BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE— Gospel powerhouse Nothando Hlophe has officially cemented her status as one of Africa’s leading voices in worship music, celebrating an extraordinary milestone as her hit single, “Methodist Medley,” reached an astounding 5 million views on YouTube this week. This achievement marks a powerful continuation of the track’s phenomenal success, which has seen it dominate digital spaces since its high-profile debut earlier this year.
The “Methodist Medley” was officially released to digital platforms on October 8, 2025, and serves as the standout anchor of Hlophe’s latest acclaimed album, A New Dawn. The journey of this hit actually began earlier in the year when it was recorded live during a night of unmatched spiritual brilliance on June 7, 2025, at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre. The live recording event was touted as a “new chapter” for the artist, and the subsequent viral success of the medley has proven that vision correct, as the song garnered its first 100 000 views within just seven days of its October upload.
Taking to her Facebook page to share the news of the 5-million-mark with her followers, an elated Hlophe expressed that this milestone was about much more than just digital statistics. “So grateful to everyone who watched, shared, and supported this journey. This is more than numbers — it’s faith, love, and connection. Thank you for being part of this beautiful story,” she shared. The track beautifully encapsulates Hlophe’s musical journey, seamlessly blending profound spiritual themes with contemporary production.
This digital triumph comes on the heels of a historic awards season for the artist. Just last month, Hlophe took the continent by storm when she was crowned the winner of the prestigious Best of Africa Award at the 18th SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards held in Durban. This victory was a landmark moment, as she became the first female artist from Eswatini to scoop the coveted title. Her dominance continued at the local National Gospel Music Awards (NGMA) 2025, where she swept the board, taking home Best Gospel Artist, Best Gospel Album for A New Dawn, and Song of the Year for her other viral sensation, “Sithumela Wena.”
Hlophe’s discography is no stranger to success, having already paved the way for her current international breakthrough. “Sithumela Wena,” another powerhouse track from the same album, has similarly resonated with audiences, rapidly climbing toward its own million-view milestone and peaking at number 73 on the South African Spotify Daily Charts. These accolades and numbers serve as a testament to her technical artistry and her ability to touch the lives of listeners across diverse cultural backgrounds.
As Nothando Hlophe’s influence continues to grow, marked by this historic milestone and her distinguished career, it is clear she is leading a new chapter in gospel music. Her ability to unite listeners through a shared message of hope, rooted in the live experience at Mavuso and now shared with millions globally, ensures that her ministry will continue to set the benchmark for excellence in the Kingdom’s music industry for years to come.
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(Courtesy Pic)
