Mduduzi Ncube, a rising star in the Afro-pop scene, has captured the hearts of many with his soulful melodies and inspirational story. At 26, Ncube’s journey from substance addiction to musical success serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion and faith.
Born in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, Ncube’s path to redemption began after battling a four-year addiction to glue, which started when he was just 15 years old. “Peer pressure will make you do things,” he shared, reflecting on how he was led astray and became dependent on the streets despite having a home.
In 2017, a pivotal moment occurred when Ncube was gifted a guitar by a friend. This simple act of kindness sparked a new passion within him, steering him away from substance abuse and towards music. “Instead of sniffing the drug, I started playing my guitar,” he recounted. This newfound focus helped him stay clean and ignited his musical career.
Ncube’s encounter with faith played a crucial role in his recovery. “My life started taking form when I met Jesus at church,” he said. His commitment to his faith and music provided the strength to overcome his addiction, marking nearly seven years of sobriety.
Music had always been a solace for Ncube, especially during his solitary childhood. He recalled singing alone in the classroom and receiving encouragement from a classmate who admired his soft voice. This encouragement fueled his confidence, leading him to perform in school assemblies, honing his vocal talent.
Despite the early promise of his career, Ncube faced setbacks, including the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. His discovery by DJ Tira in 2019 marked a turning point, yet the pandemic forced him back to the streets. Determined not to relapse, he maintained his faith and continued to sing, hoping for a breakthrough.
That breakthrough came when he boldly reached out to rapper Big Zulu on Instagram. This courageous move paid off, leading to his signing as the first artist under Zulu’s independent label, Inkabi Records. Today, Ncube is celebrated for his hit track “Isiginci” and his inspiring story of redemption.
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