Mama Mirriam Toni
 
Thursday 30 June
 
“I had to go and pray about it. When I found myself in music, I took it with all my heart. I said to myself, ‘I’m going to worship my God. And heal those who want to be healed, through music’,” says Mama Mirriam Toni.
 
The 4-time Ukhonukamva Gospel Award winner was 7-years-old when her Sunday school teacher discovered that she had a voice for music. At the age of 15, her music teacher encouraged her to share her voice with others.
 
In her youth, Mama Mirriam was the lead vocalist in her worship team at church. “I then realized the calling in me as a young pastor, that people are in need of a touch from God,” she says.
 
Family, church, and her community inspire her greatly when it comes to music. “You know, sometimes I get so tired because I’m in demand,” says Mama Mirriam. “People invite me to funerals, churches and praises. When I get tired my mom will come to me and say ‘you can do it. You are still standing’.”
 
Mama Mirriam and her husband, Mashiya, are the leaders of a church called ‘Living Testimony and Revelation’, based in Mbekweni. 
 
“I’m a lady who knows myself… And I trust my smile. When I stand in front of my people my smile is healing them,” she explains.
 
On top of being a gospel artist, Mama is also a traditional chef. “When I cook my food, you always see a smile on me. I like eyes. My kids and my family will always sit and look at me when I cook food,” she says.
 
According to Mama Mirriam, the main ingredient in her food in love.
 
The gospel artist’s fifth album, ‘Hamba NoJesu’, is to be released in September. “Expect a bomb this year,” she says.
 
She feels blessed to have won 4 Ukhonukamva Gospel Awards, “through the grace of God and my musical Mentor Mr SD Doyle.”
 
“When I got the first award [in 2019], I was so happy. Deep in my heart I knew I would make it. But still I asked my people to vote for me and encourage me.”