A young gospel artist releases a single titled ‘Ujesu Wami’Bonakele Helza Mokgabudi, born on April 19, 2001, is a South African recording and aspiring gospel artist and songwriter. Not only is she best known as a worshiper in her local church [The Apostolic Faith Mission], she is also known for her gift of being a music fanatic.Born in a small community called Villa Liza in Boksburg, she has proved that only the sky is the limit, with her hard work and love for music. She described growing up as a time of training and preparation. Bonakele, simply known as ‘Bonnie’ has since released her debut hit single titled ‘uJesu Wami’ translated as ‘My Jesus’, which peaked gospel chart and Christian genres.
The 19-year-old vocalist, who works as a receptionist, made it a point to sing during her leisure time and also released a song she personally composed. At a tender age of 14, Bonakele was asked by her worship team leader to join her on stage and perform a song “He keeps on doing great things” by well renowned Benjamin Dube. “That’s when I discovered my talent and from there my journey in music began. I was so grateful to finally discover such a talent in me and to be able to get to perform in front of a crowd with courage and boldness,” she said.From being coached at church, to performing in few concerts held in church and becoming a worshipper, Bonakele discovered her passion in music and spiritual growth at a tender age.She studied her primary school at Villa Liza Primary School then further went to Villa Liza Secondary School. “After school, I pursued a career in Medical Secretary at Varsity Institute of Science and Technology in Johannesburg [2019]. During my first year, I felt that I could not resist the burning passion of venturing in music and decided to put my focus on my music career,” said Bonakele. She said: “I couldn’t resist, hence I came up with more ideas on how I would take things to the next level.”
She then saw an opportunity to go and apply to a music school for her music career. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints her desire couldn’t materialize. “I then went back to College and continued with my studies. Upon completion of my N5, my brother wasn’t coping with paying for my studies which meant I had to take another route,” she said.She is currently studying at the University of South Africa (UNISA), doing Tourism and working as a receptionist while following her musical passion. “I am planning on hosting a Youtube channel called ‘My rising room’. My mission behind this project is to encourage and show everyone that singing or worship is not something we just wake up and decide to have. But it is simply a lifestyle; it is a journey to your achievements and reflects who you are”. The song was inspired by trials and sufferings faced by many during the year 2020 as Covid-19 which crippled many people’s lives across the country negatively. It aims to show positivity and bring about hope to many who had lost hope. It is a testimonial song which is sure to touch everyone that gets a chance to listen to it. I have since released a music video on YouTube which best narrates being brave to come out victorious after a storm.
