Why?
Because he is one of a kind and stands as a luminous example of endurance, authenticity, and unwavering Faith. From the vibrant streets of Durban to international stages and the hearts of millions, Khaya’s story is not just about musical success but about Spiritual resilience, navigating life’s ups and downs while remaining rooted in Purpose and Faith.
His natural talent blossomed early in 2012 when he became a household name as the first Black African winner of Idols South Africa. His victory broke racial and genre barriers in mainstream music. Khaya Mthethwa’s win birthed new hope, not only for the youth but South Africans of all ages. It was an amazing time to witness a young man rooted in Faith owning the position. We were excited when he returned to his Gospel roots – an act that showed he understood his Mission extended far beyond fame and stage lights.
Over the years, Khaya has become one of South Africa’s most influential Gospel artists. With albums like The Uprising and All About Jesus, he has carved out a distinct sound. His songs are an elegant blend of Praise, Worship, and African rhythms and his voice carries an anointing that heals, uplifts and draws people closer to God.
Kea MM: How easy or difficult was it to participate in Idols, singing the type of music you were required to sing when your heart was in Gospel music?
Khaya: My heart has always been deeply rooted in Gospel music. It’s where I find purpose, connection, and peace. I was leading worship at church from a young age and was also part of Joyous Celebration. Gospel is more than a genre for me. It’s my Ministry and my true identity. I’ve always been musically curious, and entering Idols SA exposed me to a variety of genres that stretched me creatively. It wasn’t easy to step out of my comfort zone, but I embraced the challenge as an opportunity for growth. Each performance taught me discipline and adaptability. It helped me connect with broader audiences while staying true to who I am.
More than anything it helped me push beyond what I thought were my limits to the level of creativity that I never knew I had in me. It was also a Spiritual Calling that I couldn’t shake off. Even while exploring other genres, I knew Gospel would always be my home. The Idols experience deepened my artistry and reminded me why Gospel is my true north.
What were the challenges that came with being the first Black African to win Idols SA? Being the first Black African to win Idols SA was both a huge honour and a heavy responsibility. It came with high expectations and the pressure to break barriers beyond just music. I had to be intentional about my brand, message, and the direction of my career. I worked with amazing people whom I had admired from a distance, and I was always blown away, always pushed to do better and I didn’t want to disappoint anyone who believed in me. It was also for that young Black child who was an up-and-coming artist and needed to know that it is possible.
Building my brand while still discovering myself as an artist was challenging, expectations were high. I had to juggle recording my debut album – which thankfully went Gold in the month of release – with exploring television, radio and live performances. I thank God for the great support from the public. Moving from RNB to gospel was a scary and bold step. I was worried that I would lose my audience.
But in all honesty, I was Blessed to have so many people support my brand, regardless of genre, and believed in me and the professionals who were always there to help me navigate the industry whenever I needed advice and assistance. I had to carry not just my dreams, but the hopes of many who saw themselves in me. It was never just about winning, it was about opening doors for others. The pressure was intense, but the purpose made it all worth it.
What would you say are some of the defining challenges in your adult journey and the lessons thereof? Becoming a father to my son, Oyi, was a life-defining moment. It completely shifted my perspective. All of a sudden, every decision carried more weight because I wasn’t just building a life for myself, but I was laying a foundation for him. The challenge has been to grow emotionally, Spiritually and mentally so I can be the kind of man for him to look up to. I’ve learned that legacy isn’t just about accomplishments and applause but about the character and values you pass on.
My journey as a father has deepened my sense of purpose and taught me the power of living intentionally. The good examples I had growing up also helped. I had good fathers around me and their modelling of fatherhood makes sense now that I am a father. Raising a son in today’s world is not easy, but it’s a journey that makes you dig deeper into who you are. Every sacrifice is driven by love, and every lesson I learned is a seed I hope will blossom in his future.
How do you balance business and Ministry? Is this an easy exercise for you or are the two one and the same for you? Oh! no! it’s not easy at all. Balancing business and Ministry is a hectic exercise. It sometimes feels like a tightrope, but I’ve learnt to lean on the strength and expertise of the incredible teams I have in both spaces. Ministry (Church and my musical journey) is at the heart of everything I do, even in business. The values and principles are the same: excellence, integrity, and purpose. However, each has its own stresses and demands. I try to stay grounded, Prayerful, and accountable. My teams help with making sure that no matter how busy things get, I continue to show up as the most authentic and effective version of myself. I still have mentors whom I consult frequently for advice. Some days are harder than others but if it’s not challenging then it’s not for me. I’ve learned that being Spirit-led in both areas brings harmony that human strategy alone can’t achieve. It’s a walk of obedience, not perfection
What are the two main Scriptures that fuel and keep you standing in different circumstances, good and trying circumstances? And what do they mean to you?
One Scripture that anchors me is Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” It reminds me that true Peace is found in trusting God, not in circumstances. The other is Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” That verse reminds me I’m never alone whether I’m on a stage, in a boardroom, or facing personal trials. These Scriptures give me strength, clarity, and reassurance in every season of life. Those verses are not just memory Scriptures for me, they are my survival tools. When things go well, they keep me grounded; when trials come, they remind me of God’s unchanging faithfulness and constant presence in my journey.
You have been heard to say that your Father is through and through your biggest role model. What is it about him that you believe has positioned him in such an important position in your life, heart and mind?
My father has been a constant source of quiet strength in my life. He’s not one to speak much, but his actions speak volumes. He is a very humble man. His consistency is unmatched and deeply grounded. The person he is now is the person we experienced growing up. He’s modelled what it means to lead with integrity and to love through service. Watching him live out his values has shaped how I view manhood, fatherhood, and Faith. He was intentional when he raised my brother and I, and of course, the Church.
He used to say, ‘real power is in how you treat people and how you honour your commitments’. That kind of leadership left a permanent mark on my heart and continues to guide me. When he asked me to be the Lead Pastor at Church I was very nervous because I didn’t know if I would be able to be half the man and the leader he has always been. To date, I still get guidance from him and would not have it any other way. Some of the decisions I took he didn’t understand but the manner in which he guides and advises would immediately challenge my decision. He is very influential in my life. He lives a life of integrity and consistency which I now realise is rare.
What is your take on parenting, what is your approach and what has it taught you?
Parenting is one of the greatest privileges and most humbling experiences of my life. It’s a sacred responsibility to shape a life while being shaped yourself. My approach is to lead by example because I’ve learned that children don’t just hear what you say but they become what they see. My son watches my every move. It sometimes scares me but that holds me accountable to be intentional in my choices. I mean I am still learning but we have good support around us. My parents are fully involved as well and I still ask questions and advice from them. Parenting has taught me patience, grace, and the importance of legacy. That is what I am building for my son. It’s also made me more emotionally present and rooted more in Prayer, and more aware of the bigger picture. It’s not just about providing. It’s about being present in every sense. I want to raise a son who is kind, confident, and grounded in Faith. That starts with who I am, not just what I say.
What has your parents’ parenting taught you about parenting?
That there is no perfect formula. They did the best they could with what they knew and what they had. That has given me grace for them and myself. It showed me that love isn’t always loud, it’s in presence and provision. They have been present throughout. I’ve learned to embrace both the strengths and shortcomings and to be intentional about growing in areas they may not have had the tools for. Now we are privileged to have access to tools that help us sharpen our parenting skills and understand that we are dealing with a completely different generation, we read books etc. Their sacrifices provided me with a good foundation. It is now my responsibility to build on it with intention and awareness. They were not looking for perfect children but they saw us as a Blessing and were willing to shape us through their teachings. Their disciplining us was never without love, and now I see how deeply that balance matters. Their commitment shaped the way I approach fatherhood today.
There are not many people Pastoring at the different levels that you are: at your Church, international platforms, and sold-out arenas. What is the private conversation you have with yourself to stand and serve on all these platforms which make the stage much bigger for you than many your age?
To be quite honest with you, I am my worst critic. If I were to tell people how badly I always get nervous getting on any stage, be it Preaching or Ministering in song, they wouldn’t believe me. I actually do. Most of the time when I get off that stage, I worry that I did not deliver how I wanted but quickly remember that it is not about me but about the One who sent me. Sometimes we strive to deliver a perfect message, a perfect song, fill arenas but God is looking for the one who will serve from the purest of heart and then He does the rest. I get to surrender my will each time I think of my purpose in this world. I remind myself that platforms are not the goal, but people are, the purpose is, and overall, the Will of God is the goal. The bigger the platform, the greater the responsibility and expectations, it’s not child’s play, it requires me to be more intentional with my character. So secretly, I do a lot of internal work. I Pray for humility, consistency, and strength to keep growing and being groomed by those who are ahead of me.
The private conversation is always about becoming before performing, serving with authenticity, staying grounded in God, leading with a pure heart and asking God “What’s next?” and “Use me Lord.” I’ve learned to surrender my insecurities to God and trust that He equips those He calls. What matters most is being Faithful, not flawless.
Any other information you’d like to share with our readers?
I want to remind readers that purpose doesn’t always come in perfect packages. Sometimes your pain is the path to your Calling. Stay rooted in who you are and whose you are. Keep showing up even when you don’t feel ready. God can use every part of your story even the broken pieces of your life to create something beautiful. I’m still learning, still growing and still trusting. And if He can do it for me, He can absolutely do it for you.
To those who want to get into the music business or any industry for that matter, learn the industry, know the business, work on your craft daily and don’t depend on experience alone. For upcoming artists, it is important to invest in learning the business side of things. Education is more important and talent alone won’t get you there. Polish your craft and get a good team. Don’t despise small beginnings or quiet seasons because that is where God often does His greatest work. Your story is still unfolding. Let your scars speak and let your voice carry the healing you have received.
