Johannesburg - One-third of the singing Bala brothers and the youngest Phelo Bala says that music is not his calling.
After many years of singing with his brothers and being part of gospel group Joyous Celebration, Phelo released his solo album Ndim’Lo in 2017 – which became a national hit.
Not disregarding the talent given to him and the effort his family has put into molding his music career, Phelo insists that music is not his calling but just a gift. His calling, he says, is in healing.
“I am a sangoma; music is not my calling and I will not do it forever. Whether I have healed people through music or in my sangoma practices; my calling is in healing,” he told Drum.
Before becoming a sangoma; Phelo says he experienced physical body changes where his body “stopped working and when I went to see a doctor I was diagnosed with flu,” until a family member suggested they see a sangoma.
Phelo says he went through a few journeys in order to get to know where he is today.
“The music comes from an honest place and the way I’m feeling at the moment is from an honest place. I love singing, don’t get me wrong, but my calling is to be a sangoma.”
Not so long ago it was reported by an online magazine that the Port Elizabeth born star had been struggling with the death of his best friend Thobani Mseleni who died in the tragic car crash involving Akhumzi Jezile, Siya Kobese, Skhumbuzo Mbuthuma and Tumi Morake on 28 April 2018.
Phelo says he will never heal from the pain but he continues to speak to his friends’ spirit. “My friend knows how much I love him and how I will continue speaking to him even after his death.
Watch Phelo’s performance with Joyous Celebration:
