Biography
The talented musician Manelisiwe Hawley hails from uMlazi, Durban. She was raised in a Christian background and her first experience of gospel music came through her mother’s sisters, who were gospel singers. It was that environment, coupled with a fervent desire to know more about God, that led Manelisiwe to heed her calling to be a musician from a tender age. This would see her become a member of various gospel groups and eventually decide to leave Durban for Johannesburg to pursue her calling at a higher level.
Upon her arrival in Johannesburg she met the first big group she would work with, Stimela. She was a backup singer for Ray Phiri and Stimela for few years, which proved to be quite fruitful and key to her development as an artist. Following that, she went to work with gospel superstar Rebecca Malope. Following that, Manelisiwe became a freelancer, writing and performing jingles for SABC TV and Radio Stations.
A stint as a backing singer for Sharon as well as being half of a duo with Mpumi called M2 later, Manelisiwe and her family relocated to England. However, all was not well in her personal life and it was only through the grace of God that she preserved in these trying times amidst unexpected changes. In 2005 she made the decision to give her life to Christ. This would prove to be a turning point – a realization that her entire journey thus far had been a preparation to minister for God’s glory.
Manelesiwe then became attending the Word of Faith church in Luton, which helped her spiritually mature. In those moments, she began to feel a need to seek the guidance of God as to where she would best serve her purpose in the Kingdom.
This would lead to changes that would culminate in the release of her debut album in 2013. The following year saw Manelisiwe receive an offer to join Pamtengo Radio as a gospel presenter. Since then, a number of important doors have opened in her life and she has graced a number of platforms, spreading the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ. Her interview on Pamtengo Radio with two of the biggest South African gospel singers, Omega Khunou and Solly Mahlangu, stands out as a notable career highlight. With all these divinely orchestrated accomplishments and astonishments to boot, Manelisiwe still yearned to use her gift to help younger artists seeking mentorship and guidance in singing and dancing. With that in mind, she founded the Gospel Academy, which not only helps artists sharpen their skills but provides an environment of love and spiritual encouragement.
