Gospel artist answers his calling

Local gospel musician Roxley ''Fhatuwani" Masevhe is officially retiring from the music scene to pursue his calling of faith healing. The pioneer of Tshivenda gospel music and founder of Limpopo Super Records is now a full-time pastor at his new church, “Divine Grace Fire Temple”, in Itsani village outside Thohoyandou.

The award-winning musician, who entered the industry in the early 1970s, is retiring from his musical career. "When God calls, you need to respond and follow," he said.

He started his church in August last year after his return from a visit to Nigeria. The renowned Nigerian prophet, TB Joshua, prayed for him during this visit. Nowadays he spends most of his time at his newly built church, praying and spiritually healing people.

According to Masevhe, he had discovered that his calling went beyond singing while he was still a full-time musician. “I realised that I am a prophet and I can spiritually heal people,” he said. He started his church to revive people’s morality. He added that he wanted to rejuvenate South Africans. “There is too much nepotism, corruption and theft in this country,” he said.

The former musician said that he would be opening new branches of his church in Kwazulu-Natal, Thokoza and Pretoria very soon, and that his dream was to have his church all over South Africa in the next few years.

Bishop Roxley partly blames music piracy for his decision to leave the music industry. “There is no money in music anymore. There is too much piracy and people are corrupt. They continue to copy the music illegally,” he said.

He is inviting all his fans to come and witness his performance on 6 October as he will be recording his retirement live show “The Spiritual Gumba Fire” at his church.

Currently, Bishop Roxley holds various positions in different local music committees. He is planning to resign from all these positions. The committees include the South African Recording Rights Association Limited, the Vhembe District Forum, the Limpopo Arts and Culture Forum and Limpopo Super Records.

The busy life of a full-time pastor, however, doesn't stop the Tshivenda gospel music pioneer from investing in young people. He will be producing a group of youngsters called “Divine Grace Worship Crew” that was initiated at the church by members.

Since the start of his musical career, Masevhe has accumulated numerous awards. He has recorded more than 30 albums and produced artists such as Rejoice Mukumela, Immanuel Maphogoro and many more. One of the artists whom he helped shape, Rejoice Mukumela, said Roxley would be missed in the music industry. “He must know that as one of his musicians, I will continue to come to him for musical advice,” she said.

Date:21 May 2012

By: News Correspondent

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