Xola Toto Reflects on “Iba Nodumo” Performance in Spirit Of Praise 11 and Shares Behind-the-Scenes Experience

Xola Toto has opened up about her powerful moment performing the song “Iba Nodumo” during Spirit Of Praise 11. The performance quickly gained attention for its emotional delivery and strong connection to traditional hymn culture. She described the experience as both exciting and intense, with a mix of nerves and gratitude. The stage carried high expectations, and she stepped into it aware of the pressure that comes with a major gospel production. Her reaction after watching the final performance reveals how deeply personal the moment was for her.

She explained that being on stage in front of a large audience can easily affect her focus. She admitted that she sometimes forgets lyrics or cues when the pressure rises. The scale of the Spirit of Praise stage added another layer of intensity to the moment. She shared that she felt nervous before stepping into the performance because anything could happen during a live recording. Even with those fears, she pushed herself to stay present and trust the process. Her honesty shows the human side of live gospel performances where perfection is never guaranteed.

A key part of her reflection focused on the meaning behind the song choice. She said she chose the song because it connects deeply to her upbringing and identity. The hymn reminded her of childhood moments in church with her grandfather. She described it as a generational song that carries memory and tradition across families. The performance also allowed her to represent her cultural background and how worship is expressed within her community. She emphasized that hymns carry spiritual protection and guidance through generations.

During the performance, she noticed how strongly the audience responded to the music. She described moments where she could not help but move and sing along with the band and crowd. The live arrangement brought energy that made the entire atmosphere feel unified. She mentioned that the vocals, dancers and instrumentalists created a strong collective sound. Even unexpected changes in the arrangement, including a key change, added pressure but also excitement. She focused on executing her part while staying true to the original hymn structure.

She also revealed that the song was not initially part of her plan. According to her, she was supposed to perform a different hymn but later changed direction. The team collaborated to shape the final version of the performance. Vocal guidance and arrangement suggestions helped refine the structure of the song. She appreciated how the band and vocal team contributed to building a stronger version of the hymn. This collaborative process helped transform the performance into a memorable moment for the recording.

Pressure played a major role in her experience on stage. She explained that Spirit of Praise recordings carry high expectations from both the audience and the production team. She wanted to deliver a performance that honored the hymn while still adding her personal style. She also wanted to ensure that the message of the song remained intact. Balancing tradition with individuality became her main challenge. Despite the pressure, she felt guided and supported throughout the performance.

She concluded by emphasizing the importance of hymn music in modern worship. She believes hymn songs will continue to live for generations because of their spiritual depth and history. She encouraged audiences not to move away from hymns because they carry strong messages of faith and endurance. She also expressed gratitude for the support she received from the band, vocals and audience during the performance. The experience left her feeling fulfilled and connected to her roots. Watch the performance here Watch video