She is a seed from the North, transplanted to Gauteng where she has been nurtured so well that she has bloomed into a rare and beautiful flower, the dewy petals and dizzying fragrance of which captivates everyone.

Winnie Mashabela’s latest release, Ke Rat Wena, has ensured that the name every gospel lover raves about is hers.

This is something that surprises the unassuming star whose quiet manner evaporates the minute she takes up the mic. Her ZCC music style and honesty, cuts to the bone.

Like an innocent child she probes and asks those difficult questions you would rather ignore . When the wound starts bleeding, Mashaba gently administers the spiritual balm that has healed many a souls, making them feel better.

She pours her heart out in the songs, so that by the time she leaves the stage she has won a million hearts.

Ke Rata Wena, which means I love you, is an offering anchored on Mashaba’s appreciation for all the things God has done for her.

“We often ask God for a lot of things but rarely go back to thank Him,” she says. “My producer, William Dube, and I felt it was time to express our gratitude to God for everything He has done for us.”

The album is brimfull of praise songs. They encourage people to put their trust in God. Most of them, Mashaba confesses, were written by her, with a few additions by her producer. She is not shy to rave about Mahlomola, her duet with Sifiso Ncwane.

Mashaba’s career owes its origins to the many hours she spent at school, church and in neighbourhood choirs.

“I was not much of a talker as I was a singer,” she says. “As a result I could not resist any gathering with the purpose of making music.”

That was around the when she started pestering her mother about a career in music.

“Instead of the resistance expected, my mother quietly collected cassettes, compiling a list of producers,” she recalls. “She approached them, begging them to listen to my singing and, if possible, help to kickstart my musical career.

“Finally she connected with Johnny Moholo with whom she released three albums.”

After that eye-opening experience, Mashaba signed up with her current company, CCP Records, with which she has already dropped five CDs.

Mashaba is well known for her stylish, colourful outfits. She says she draws her inspiration from life and events around her community.

Intent on getting her message across, she sings in isiZulu, Sepedi, Xitsonga and English

“I grew up listening to many artists but the ones that affected me most were Steve Kekana and Rebecca Malope,” she says. “I know I am still growing but I am not considering producing at the moment.

“I am happy to leave things in Wiliam’s capable hands.

“My eyes are wide open and like a sponge. I am absorbing as much as I can.”

Always keeping a low profile, Mashaba, whose multi-platinum selling music blares from taxis and shopping centres, says though she does no like to blow her trumpet she gets fulfilment from social responsibility.

She works closely with children’s charities, something she does not like talking about.

“I don’t have to shout my deeds from the rooftops because I know God will reward me,” she says.