Xolly Mncwango

Born in the KwaZulu-Natal city of Richard's Bay, Xolile Mncwango is a contemporary gospel musician who has worked alongside the likes of Benjamin Dube, Xoli Thabetheand Ayanda Ntanzi. Commonly known as Xolly Mncwango, the singer has captured the hearts and ears of South Africans through her passionate worship.

Having started singing at Sunday School from an early age, Xolly seemed destined to become a musician. "Church and music have always been my life," she reveals. "I honestly do not remember when I first realised I can sing. I believe that you never choose a calling -it chooses you."

Having surrendered to that calling early on, Xolly honed her craft in church and school choirs throughout her teenage years. Despite revelling in the spotlight, she waited to complete her university studies in Public Relations before pursuing a professional music career. "After tertiary I got a call asking me to join Joyous Celebration," she says. "It all started from there and I've never looked back! Joyous was like a school, where I learnt a lot of things that are contributing to my career right now. "