Sindi Ntombela: The Voice Behind “Size Kuwe” and Her Inspiring Journey with Spirit Of Praise

Behind every powerful gospel song is a story, and for Sindi Ntombela, her journey is one of faith, perseverance, personal growth and God’s grace. Known for her contribution to the popular gospel song “Size Kuwe,” Sindi has continued to capture the attention of gospel music lovers with her expressive vocals and heartfelt approach to worship. However, her journey to becoming part of the respected Spirit Of Praise family did not happen overnight. From her upbringing in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, to performing alongside established gospel artists, her musical journey has involved several important experiences that helped shape her as a singer. In a personal conversation about her life and career, Sindi opened up about her background, musical influences, experiences in the gospel industry and the role that faith has played in her life. Her story offers a closer look at the woman behind the voice and the experiences that have brought her to where she is today.

Sindi Ntombela was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where her family continues to have strong roots. She confirmed that her parents live in the Azalea area of Pietermaritzburg, making the city an important part of her personal identity. Growing up in this environment helped establish the foundation of her journey before she became involved in the wider gospel music industry. Although audiences may recognise her through her performances on major gospel platforms, her story begins in a family and community setting far removed from the spotlight. Her connection to home remains an important part of how she describes herself and her background. Pietermaritzburg is therefore more than just her birthplace, it is where her story began.

Before joining Spirit Of Praise, Sindi gained valuable experience working with other gospel musicians and performing in different musical environments. One of the important steps in her early career was becoming part of Avoda in 2015, an acapella ladies’ group formed at a church in her hometown. Through this group, she had opportunities to perform at events where established gospel artists were appearing. These experiences allowed her to develop her skills as a backing vocalist while learning how professional gospel performances come together. She recalled supporting several well-known musicians, including Lebo Sekgobela, Hlengiwe Mhlaba and other established performers who visited KwaZulu-Natal for gospel events. These opportunities gave her valuable exposure and helped her understand the demands of performing alongside experienced artists.

Her experiences with other musicians also played an important role in building relationships within the gospel industry. Sindi explained that she worked with Dr Tumi and Dumi Mkokstad before becoming part of the Spirit Of Praise family. Her involvement in church worship teams also gave her opportunities to meet established gospel singers and participate in major musical events. She shared an interesting memory of being particularly excited whenever Lebo Sekgobela came to perform at her church because she knew she might have an opportunity to provide backing vocals. These moments may have seemed like ordinary performance opportunities at the time, but they contributed to her development as a vocalist. They also helped her gain confidence and experience in an industry where teamwork and musical discipline are essential.

Interestingly, Sindi’s educational background also contributed to the development of her personality and communication skills. She revealed that she studied journalism and communications at Varsity College. During her studies, she participated in a campus newsletter project that required journalism students to prepare articles and gather information around the institution. This experience encouraged her to interact with different people, explore activities happening around campus and develop the confidence to communicate with others. Although she admitted that she did not pass everything, the experience taught her the importance of being curious, asking questions and engaging with the world around her. Her journalism studies also reveal another side of her personality beyond music, showing that her interests and experiences extend beyond the stage.

Sindi’s introduction to Spirit Of Praise came through her working relationship with Dumi Mkokstad. She described the Spirit Of Praise environment as welcoming and supportive, explaining that it has provided her with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Being surrounded by talented gospel musicians has also helped her recognise the importance of humility and continuous learning. She spoke about the lessons she has gained from working with other singers and understanding more about the music industry. For her, being part of Spirit Of Praise is not simply about performing alongside established musicians. It is also about recognising God’s grace and understanding that He can use anyone to fulfil a purpose. Her experience reflects how the platform has contributed to her development as a gospel singer.

One of the memorable moments in her Spirit Of Praise journey involved the song “Lingcwele Igama Lakho.” Sindi explained that she initially had five songs prepared when the team requested two songs for the recording. During rehearsals, the musicians discussed the different options to determine which songs would fit the album. She then heard a song originally intended for Bishop Benjamin Dube and immediately connected with its message. After receiving a suggestion from Sabu to listen to the song, she realised that she loved it and could personally relate to its meaning. That is how she eventually got the opportunity to perform “Lingcwele Igama Lakho,” a song that became particularly meaningful to her. She expressed gratitude to Bishop Benjamin Dube for the opportunity to bring the song to life through her voice.

“Lingcwele Igama Lakho” means “Holy Is Your Name,” and its message focuses on the greatness and holiness of God. Sindi explained that the song declares that there is no one equal to Jesus and acknowledges His reign in her heart. She described it as a personal testimony about who God is and how merciful He has been in her life. The song holds a special place in her heart because its message is something she continues to meditate on and live by every day. Her connection to the lyrics goes beyond the recording process because she sees the song as an expression of her own faith. She also praised the Spirit Of Praise choir for the way they bring their musical arrangements and performances together. Her appreciation for the choir reflects the respect she has developed for the talented musicians she works alongside.

Another significant experience in her Spirit Of Praise journey was performing “Blessed Assurance” alongside Bishop Benjamin Dube. Sindi explained that the song presented a challenge during rehearsals because of its many lyrics. She initially struggled to remember everything and made several mistakes before gradually becoming comfortable with the performance. With guidance from the musical team, she continued working on the song until she felt confident enough to deliver it properly. She also recognised that “Blessed Assurance” was one of the few songs on the album performed entirely in English, making the opportunity even more distinctive. When the idea of featuring Bishop Benjamin Dube came up, she personally approached him and asked whether he would be willing to participate. He agreed, and Sindi was grateful to share the performance with someone whose musical expression she admired.

Beyond her achievements in music, Sindi’s personal testimony reveals a woman who has experienced difficult seasons and understands the importance of God’s grace. She spoke openly about times when her self-esteem was low and when she felt that certain experiences had damaged her confidence. She also acknowledged that some of the challenges she faced resulted from her own decisions and the consequences that followed. However, she believes that God remained faithful throughout those difficult moments and helped her find her way forward. Her testimony is a reminder that personal struggles do not have to define the rest of someone’s life. She explained that the woman people see today has not always been in the same position, crediting Christ for bringing her through difficult circumstances and restoring her life.

Another emotional part of her conversation centred on motherhood and the arrival of her baby. Sindi expressed amazement at the experience of carrying a child and finally being able to see the baby she had previously felt moving inside her. She described the experience as a miracle and reflected on the wonder of carrying an entire human being within her body. Her words revealed a deeply personal side of her life that audiences do not always get to see through her gospel performances. Motherhood has clearly given her another reason to reflect on the greatness of God and the value of life. This experience also adds another dimension to her testimony about faith, gratitude and the beauty of God’s creation.

The song “Size Kuwe” is another important part of Sindi Ntombela’s musical story. During the conversation, she explained that Dumi Mkokstad wrote the song after she approached him and requested a song to perform. She joked that whenever she was asked to submit songs, she would often prepare several options instead of the two requested by the team. Dumi eventually came through with a song for her, creating another important opportunity in her musical journey. The conversation also touched on the meaning of the song and the importance of maintaining hope during life’s challenges. Sindi highlighted a message that encourages people to keep their faith, remain hopeful and trust in the Lord. Her explanation connects the song’s message to the Christian understanding that faith means believing in God’s presence even when the outcome cannot yet be seen.

For Sindi, faith is not simply something expressed through singing during church services or gospel recordings. It is a way of approaching life, particularly during moments when circumstances become difficult or uncertain. She referred to Hebrews 11:1, which describes faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This biblical teaching reflects her belief that Christians must continue trusting God even when they cannot immediately see how situations will unfold. Her message encourages listeners to remain patient, hopeful and confident in God’s presence. It also explains why songs that carry messages of faith and encouragement are so important to her musical identity. Through her performances, she hopes to communicate the same assurance that has helped her navigate different seasons of life.

Sindi Ntombela’s journey with Spirit Of Praise demonstrates how preparation, experience and faith can come together to shape a gospel music career. From her beginnings in Pietermaritzburg to her early performances with Avoda, she has experienced different stages of musical growth. Working with established artists such as Dr Tumi, Dumi Mkokstad, Lebo Sekgobela and Bishop Benjamin Dube has also contributed to her development. Her experiences with Spirit Of Praise have given her opportunities to learn from talented musicians while sharing songs that carry personal and spiritual meaning. Beyond the music, her testimony reveals the importance of humility, personal restoration and trusting God through difficult circumstances. As the voice behind “Size Kuwe,” Sindi continues to share a story that reminds listeners that faith can sustain people through challenges and that their past does not have to determine their future.