Thakso Ujey Choir: A CIMA Victory Rooted in Faith, Identity, and Purpose

“One word to describe our CIMA journey? Perfect.”

There aren’t enough words to quantify or qualify the feeling — it was beyond anything we could have imagined. This is not to downplay the incredible support we received along the journey, but witnessing it all come to pass was nothing short of INSANE. We are forever grateful to every single person who continues to affirm what it looks like when God takes charge of a dream. When He calls you His own, no door can stay closed.

Winning at the CIMA Awards

Winning a CIMA Award is not just a victory — it is a manifestation of the scripture: “Exceedingly and abundantly above all you could ever ask, think, or imagine.” For us as a group, this win is affirmation that Yenza ngokuthanda kwakho Jesu is not just our mantra — it’s a way of life.

We hoped for a win but never expected it, especially as we’re still in the infancy of our journey. We don’t have massive social media numbers. What we do have is consistency, faith, and Godspeed — and clearly, that was more than enough.

From Campus to National Stage

As the founder and director, I’ve always dreamt of this — but I trusted God’s will and timing. We started on a university campus, experimenting with sound and ministry. When our debut hit “Mvelinqangi” gained traction on social media, people began encouraging us to take it seriously.

We took a leap of faith — and today, that sound has carried us to national platforms, including the prestigious 17th Annual Crown Gospel Music Awards, where we were honored with a live performance slot — a dream come true.

Rooted in Identity, Expressed Through Sound

The inspiration behind our sound lies in who we are — indigenous, spiritual, and rooted. Our music affirms identity in a colorful, often misunderstood industry. One word? Alignment.

We are proud to use terms like Mvelinqangi to refer to God — a powerful statement that says: God IS, God WAS, and God WILL ALWAYS BE — across generations, cultures, and times. We are not afraid to evolve, but we are also committed to preserving our spiritual and cultural identity.

The Noise and the Purpose

Yes — we’ve heard the noise. Everyone has an opinion. Sometimes, even those we expected to support us were the loudest critics. But we remain rooted in our ministry. Like the rose Tupac wrote about, we continue to bloom — even from concrete.

Our debut single sparked debate, especially around the phrase “Nkulunkulu wookhokho bethu.” Some in the Christian community questioned it due to its ancestral connotations, while others who have long felt excluded finally felt seen and represented. That moment showed us the power of music to open conversations and challenge perceptions.

God Is the Core of It All

God is — and will always be — our biggest influence. Mvelinqangi wasn’t just a hit; it was a message. We envision a world where people from different backgrounds can gather as one, and exalt ONE GOD — without fear, shame, or theological gatekeeping.

This is more than music. It’s a movement for unity, healing, and representation. We’ve seen testimonies pour in from people whose hope and faith have been revived through our music. We’ve witnessed healing, inclusion, and renewed spiritual conviction.

The Role of Representation

Being a CIMA Ambassador means everything to us. We don’t take it lightly. We represent a realized dream — one we hope others can see themselves in. Our strategy is to be the ladder we once needed. Whether you’re a future CIMA winner or a rising artist in need of affirmation, know that you can make it — if you remain rooted in who you are.

We recently collaborated with Nsindiso Mazeka on our Journey with God EP. He is a worship genius, and we admire both his artistry and his submission to the Lord.

Current Projects

We currently have an Extended Play (EP) titled “Journey with God”, available on all digital music platforms. We urge our supporters to stream it from authorized sources, support the work, and recommend us in the boardrooms and platforms that matter.

We’re available for bookings, collaborations, and interviews. For updates and more:

Follow us on social media: @thaksoujeychoir
Stream our EP: The Journey With God

Personal Reflections

This journey has taught us to stand firm, trust God, and believe in crazy faith. He has exceeded every expectation, and we are now certain that we are walking in His perfect purpose for our lives.

Advice to my younger self?
“Give the bill of your dreams to God — He can afford all of them.”