BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE- From gracing stages in front of royalty, fans, and international stages, Fakazi Samuel shares with this publication his inspiration for penning his first book.
Samuel is an author, award-winning Gospel musician, saxophonist, singer, and songwriter/composer who started doing music professionally in 2010. He is managed by the Sabela Records stable. In his career, he has been able to hoist the country’s flag in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, to mention a few.
His albums are Meditations of the Heart, released in 2021; Sabela, released in 2018. All albums are available on most digital platforms; hard copies of the latest album are available with Destiny Music, Mbabane.
In his successful career, he has received these Awards.
Best Contemporary Song (ACAESWA Gospel Awards)
Best Music Video (ACAESWA Gospel Awards)
Iconic Male Celebrity Award (Jumbo Lifestyle Awards)
Botswana Gospel Music Adjudicator’s Award (BGOMA)
Samuel shared with this publication the inspiration and purpose of his new book. This is what he had to say:
You wrote and launched a book recently. What is the title of the book?
My book’s title is What Does It Cost You?
It is part of my vision and my God-given assignment. Writing books and publishing them is one of the things I have to do while I am still preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have noticed, though, that most of the things I am made to write, preach, or share about are the things God has carried me through, and after I am victorious, God gives me a platform to talk about them for the benefit of others.
What is it about?
Well, the ultimate motive is to preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ while at the same time enlightening and motivating God’s people that doing God’s will and achieving worthwhile things in this world will always come at a cost.
How is it doing in the market?
As a first-time writer, I would say it is doing very well based on the feedback I am receiving from the public. Well, that is on the basis of the fact that the main objective or bigger picture of publishing these books is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so that objective is being greatly achieved.
Great responses show how much the book has touched the lives of many, even as far as South Africa and Malawi. Moreover, we are expecting more since the book is being sold to over 40 000 countries around the globe. It is worth mentioning that because of the book, I have received a nomination from Swazi Fest Writer’s Awards for the Informative Author of the Year.
Where can people get it?
The ebook is available through online stores, e.g., Amazon, Swivel Magazine Online, Zion International, and more. The book is already available at the following outlets: The Swaziland Christian bookshop (Manzini), opposite pastor Malaza’s Gospel Power House Church, is behind Standard Traders on Nkoseluhlaza Street. M and S Stationary (Manzini), DAV Centre, Shop No. 4, Corner Sandlane and Tenbergen Street. Manzini, just above the Cathedral. I hope that it will be available very soon at the Van Schaik Book Store in Mbabane, opposite Pick ’n Pay, next to the key shop.
How much is a copy of the book?
Well, each of the outlets has their own pricing, which differs in terms of their individual mark-ups, but if you get it from me, you can have it for E70.
Any future plans to write another book?
Yes, another one is already being processed and should be released midway through next year. Just as I said, these are ways in which I achieve the vision I received from the Lord Jesus, which is to preach Christ, so as long as I receive content from Him, I will continue to send it out there.
Where will you be spending Christmas?
My son has already requested that I take him somewhere locally, so I guess that is where I will be.
What’s the significance of Christmas to you and your family?
Christmas to me, as per the tradition I was raised in, means family time. That is where every family member gets to make time to be home to have quality time with the people who matter the most in our lives.
However, spiritually, I believe that this is the time to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of our Heavenly Father. A true gift to humanity that came to die for the sins of all man, through which everyone has a chance to spend eternal life with God in heaven.
What are your plans for your music career next year?
Concerning music, I hope to continue to make great music that speaks to the lives of many out there—music that will help people go through tough life situations; also music that will continue to glorify Christ Jesus, bringing more people to Him so that they may be saved from eternal death.
Any future collaboration to look forward to?
I recently worked on Nothando Dlamini’s recent live recording, and her album will hit stores any time soon since it is now available online. In addition, I had the chance to be part of two major live recordings as well: Banele Dlamini’s and Nduduzo Matse’s live recordings; their albums are still in the pipeline as well.
If you were given a chance to choose which international artists you would love working with and why?
Firstly, it has to be Kirk Whalum; he is one person who inspired me to be a Christian saxophone musician. Secondly, it would be Benjamin Dube because his deep worship music does many things for me. Lastly, Jonathan Butler, because from his music, I learnt that it is possible for musicians to create music that touches the soul. It would be a dream come true to have songs with these great musicians.
Any advice for upcoming saxophonists?
Know your vision; pursue it with everything in you! Always take it from the heart; it will never miss a heart out there!
