By Celani Sikhakhane
- Malope was discovered during a popular 80s national talent search contest.
- At one time she was SA’s premier gospel music for more than three decades.
Mzansi’s famous gospel queen Rebecca Malope is set to fold her musical career that spanned over three decades spiritually nourishing her huge fan base in southern African.
Malope is left with three years to finally retire from the music industry and enjoy her retirement after three decades on stage.
She made the announcement at the New Year’s Eve Mayine Crossover Gospel Experience that was held at the Durban ICC on Tuesday.
Malope told the gathered fans that her focus after retiring would be in the fashion design space.
Already she has started designing the stage outfit and attire that she wears in her many events.
“Good people I am only left with three years to enjoy my pension as I am heading to my retirement. I’m turning 57 years in 2025 . The good thing is that on my retirement I’ll focus on the fashion designer industry. I am already designing clothes for myself like the one that I am wearing,” said Malope.
She started singing at a very young age in the mid-1980s with a bubblegum genre and also as a backup singer for the now defunct Pure Magic band under the leadership of Gqeberha-born music producer Sizwe Zako.
This after she had won the national Shell Road To Fame Talent Search Contest in 1985.
She later switched to the gospel music genre where she rose to fame with many hits and has released over 32 albums.
Malope’s performance at Mayine Crossover Gospel Experience transitioned music fans at the ICC to 2025.
She shared the stage with the celebrated who is who of the Gospel music genre such as Benjamin Dube, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Dumi Mkokstad, Dr Tumi, Jumbo, Lebo Sekgolela, Amanda Ntanzi, Joyous Celebrations, Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors, Xoli Mncwango and many more.
Thousands of gospel lovers had an opportunity to praise and worship from 31 December 2024 to the early morning of 1 January 2025 without fail.
They left the Durban ICC in a jovial mood at around 7am on New Years day.
Pictured above: Gospel Queen Dr Rebecca Malope announced her retirement from the music industry during the Mayine Crossover Gospel Experience held in Durban.
Source: Mayine Crossover Gospel Experience
