Acapella marvel Joe T launches album

Gospel singer Joe Tshukudu, who goes by the stage name Joe T, will launch his debut album at Mantlwaneng theatre at Westwood International School on Saturday evening. The four-hour concert, complete with a band, will feature Chris Wills, Johnson Phefo and Fuego.

In an interview with Vibe, Joe T says that it is all systems go, as this concert has been in the pipeline for a while now. He admits that although he is a bit nervous, he is also excited about finally dropping his much-awaited album titled Dinonyane. The album was recorded at High Note studios owned by Tshepo Lesole.

The contemporary gospel singer, songwriter, compose and minister, would like to endear to the hearts of Christians and gospel lovers, and is confident that his ten track album will help do just that. Two years ago Joe-T dropped his debut single titled, Wa Galalela. He later dropped Dinoyane, which was a marked improvement from his previous offering.

The video to the song went on to be played on Botswana television show Melodi ya kgalaletso and South Africa’s One Gospel. The 32-year-old points out that the highlight of his music career was being invited to minister at Benjamin Dube’s High Praise Centre in July last year. “It was a humbling experience and showed me that I have a lot of potential.”

Joe T cites financial challenges as a niggling problem in the life of any upcoming artist but he has managed to pull through. Finding time was also a challenge because he still holds an 8-4 job. In fact, he studied a Bachelor of Social Work at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He is currently employed in government.

He points out that as much as he would have loved to study music, he appreciates and enjoys his job. “When I went to tertiary, music was not a study option. It was important to pursue a course that would hopefully guarantee you a job. Yes, music is my first love but I appreciate my job and the value I add to society,” he says. He admits that it is not easy to balance the two but he tries his best “My job gives me a sense of purpose and my music fulfils me,” he says.

Joe-T fell in love with singing as small boy growing up in a Christian family that worshipped at the Assemblies of God church. In school, he formed acappela groups with friends and he received great feedback about his voice, which amplified his passion for praise music. currently He worships and ministers at Revelation Times International in Block 3. **Tickets to the show are on sale at Cross Gold, Sebele Centre.