Music Genre: Gospel
Category: Male Solo
Sabata Masoka (born April 17th, 1980) is a South African Gospel artist. Sabata’s musical career dates back to 1998 where he was a Popular Music undergraduate student at the Johannesburg Central College. It was at the college’s singing competition that the late Wendy Mseleku, an internationally renowned Gospel and AfroJazz artist, first heard Sabata’s soulful tenor.
Awe-struck by his talent, Wendy offered Sabata the opportunity to be her backing vocalist. Unknown this would be the start of great things, in 1999 word on the street was out that Joyous Celebration was looking for new talent and Sabata simply auditioned for the popular Gospel act and made the cut. This would ultimately lead him to recording ‘Ziyosulwa’ on Joyous 5. Zosulwa became thee recording that won Sabata great acclaim, making him one of the most recognized vocalists of the choir and earning him fans acrass the broader South African Gospel music industry. In 2004 he released his debut solo album with Sony entitled ‘Umnqamlezo (The Cross)’. This debut release was well received and lead him to travel the world. Since then, he has released two other solo offerings ‘Ngizoqhubeka’ and ‘Izithembiso’.
Sabata Masoka has shared a stage with the likes of Rebecca Malope, Benjamin Dube, Mthunzi Namba and international stars such as Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker, Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams. Sabata has also worked extensively with jazz artists such as Sibongile Khumalo, Hugh Masekela, Gloria Bosman, Judith Sephuma and Musa Manzini.
Sabata’s latest offering ‘Restored’ is a live recorded DVD featuring Rebecca Malope among others. The new album is certifying the return of Sabata in his rightful place as a worshipper and master craftsman in the industry. Remember the name: Sabata Masoka.