Sbu Noah

Sbu Noah, born Sibusiso Desmond Mthembu, is a South African gospel singer, songwriter and worship leader best known for his powerful vocals with the renowned gospel group Joyous Celebration. Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, he has built a reputation as one of the prominent male voices in contemporary South African gospel, combining strong live vocals with a worship style rooted in his church background.

Mthembu’s rise to prominence came through Joyous Celebration, where he became particularly associated with the widely loved song “Hallelujah Nkateko.” His distinctive delivery helped make the song one of the memorable performances in the group’s catalogue and established him as a recognizable figure in South African gospel music. He later developed a successful solo career, releasing live worship projects that allowed audiences to experience a more personal side of his ministry.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Sbu Noah was born Sibusiso Desmond Mthembu in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and grew up in a modest family environment. His mother played an important role in raising him and supporting the family, including during periods when financial circumstances made his education more difficult.

Although he eventually became known primarily as a singer, music was not initially the career he planned to pursue. He concentrated on his education and eventually completed a degree in Anatomy. His academic background is an unusual part of his story because his professional life ultimately moved in a very different direction, from healthcare studies into full-time gospel music and ministry.

His Christian faith and involvement in church eventually provided the setting in which his musical ability became more visible. In 2008, he began attending My Father’s House church and joined its choir. The experience gave him an opportunity to develop his voice and confidence as a worshipper and performer.

Discovery and Joining Joyous Celebration

Sbu Noah’s professional breakthrough came through a combination of church ministry and opportunity. His talent was noticed by people connected to the South African gospel industry, including Lindelani Mkhize, one of the key figures behind Joyous Celebration.

Mkhize recognized something in the young singer and helped create a path for him into the group. Noah joined Joyous Celebration in 2012, becoming part of one of the most influential gospel music platforms in South Africa.

His arrival gave the group another distinctive male voice, and he gradually became one of its recognizable lead singers. Joyous Celebration’s large live recordings and nationwide performances gave him exposure to audiences far beyond the church where he had begun singing.

Noah has also publicly credited Lindelani Mkhize with playing an important role in his development. He has described Mkhize as someone who saw potential in him before he fully recognized it himself.

Breakthrough with Joyous Celebration

Noah’s association with Joyous Celebration brought him national recognition, but his major breakthrough came through his performances of songs including “Hallelujah Nkateko.” The song became closely identified with his voice and remains one of the performances most associated with his career.

His style within the group is built around a powerful tenor voice, emotional interpretation and an ability to move between energetic praise and more reflective worship. Rather than relying primarily on elaborate vocal runs, Noah’s performances often emphasize conviction and clarity, allowing the spiritual message of the song to remain central.

His work with Joyous Celebration also placed him on some of the biggest gospel stages in South Africa. The group has developed an extensive following across Africa and among international audiences, giving Noah a platform that helped establish his reputation beyond the South African gospel scene.

Solo Career and A David Kind of Psalm

While remaining closely associated with Joyous Celebration, Noah gradually expanded his work as a solo recording artist. His first major solo project was A David Kind of Psalm (Live), released in 2019.

The project represented an important development in his career. Whereas Joyous Celebration recordings placed him within a large ensemble, the solo project gave him greater space to express his own worship style and musical identity.

The title itself reflects the biblical and devotional character of Noah’s music. His solo recordings continue to draw heavily from scripture, prayer and personal expressions of faith. Songs such as “Ewe Getsemane,” “Nkosi Yehlisa,” “Nxa Ngimbona” and “Surely Goodness” have helped establish his solo catalogue alongside his work with Joyous Celebration.

Musical Style and Notable Works

Sbu Noah’s music is firmly rooted in contemporary South African gospel and worship. His sound is shaped by live performance, strong choral arrangements and the rhythmic traditions associated with South African gospel music.

His vocal style is one of his defining characteristics. He possesses a resonant voice that allows him to lead large congregations without losing the emotional quality of the song. This quality has made him particularly effective in live worship settings, where his performances often develop from quiet devotional passages into powerful moments of praise.

His notable recordings include “Hallelujah Nkateko,” “Ewe Getsemane,” “Nxa Ngimbona,” “Nkosi Yehlisa” and “Dwala Lethu.” His solo catalogue also includes the A David Kind of Psalm project and the Heavenly Psalms live recordings, which were recorded at Goshen City Church in 2023 and released in two volumes in 2024.

Awards and Recognition

Noah’s work has received recognition within South Africa’s gospel music industry. He has been nominated for major gospel awards, including the SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards, and has continued to appear among the country’s leading gospel performers.

His later career brought significant recognition for his songwriting and recording work. In 2024, his song “Dwala Lethu” earned him Best National Songwriter recognition at the Mpumalanga Gospel Awards. He also won Best Gospel Album at the Crown Gospel Music Awards, an achievement he regarded as particularly meaningful because the ceremony followed the death of the awards’ founder, Zanele Mbokazi.

These honors have complemented his success as a performer and helped establish him as more than simply a member of Joyous Celebration. They have also highlighted his abilities as a songwriter and solo recording artist.

Current Career and Legacy

Sbu Noah continues to work as a gospel recording artist and performer while remaining closely associated with Joyous Celebration. His involvement with the group has continued into the current era, including his appearance on “Ngiza Ngokukholwa,” featured on Joyous Celebration 28: Live at the Durban ICC, recorded in 2024.

His solo career is also developing alongside his group work. He continues to perform at gospel concerts and worship events across Southern Africa, while his recordings remain available to a growing digital audience. His 2024 Heavenly Psalms projects have further expanded his solo catalogue.

Sbu Noah’s significance lies in the way he has built a personal identity within one of Africa’s most established gospel ensembles while also developing a successful solo ministry. His powerful voice, commitment to worship and ability to connect with audiences have made him an important contemporary voice in South African gospel music. Through both Joyous Celebration and his individual recordings, he continues to use music as a vehicle for Christian worship and testimony.