Multi genre artist and traditional healer Gog’Sangweni is carving out a unique space in South Africa’s music scene with a spiritually inspired sound rooted in both faith and ancestral calling.
Born Zethu Sangweni from Nhlazini near Richards Bay in northern KwaZulu Natal, Gog’Sangweni says her musical journey began in 2022 after returning from initiation school where she accepted her ancestral calling.
According to the artist, her music is guided by spiritual inspiration and the messages she receives through dreams.
“My ancestors gave me the spiritual gift and the gift to sing. Everything that I do is not by force but it is a gift that was given to me by my ancestors,” she explains.
“They come to me during my sleep and give me the ideas of the songs that I must write and sing.”
She adds that when she consulted her ancestors about pursuing music, they gave her their blessing to use it as a platform for spiritual healing.
“I did not know how it happened that I became an artist, but when I consulted with them, they gave me a green light to go and spread spiritual healing.
“All my music has messages that come from my ancestors. They are using me to pass the message through. I am just a messenger of my ancestors and I do exactly what they want me to do,” she says.
Beyond music, Gog’Sangweni describes herself as a multi talented creative. She is a vocalist, songwriter, poet, motivator, author, fashion designer, wall art designer, actress, script writer, youth developer and advisor.
Her musical style blends several genres including Afro House, Afro Soul, Gqom, Gospel and Maskandi.
Gog’Sangweni recently released a Gospel Gqom single titled “Maye,” featuring DJ Yamza.
She says the song was inspired by gratitude for the protection and guidance she received during her spiritual journey.
“The song was motivated by the love God has shown me since I came back from initiation school.
“When I look back at the months when I was busy attending to the matter of my ancestral calling, completing it and coming back home to be able to work and be given the chance to sing, it is really amazing.
“God and my ancestors have been really good to me and ‘Maye’ is dedicated to them.”