Upside of failure: ‘You learn nothing from success’ - Jabu Hlongwane

Relebogile Mabotja speaks with Jabu Hlongwane, renowned gospel singer, pastor, and co-founder of Joyous Celebration.

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

Jabu Hlongwane is renowned for the way he revolutionised gospel music through live-recorded performances and outstanding studio recordings.

He started his professional career in 1994 and has worked with several other artists, inspiring people through his music.

While Hlongwane is an icon in the gospel music space, he remains humble about the impact he has had and prefers to be treated like anyone else.

“It is not healthy for someone to think they are the tapestry and the soundtrack of people’s lives.”

- Jabu Hlongwane, renowned gospel singer

“I love to be ordinary. I love to be me.”

- Jabu Hlongwane, renowned gospel singer

He grew up in a very poor family, with 9 people living under one roof, and sleeping on the floor.

“I started sleeping in a bed when I was around 12.”

- Jabu Hlongwane, renowned gospel singer

As a child he would read everything that he had access to, because he knew that exposure to the world would pave the path to success.

From a young age he would sell fruits and peanuts to pay his own school fees, and continued to pay for himself until he got his university degree.

Through all challenges in life, what keeps him going is understanding life, and knowing to ride the tides of life.

“Even if the tide has tears and confusion, ride it. It is going to go down back into the sea.”

- Jabu Hlongwane, renowned gospel singer

He adds that the hard times come with the greatest lessons.

In his experience, those who have had an easy life and have not had to work for what they have tend to be unsuccessful on their own.

“One of the biggest lessons I have learned in life, is you learn nothing from success.”

- Jabu Hlongwane, renowned gospel singer

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.