Ntokozo Princess Jodwana stepping into her moment with new release‘Ngcwele Jesu’ — 27 March 2026
Nurtured and shaped by ‘Women in Praise’ and ‘Spirit of Praise’ she has now emerged as a powerful solo artist in her own right.
JOHANNESBURG 27 MARCH – Ntokozo Princess Jodwana is set to release her powerful new single, Ngcwele Jesu, on 27 March 2026, marking a significant milestone in her journey as an independent gospel artist. The song is a deeply spiritual offering inspired by a profound moment while she was preparing material for her forthcoming album, The Throne of Grace. The song reflects both personal conviction and a universal call to worship.
A dynamic and versatile artist, Ntokozo’s journey in music began at the age of 13 as a backing vocalist for local artists in her community, laying the foundation for her artistry. She later honed her craft at the Music Academy of Gauteng under the late Dr Johnny Mekoa, where she studied music and broadcasting engineering, developing both her vocal and technical abilities. Over the years, she has worked alongside renowned musicians including Themba Mkhize, Khaya Mahlangu, Letta Mbulu, Bongani Radebe, Benjamin Dube, Sipho Ngwenya and Collen Maluleke, and has collaborated with artists across borders.
Her contribution to leading gospel ensembles such as Women in Praise and Spirit of Praise has seen her feature in impactful live recordings and performances that resonated with audiences nationwide. Now stepping fully into her own as a solo artist, Ntokozo reflects on the transition from backing vocalist to front-stage performer as both a challenge and a blessing, one that required her to discover her unique sound and identity.
Born in Kwa-Thema and raised in Duduza by her grandparents in a strong Christian household, Ntokozo’s musical calling was evident from a young age. She began singing in church at 11 and drew inspiration from gospel greats, shaping her passion for ministry through music. Her upbringing, combined with years of experience and formal training, has informed her authentic and spiritually grounded approach to her craft.
“I was raised by my Grandparents Gogo and Mkhulu Mokoena in Duduza.I grew up in a warm and a loving Christian family with my mother and father Mr and Mrs Ndaba. I started singing at church when my Uncle Leon would play piano and he introduced me to Gospel music such as Cece Winans and Joyous Celebration and the likes,” she says.
“I remember one day at school I used to be so shy and this one day at the Assembly Hall my teacher asked for a song and I didn’t know what pushed me that day, I started singing and everyone looked at m.e I thought I did something wrong, but everyone clapped hands for me and said that I am a good singer and since then I never stopped”
Ngcwele Jesu was introduced to her by a friend during the album preparation process and quickly became a standout track following pre-production with her music director. After three years of anticipation, she describes the release as a moment of divine timing, expressing gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.
Now working as an independent artist, vocal coach, presenter and programme director, Ntokozo continues to expand her creative footprint. With the release of Ngcwele Jesu, listeners can expect a message of revival and a reminder that God remains at the centre of all things. The single serves as the first offering from her upcoming album, with plans for national and international tours to follow, alongside more music that reflects her growth, faith and evolving artistry.
TEA WITH NTOKOZO PRINCESS JODWANA
- You started your journey in music at just 13 years old—how does this new release reflect your growth as an artist since those early days?
Growing up I used to love Gospel ministers and I looked up to them and loved how they conducted themselves and Preaching about Christ through music. This has shaped the way I would present myself. Gospel music was my way of expressing myself. I knew that one day I would be the one holding that microphone and preaching the good news (gospel) to the world. - Having worked with legends like Themba Mkhize and Benjamin Dube, what lessons have stayed with you and influenced this new project?
I have learned that you need to have a strong character and never look down on yourself. That you don’t have to copy anyone else for you to be good but just be yourself and don’t try to fit in. - Can you take us behind the scenes of the creative process for this single—how did it come together from idea to final recording?
As we were preparing for the Album “The Throne of Grace” Hloni my friend sent me the song via voice message, I then presented it to my then Music director Judah Ngwenya he also liked the song. We did the pre-production so that we could share it with the whole band and singers. Then the song made it to the Album, hearing how it sounded I got very excited and I couldn’t wait to perform it. - As someone who has been part of powerful ensembles like Women in Praise and Spirit of Praise, how does stepping out as an independent artist shape your sound and message?
Being part of the group Woman in Praise and Spirit of Praise was one a blessing. I was a backing vocalist and I was given an opportunity to present myself as an artist that was a huge step to take because I had to find myself and to know the Sound I would love people to know me with. - Your upcoming project The Throne of Grace has been highly anticipated—how does this new single connect to that body of work?
I’m happy to say that after three years of waiting the Lord has remembered me . And I’m so thankful and grateful to say that ‘Ngcwele Jesu’ is the 1st song that we decided to release from the album. - You wear many hats: singer, presenter, MC, and vocal coach—how do these roles influence the way you approach your music?
I studied music and performing arts that was when I learned that arts is broad so that’s when I challenged myself that I needed to know more about my hidden talents , this has grew my Confidence in music and in associating myself with the Greats. - What message or emotion do you hope listeners will take away when they hear this new single for the first time?
I hope that listeners will be revived and know that god is at the centre of it all. - The gospel and music landscape is constantly evolving—how do you stay authentic while still pushing creative boundaries?
I believe in growth and that I need to push myself as times are changing I also need to evolve with time. - Looking ahead, what can your fans expect next from you after this release, and how do you envision the next chapter of your career?
After the release my fans can expect my full album,National tours , International tours and more of making good music.
