For Thembinkosi, the release of 'Themba iNkosi' was never conceived as an album based on polished performances or commercial expectations. The artist stated that his goal was not just to sing, but for the songs to first serve him personally.
Spiritual Shift in Creativity
The EP, born from humility, faith, and the desire to create music that transcends entertainment, represents a complete spiritual and creative reboot for Thembinkosi. Although his early works were shaped by the church, traditions, and gospel sound, over time he felt a divine calling to let go of the familiar.
He shared that for a long time his lyrics were based on what he knew, but then came a spiritual period when God called him to complete submission, even regarding good things. It was a call to obedience, not to rejection.
Search for Authenticity
This transition was not motivated by a desire for commercial revival. Instead, it arose from one honest question: 'If no one listened, what would I still sing?' This question gave birth to 'Themba iNkosi,' which is not a continuation of the past, but a new chapter based on sincerity, obedience, and humility.
This search for truth influenced every aspect of the EP, including the approach to his own voice. Thembinkosi aimed for each song to carry a spiritual meaning before reaching the listeners, instead of focusing on technical perfection. He emphasized that his voice is merely a vessel that he prays will carry conviction, not just notes.
Philosophy of Live Performance
Recording with a live band allowed vulnerability to remain at the core of the project. He explained that recording live helped preserve honesty and imperfection, as the Spirit speaks through vulnerability. Each recording was a prayer, not a performance, like a son speaking to his Father. If the message reached hearts, it was through the Spirit, not through him personally.
The philosophy extends to the music itself. While 'Themba iNkosi' is rooted in contemporary Afro-gospel, it also incorporates modern gospel influences and live instrumental accompaniment. For him, worship has never belonged to a single musical style. He believes that blending Afro-gospel roots with modern styles allows different generations to find common ground through worship, thereby asserting that God continues to speak the language of the current generation.
Recording Process and Personal Stories
The recording process became another defining part of the EP. Working with producer Mjakes Thebe and the live band at Moya Sound created an atmosphere where authenticity was the priority. In the Moya Sound studio, the room itself became a sanctuary, and they were not chasing perfection, but seeking authenticity. The musicians focused on creating an atmosphere reflecting sincere worship, rather than endless repetitions.
Thembinkosi believes that even mistakes became part of the story. He asserts that slips, pauses, and unexpected bursts are not flaws, but testimonies reminding that God acts through imperfection, and His strength manifests in weakness.
Behind the music lies a deeply personal story. Recent hardships strengthened his reliance on God and inspired the themes of faith, humility, and divine guidance that permeate the project. He decided to share these experiences through songs, viewing it as service rather than a performance. He hopes that listeners will hear the honesty when they press play.
He described the EP as music that embraces life's uncertainty while pointing toward hope. For him, success lies in the listener feeling that the artist struggles with God just as much as he does, and creates beauty from it.
