Mbabane – As the Kingdom of Eswatini gears up for the esteemed National Gospel Awards 2025, a rising star is capturing attention with a journey that inspires as much as his music. Meet Sabelo Matse, a young musician who lives with a disability.
Recently, he claimed victory in the Disability Music and Arts Festival that earned him a coveted performance slot at the National Gospel Awards. Sabelo’s story transcends music; it embodies faith, resilience, and the breaking of barriers.
For Matse, gospel music has always represented more than mere melodies and lyrics—it has been a vital lifeline. “Gospel music has given me a voice. Through my songs, I can reach countless people, sharing messages of hope, faith, and encouragement. It allows me to express myself and connect with others,” he shared.
Despite the hurdles posed by his disability, Matse continues to rise. He acknowledges that his path has been fraught with challenges. “I’ve faced many obstacles, from being underestimated to confronting the limitations of my disability. However, I’ve learned to concentrate on what I can achieve and to use music as a means to break through barriers. With determination, prayer, and resilience, I’ve managed to overcome and keep progressing.”
His strength, he explains, springs from a profound faith in God and the steadfast support of those around him. “My faith and the encouragement from people who believe in me have been my biggest inspirations. Even when life gets tough, I draw strength from God and from those who remind me that my gift has a purpose.”
This sense of purpose was further validated when he won the recent gospel music competition. For Sabelo, this triumph held both personal and spiritual significance. “It was truly a blessing. Personally, it boosted my confidence and demonstrated that my efforts were worthwhile. Spiritually, it confirmed that God has a plan for my life and that my music serves a greater purpose.”
Preparing for the competition demanded focus and commitment. “Preparation meant hours of practice, prayer, and maintaining a focus on the bigger picture. My mindset was simple: to give my best and minister to people through my songs, regardless of the outcome,” he explained.
As he gets ready to take the stage at the National Gospel Awards 2025, Matse expresses a blend of excitement and humility. “I feel both excited and humbled. It’s a privilege to be acknowledged and to share my gift on such a national platform. I see it as another chance to inspire, uplift, and glorify God through my music.”
Above all, Matse hopes his journey conveys a powerful message. “I want people to realize that nothing is impossible. Challenges do not define us—faith, perseverance, and passion do. My hope is that when they see me perform, they are reminded that they too can overcome their struggles.”
Looking to the future, Matse envisions collaborating with both local and international gospel artists as he continues to advance his career. “Collaboration is impactful because it unites diverse voices and messages. I would love to work with both local and international gospel artists to spread the gospel further and touch lives across borders.”
Matse’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the inspirational power of music. As he prepares for the National Gospel Awards stage, one thing is clear—his voice will resonate not only within the auditorium but also in the hearts of many who see him as proof that no dream, grounded in purpose, is unattainable.
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