BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE— Just days after being crowned the EBIS1 2025 Song of the Year at the stroke of midnight, gospel sensation Nothando Hlophe has once again shattered digital records as her hit single “Methodist Medley” soared past the six million view mark on YouTube.
This latest milestone, achieved in the opening days of 2026, cements the track’s status as the most successful gospel release in the Kingdom’s history. The song’s meteoric rise has been complemented by the equally impressive performance of her other viral anthem, “Sithumela Wena,” which officially hit the one million view milestone this week, marking a double celebration for the artist and her management team, Genesis Lokuhle.
The “Methodist Medley” has become a national phenomenon since its live recording at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in June 2025. Its transition from a live spiritual encounter to a digital juggernaut has been seamless, with the track gaining millions of views in mere months. Industry experts suggest that the medley’s success lies in its ability to evoke deep nostalgia through traditional hymns while maintaining a world-class contemporary production. This winning formula has not only captured the local market but has also resonated across Southern Africa, consistently appearing on the South African Spotify charts and dominating social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook.
Simultaneously, “Sithumela Wena” reaching one million views further illustrates the commercial and spiritual strength of Hlophe’s latest album, A New Dawn. While the “Methodist Medley” has taken the lead in sheer numbers, “Sithumela Wena” remains a fan favorite for its deep lyrical content and prayerful delivery. The fact that two songs from the same project have reached such significant digital heights is a testament to the artist’s growth and her team’s strategic release plan. The double milestone comes on the back of Hlophe’s historic “Best of Africa” win at the SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards, where she became the first female artist from Eswatini to claim the prestigious title.
As the Kingdom settles into the new year, Nothando Hlophe remains the undisputed queen of the local music industry. With “Methodist Medley” eyeing the seven million mark and the A New Dawn album continuing to dominate sales, it is clear that Hlophe has set a new benchmark for excellence. Her ability to unite denominations through song has turned her into a cultural ambassador, proving that Eswatini gospel music has the power to command a global stage. With an international tour rumored to be in the works for late 2026, the world is finally ready to hear the voice that has already captured the heart of Eswatini.
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