Singing Glory by Hlengiwe Mhlaba: A Song Review
Hlengiwe Mhlaba is a renowned gospel singer and songwriter from South Africa. She has released several albums and songs that have touched the hearts of many listeners. One of her songs that I would like to review is Singing Glory, which was released in 2018 as part of her album titled Greater Than Yesterday⁶. The song was produced by Sipho Makhabane, who is also a gospel artist and the owner of Big Fish Music. The song is about four minutes long and features a choir and a band.
LISTEN BELOW!!Artist: Hlengiwe MhlabaSong: Singing Glory |
Hlengiwe Mhlaba started singing at a young age in church choirs and crusades. She was a teacher before she pursued her music career in 2005 with the help of Sipho Makhabane². She has since become one of the most popular and successful gospel artists in South Africa and beyond. She has won several awards, such as the SABC Crown Gospel Awards, the Metro FM Music Awards, and the Kora Awards⁸. She has also collaborated with other gospel artists, such as Ntokozo Mbambo, Vuyo Mokoena, and Joyous Celebration.
Singing Glory is a gospel jazz song that showcases Hlengiwe Mhlaba's unique and powerful voice. She sings in English and Zulu, blending the two languages seamlessly. The song has a lively and upbeat tempo that makes it easy to sing along and dance to. The song also has a catchy chorus that repeats the phrase "singing glory" several times. The song reflects Hlengiwe Mhlaba's style of music, which is influenced by jazz, soul, and traditional African music. She has maintained this style throughout her career, although she has also experimented with other genres, such as reggae and R&B.
One of the aspects of the song that I find important is the message that it conveys. The song is about praising God for His grace and mercy. The singer testifies how God has forgiven her sins, healed her wounds, and changed her life. She also expresses her gratitude and joy for being saved by God. The song is based on biblical verses, such as Psalm 103:2-4, which says: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies." The song is an encouragement for believers to worship God with their whole hearts and to share their testimonies with others.
Another aspect of the song that I find important is the musical arrangement that it has. The song has a rich and diverse instrumentation that complements the singer's voice. The song features a piano, a guitar, a bass, a drum set, a saxophone, a trumpet, and a trombone. The song also has a choir that harmonizes with the singer and adds more depth and texture to the song. The song has a clear structure that consists of an introduction, verses, choruses, a bridge, and an outro. The song has a smooth transition between each section and builds up to a climactic ending.
One of the defects that I have seen in the song is that it is too repetitive. The song has four verses that have almost the same lyrics, except for some minor changes. The chorus also repeats the same phrase "singing glory" eight times in each chorus. The song could have been more creative and varied by using different words or phrases to express the same idea. The song could have also used more metaphors or imagery to describe God's glory and grace.
In conclusion, Singing Glory by Hlengiwe Mhlaba is a beautiful and uplifting gospel jazz song that celebrates God's goodness and love. The song showcases Hlengiwe Mhlaba's amazing voice and talent as a singer and songwriter. The song also has a wonderful musical arrangement that enhances the mood and atmosphere of the song. However, the song could have been improved by reducing its repetitiveness and adding more diversity to its lyrics. Overall, I would recommend this song to anyone who enjoys gospel music or wants to experience God's presence through music.
