship leader and minister.
Music career
Mahlangu began his professional music career in 1991,[5] releasing his first recordings and performing at churches and gospel events across South Africa. His career gained national prominence in the 2000s with the release of live worship albums and DVDs.[6] He has also ministered at international gospel festivals, including performances in Botswana and Zimbabwe.[7][8]
Discography
Studio albums
| Year | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Obrigado (Live from Kempton Park Civic Theatre) | Recorded live. |
| 2011 | Mwamba Mwamba (Live) Recorded at Big Top Arena Carnival City | Recorded live. |
Featured albums
| Year | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Spirit of Praise 2 | Vol 2. |
| 2009 | Joyous Celebration 13 | Vol 13. |
| 2009 | Spirit of Praise | Vol 1. |
| 2011 | Spirit of Praise 3 | Vol 3. |
| 2012 | Joyous Celebration 16 | Vol 16. |
| 2017 | Spiritual Celebration Series (Vol. 1) | Collaboration appearance with the Spirit of Praise project. |
| 2017 | Spiritual Celebration Series (Vol. 2) | Collaboration appearance with the Spirit of Praise project. |
| 2017 | New Dawn (Live) | Collaboration with artists like Kgotso. |
| 2018 | Majesty (Live) | Live gospel worship recording. |
| 2020 | Spirit of Praise 7 | Featured as guest vocalist on the gospel collective project. |
Notable songs
| Song | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Obrigado | Obrigado (Live from Kempton Park Civic Theatre) | One of Mahlangu's most recognised gospel songs |
| Siyabonga Jesu (Wahamba Nathi) | Divine Decade: Celebrating 10 Years | Widely played gospel track in South Africa |
| Mwamba Mwamba | Mwamba Mwamba | |
| Emmanuel | Mwamba Mwamba | |
| Masibulele Ku Yesu | Obrigado (Live from Kempton Park Civic Theatre) |
Awards and recognition
Mahlangu has received a number of awards and nominations.
Awards
- Best Male Gospel Artist: Crown Gospel Music Awards.[9]
- Best Gospel Artist: Crown Gospel Music Awards.[9]
- Best Gospel Song at the ceremony: Crown Gospel Music Awards.[9]
Nominations
- Best Traditional Faith Music Album: South African Music Awards (SAMAs).[10]
- Best Live DVD: South African Music Awards (SAMAs).[10]
Personal life
Mahlangu married his wife Khosi Mahlangu and the couple has three daughters, Thando, Amani and Asante Mahlangu.[4]
References
- ^ "Fashion at Crown Gospel Music Awards | Cheesa Chat | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
- ^ Press, Link (2014-12-10). "Solly Mahlangu Who Sang "Wahamba Nathi" Is Coming To KENYA". ULIZA LINKS NEWS. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
- ^ "Pastor Solly puts his calling first". Sowetan. 2012-03-16. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
- ^ a b "Solly Mahlangu Songs & Lyrics". sifalyrics.com. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
- ^ "Solly Mahlangu, Metro FM Gospel Award winner & new member of the Sheer Publishing family – Downtown Music Publishing Africa". downtownmusic.africa. 2013-03-25. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
- ^ "Solly Mahlangu on Apple Music". Apple Music – Web Player. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
{{cite web}}: no-break space character in|website=at position 6 (help) - ^ Wren, Bakang (2023-03-26). "Mahlangu serves Batswana hymns". Botswana Daily News.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ chibaya25 (2013-09-10). "Solly Mahlangu in five-star performance – Religion in Zimbabwe". Retrieved 2026-03-10.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c "Crown Gospel Music Awards 2011". Sowetan. 2011-11-08. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
- ^ a b "The South African Music Awards | Season 18 | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2026-03-10.