Gospel singer Mmatema Gavu’s upcoming album a testimony of faith and divine timing

Mmatema Gavu née Moremi, the powerhouse vocalist who stole South Africa’s heart on “Idols South Africa”, is gearing up to release a soul-stirring gospel project that speaks of faith, gratitude, and God’s perfect timing. 

After nearly a decade of waiting, listening, and growing, Mmatema will release her album “Heart of Gratitude”, an album that is more than just music—it’s a testimony. Gavu’s path to “Heart of Gratitude” wasn’t rushed. 

She has spent years performing, living, and waiting on divine instruction before returning to the studio. After taking down her previous album because it didn’t feel like it was for her heart, she focused on her journey as a mother, wife, and performer, trusting that God would reveal the right time and that time arrived.

It was a series of spiritual confirmations, including prayer and fasting, that led her to record “Heart of Gratitude”. She recalls a conference where a prophetic message confirmed what she had been feeling that this album was meant to be. Once she surrendered to the process, everything started falling into place effortlessly.

The theme of “Heart of Gratitude” is simple: giving thanks. Every track on the album is a reflection of how Gavu has seen God’s kindness, provision, and protection in her life. Each song carries a deeply personal story of faith and triumph.

Every lyric is a heartfelt expression of gratitude, making this album a powerful and uplifting experience for listeners. To bring the album to life, Gavu hosted a live recording event on December 1, 2024, called a “Night of Gratitude”, at the very venue where her “Idols South Africa” journey began. 

“The recording of the ‘Night of Gratitude’ was inspired by God's perfect timing, and then coming up with the album title which is the ‘Heart of Gratitude’, that was inspired by the theme of the music in the album.

“The theme of the album was just gratitude. The songs of gratitude, are me just testifying about how God came through for me and I know he has done the same for people.”

In the first song, “Gratitude Medley” Gavu gives thanks to the Lord, and the second song “God is Kind” continues the theme of gratitude, as she speaks of God’s kindness. Then she goes on to acknowledge how God has fought for her, bringing her enemies down.

The creative process was equally spiritual. Moremi doesn’t just write songs—she listens. She waits for melodies to guide her, for scripture to inspire her, and for emotions to flow naturally into the music. 

“I write from scripture, I sing scripture, whatever scripture that the Holy Spirit drops in my heart that feels relevant at the time. That's how I write and that's how we wrote almost all the songs in the album.”

Gavu founded her record label two years ago and aims to uplift and give platforms to rising female artists, further proving her commitment to sharing her success with others. Her album will be released under her label.

She hopes that the album will contribute hope to society and also open the industry, with five females featured; some renowned and others upcoming, sharing her platform and giving others exposure.

Gavu’s influence extends beyond music, as a wife and mother, Moremi is passionate about marriage and family. Every February, she and her husband Tshepo host an annual event dedicated to celebrating love and strengthening relationships. 

“I love marriage and anyone who knows me knows how much I love marriage. I've always been invested in the institution of marriage, I love marriage.”

Witnessing her mother being wholeheartedly loved by her stepfather, following her father’s passing, left an everlasting impression on Gavu. This year’s event, featuring expert speakers and performances, is another way she pours into the community.

“We thought, let's come together and we are realistic about the truths and the fundamentals of marriage and share and converse and enjoy ourselves and wind down and for one night, have dinner and learning from experts.”

Young Married Fabulous takes place on February 28 at The Fortress Venue, in Johannesburg.

For Gavu life is about rhythm, not balance. Juggling a thriving career, and a growing family, requires careful planning, sacrifices, and, most importantly, keeping God at the center of it all. She embraces the chaos, knowing that as long as she follows God’s lead, everything will align as it should.

“Heart of Gratitude” is more than an album—it’s an invitation. Gavu wants listeners to reflect on their blessings, to count them one by one, and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Moremi and her team have plans to bring a “Night of Gratitude” to other cities and even neighbouring countries.

The "Heart of Gratitude" will be released on April 18 and fans can expect the first single on March 14.

IOL Entertainment