Rebecca Malope

Rebecca Malope, a South African gospel singer widely recognized as "The Queen of Gospel," was born on June 30, 1968, in Lekazi, near Nelspruit, South Africa. Her rise to prominence began when she won the Best Vocalist category of the "Shell Road to Fame" talent competition in 1987. Early in her career, she performed pop and "bubblegum" music before transitioning to gospel, a move that defined her decades-long ministry in music.

Over more than three decades, Malope has released 36 albums and sold an estimated 10 million records worldwide. Her catalog includes well-known songs such as "Sthembile Kuwe," "Rebecca Sings Gospel," "Umoya Wam," "Shwele Baba," "Somlandela," "Ngiyekeleni," "Uthando Lwam'," and "Sabel' Uyabizwa." Beyond recording, she hosted the television program It's Gospel Time for 15 years, extending her influence as a worship leader in South African homes.

Malope's contributions have earned her multiple honors. She received the OKTV Award for Best South African Female Artist in 1990. In 2003, the University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal) conferred an honorary doctorate upon her. In 2021, she was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga by the South African Presidency. Most recently, in 2025, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Basadi in Music Awards. These recognitions affirm her lasting impact on gospel music in South Africa.