We Speak Gospel

Get To Know Olivier Cheuwa

Published

2 years ago

May 9, 2024

Following the release of his track “Mamalé”, we caught up with the talented artist known for his blend of funk, soul, and gospel sounds.

– What inspired you to write “Mamalé”, and what message do you hope listeners take away from the song?

I was inspired by my own story, growing with my mom, after my dad past away , I wanted to celebrate all the moms , because they are the back bone of each families . Being a dad today, I wanted show in this song particularily in the clip video , how important it is for a kid to a father figure in his life. The message shared is positivity, love and that , We should cherish life and the people around us .

– Your music seamlessly blends different influences. Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how different genres have shaped your sound?

I was influenced by Afrobeat growing up in Africa, my dad love s Fella Kuti , when we moved to Canada I discovered soul , Rn’b , gospel with folk music , growing up listening to artist like Steve wonder , Boyz to men , Éric Clapton and singing in a gospel choir had a big influence in my music and shaped it definitely!

– How does it feel to see your music resonate with listeners around the world, and what do you think sets this track apart from your previous work?

I’m humble and amazed, let’s say that English is not my daily language meaning that I’m surrended by French speaking language, I decided to write in English and that gave me more possibilities and allow my music to travel to more places that I could have never imagine

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We Speak Gospel

Kabelo Mabalane Ends an 11 Year Wait With Gospel Album For King and Country

Published

18 hours ago

November 1, 2026

We Speak Media

Kabelo Mabalane. Photo via @kabelomabalane.

South African music legend Kabelo Mabalane has released For King and Country, his tenth solo album and his first in 11 years. The 12 track gospel record arrived on October 30, 2026, and it finds the TKZee co-founder singing from the center of his faith, in a sound he calls Street Psalms.

The album is a communal effort. Across its 12 tracks, Mabalane is joined by Ishmael, The Arrows, Rhema Choir, F3 Dipapa, Lux City Music and the CFCI Choir, voices that move the record between intimate testimony and full choir lift. Songs such as Open Heaven, Glory and You Can’t Curse What Is Blessed set the tone: worship built for both the church and the street that raised him. Mabalane has described the project as the sound of a man who has lived long enough to know exactly what he believes, and the writing carries that certainty without losing its warmth.

The release itself carries meaning. The album was first set for October 14, the date that would have marked the 50th birthday of Tokollo Tshabalala, his late TKZee bandmate, known to the world as Magesh. The music now arrives with that memory woven into its story. Mabalane will present the album live with two shows at the Teatro, Montecasino on December 15 and 16, 2026, bringing the Street Psalms to the stage in what promises to be a celebration of a career that has moved from kwaito history into gospel testimony. For King and Country is streaming now.