Born in 1968 in Duduza, South African gospel star and religious activist Vuyo Mokoena was raised by his devout Christian grandmother. Inspired first by the women-only church meetings she took him to each week, and later by the Student Christian Movement, Mokoena sang with the popular Christian-pop group Pure Magic during the '90s, eventually replacing his brother, Peter, as its lead singer. Vuyo also worked frequently with South African gospel queen Rebecca Malope, adding his husky, powerful voice to Zulu-language hits like "Umoya Wam'”. Released in 2000, the stomping, mbaqanga-flavoured Sakhiwe marked the start of a solo career that found him preaching the gospel of self-confidence, discipline and accountability. They’re virtues also celebrated in Iculo Elisha, a collaboration with Jabu Hlongwane released in 2002, six years before Mokoena died of a brain tumour, that includes the massive hit "Ntate Ntushe”.