Nothando Hlophe’s ‘Methodist Medley’ hits 4 million views
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Nothando Hlophe has once again proven that spiritually rooted artistry still has the power to command the digital space. Her soul-stirring track “Methodist Medley” has surpassed an extraordinary 4 million views on YouTube, cementing its place as one of Eswatini’s most impactful gospel offerings of the decade.
“Empini sothini, uma singenawe… tembatse Nkosi.” A line that no longer needs an introduction, because by now it has marched into our ears, pitched a tent in our hearts, and started leading worship sessions of its own.
Surely, you’ve bumped into this tune somewhere, maybe in a passing taxi, at a youth service, blasting from a neighbour’s speaker, or floating through a Sunday morning like incense from an old hymnal.
Featured on her latest album, A New Dawn, the medley has become the project’s radiant centrepiece, a melodic bridge between the past that raised her and the present that she now ministers to.
A New Dawn was launched on 7 June 2025 at a vibrant live event at the Mavuso Trade Centre, a celebration that drew worshippers, music lovers, and industry figures who had witnessed Nothando’s evolution from rising vocalist to one of the nation’s most respected gospel ambassadors.
It is “Methodist Medley,’ with its gentle weaving of traditional hymns, that has stirred hearts most profoundly. The medley is more than a musical piece; it is a spiritual archive.
It carries with it echoes of childhood Sundays, the rhythmic swaying of wooden pews, and the voices of congregants who sang these hymns long before YouTube ever existed.
In pairing these classics with fresh sonic textures, Nothando Hlophe has crafted a piece that feels both timeless and timely.
She expressed this sentiment when sharing the milestone with her supporters online. “Methodist Medley is still shaking the heavens.
Thank you for streaming, sharing, and celebrating this move of God with us. The journey continues,” she posted, a message that captured her signature humility and gratitude.
In a recent interview, Nothando Hlophe reflected deeply on why this medley resonates so widely. For her, the hymns are not simply melodic relics of the past; they are spiritual markers, reminders of God’s faithfulness during formative years and anchors that ground her in moments of uncertainty.
“These hymns carry the essence of my faith journey,” she explained. “They remind me of God’s faithfulness throughout my life and the comfort that comes from His presence.”
The lyrical themes of “Methodist Medley” revolve around divine protection, spiritual refuge, and unwavering guidance. They speak of universal experiences shared across communities: the need to find reassurance amidst life’s trials, the longing for stability in times of chaos, and the comfort of knowing one is never truly alone.
Nothando Hlophe emphasised that message with sincerity, “We all go through seasons of uncertainty, but His presence is our constant shelter. I want this song to remind people that they are never alone, God is with them, always.”
This emotional authenticity is one of the main reasons the medley continues to thrive on digital platforms. It offers hope, familiarity, and spiritual nourishment to listeners far beyond Eswatini’s borders.
Behind the success of A New Dawn lies a powerful creative partnership. The album is produced by Genesis Ekucaleni Media, the media company founded by pioneering Senator Pholile Shakantu, whose influence has extended beyond governance into shaping Eswatini’s artistic landscape.
Shakantu, celebrated for her iconic work on the Eswatini film BakaNgwane, has played an instrumental role in cultivating a homegrown creative ecosystem capable of producing world-class content.
Working alongside Genesis Ekucaleni Media is Lokuhle Media Group, led by renowned music producer Phindokuhle Sithole, whose meticulous craftsmanship helped sculpt the album’s crisp, modern sound.
Their collective expertise ensured that the project not only captured Nothando’s spiritual essence but also met the high production quality demanded by global music consumers.
The successful live recording was made possible through the support of Eswatini Mobile, the main sponsor of the event, further evidence of the growing corporate recognition of gospel music’s cultural influence and community reach.
While “Methodist Medley” shines as the album’s standout, it is not the only track drawing major attention. Songs like “Sithumela Wena” have also carved out space in the hearts of listeners, already earning over 890,000 views on YouTube.
Collectively, the album’s online momentum reflects a growing appetite for gospel music that honours tradition while embracing innovation.
Nothando Hlophe is riding a remarkable wave of success.
Fresh off clinching the prestigious ‘Best Of Africa’ title at the Crown Gospel Music Awards, she has also swept up three major honours, ‘Song of the Year’ for her soul-stirring anthem “Sithumela Wena,” ‘Best Gospel Artist,’ and ‘Best Live Recording’ for her acclaimed album ‘A New Dawn,’ at the National Gospel Music Awards.
