In 2007 Thabo Mdluli (then primarily known as an in demand all star studio session man) stepped into the solo spotlight as a premier singer, producer and performer in his own right with his debut album "Wonderful Life. Driven in part by the hit singles Wonderful Life and Unshakeable, Wonderful Life is a critical triumph for Thabo, as it allowed him to make his mark in the South African Music scene, but even long before remaking the coveted hit song by Black "Wonderful life" the writing was already on the wall that this soulful star was on the rise.

Thabo's talent was cultivated through dozens of talent shows and musical productions during his high school years. He landed his first professional role in a local production called Joyous Celebration. For 4 years whilst he was with the ensemble he showcased his vocal range and charmed thousands of gospel lovers all around the country as a featured vocalist on Joyous Celebration 1, 2, 3& 5. In 2004, he wowed millions of television viewers as he sang the signal tune of the most popular TV show in the country the Felicia Mabuza Suttle show, where he also shared the stage with the Manhattans. Mdluli went on to record with Family Factory, twice SAMA award winners and later landed a role in Richard Loring's African Footprint.

His television experience is vast, he has hosted: TourismBiz on SABC3, Gospel Stars SABC 2, The World Today a current affairs program on SABC 3, Agriculture Today on SABC 2 and ONE Gospel's own, Tonight show. Thabo sees Television as a powerful medium of communication that allows him to positively impact emerging sectors of our society, hence his passion for niche programming.

Although a popular musician most of his life Mdluli is also known today as the man at the helm of The Late Debate on DSTV channel 331. Thabo made his first appearance on The Tonight Show on February, 2008. Though he can be sharp and is an astute commentator on Christian matters, there is something nice and comforting about the soft-eyed, tall man that appeals to vast African audiences. Since taking the Tonight Show's reigns as a host, Mdluli has attempted to inject the show with a slightly hipper edge by affecting a more casual look. It's a tough balancing act, but he manages to keep the mature One Gospel viewers engaged with debates and discussions of investigated topics on a weekly bases.


Whether you call it "fate" or "destiny" or "a calling," the fact is that some people are born to sing and write music and this multi-talented singer, songwriter, arranger producer and TV host is fulfilling his childhood dreams and ambitions. One listen to the soulful yet edgy Wonderful life and there's no question that Thabo Mdluli indeed delivers the real deal, and beginning the next chapter in a career filled with promise and possibility.

Catch Thabo on The Late Debate on Wednesdays @ 21:00 on ONE Gospel (DStv channel 331).