For over a decade, Thinah Zungu has been a household name in South African gospel music. He has built a career that stands as a testimony to faith and grace. But beyond the music, Thinah has now opened up a different chapter of his life—one that goes beyond the stage and into the everyday reality of his family.
In a bold and unprecedented move, The Zungu Family stepped into the world of reality television with their new show, Thinah singoZungu, offering audiences an intimate look at their lives, faith, and challenges. In this conversation, Thinah Zungu reflects on this journey, addressing the inspiration behind the show, the pressures of living in the public eye, and what he hopes people take from it.
Born and raised in Inanda, Amatikwe KwaZulu Natal, Thinah grew up in a Christian household where Sunday services and church activities were a big part of his life. From a young age, he was involved in the church choir, singing alongside his family. He admits that while he loved soccer, he never imagined that one day he would pursue music professionally.
“I always thought soccer would be my way to success. But at church, I started discovering my love for singing and participating in the choir. That’s when I realized music might be my true calling.”
Thinah’s musical career began in the humble environment of church choirs, but his talent soon transcended the walls of the church. He was the first in his family to pursue music professionally, and his breakthrough came in 2012, when he won the SABC Crown Gospel Award for his song “Kwanqab’umusa”.
“That was the moment that changed my life,”
Since then, his career has soared, with his music reaching audiences far and wide.
Yet, the road hasn’t been without its challenges.
“The music industry has its ups and downs,” he admits. “There are times when you face criticism or people who try to bring you down, especially when new artists emerge. But you have to stay focused on your journey and keep moving forward.”
Through sheer dedication and faith, he rose through the ranks of the gospel industry, earning the respect of peers and fans alike. Today, Thinah is not only a celebrated gospel artist but also a devoted husband and father. His journey from humble beginnings to his current life of blessings is something he does not take for granted.
“I’ve been through a lot to get to where I am today,” he shares. “God has truly been faithful.”
Now, with his new home in KwaZulu-Natal, Thinah is enjoying the fruits of his labour. His luxurious home eStezi, complete with a stunning pool, is a testament to how far he has come. But even with all these material blessings, he remains deeply rooted in his faith, always giving glory to God for his success.
“I Was Just Living My Life”
For many, reality television is a calculated decision—something planned, strategized, and executed with clear intent. But for Thinah Zungu, the opportunity came unexpectedly.
“Well, the reality show came about when the production company approached us just after the break-in incident,” he reveals.
“They told us they wanted to do something for us, and from there, we started discussions. Honestly, I had never thought about it. I was just living my life openly, unaware that someone out there saw something in my life that could interest people—maybe even internationally. And I think that’s the level we’re going to reach with this show.”
It was a moment of realization for Thinah—his life, one deeply rooted in faith and family, had the potential to resonate beyond the pulpit and the stage.
With every great opportunity comes challenges. Being open about your life means inviting both love and criticism. Ever since Thinah started sharing parts of his home and success, there have been people who viewed it negatively.
“Some people say, ‘Ever since you started posting about your house, I changed my mindset.’ Others say, ‘I was inspired to buy land, build, and move out of a rental.’ That’s what I want—to encourage people. Those who think I’m showing off, it’s just their level of thinking. I’m not worried about that, and I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing.”
He understands that not everyone will support or understand his journey. Some will question his achievements, his faith, and even his decision to do a reality show. But Thinah is ready for that.
“Some will understand, some won’t. I am waiting for anything. But I know this—my life is a testimony. Some people had questions about my achievements, about my calling as a pastor. This show will give them answers.
In a television landscape filled with glitzy drama, scandalous secrets, and fiery confrontations, Thinah singoZungu brings something different—a calm, faith-driven approach to life. Portia Hlubi, the Executive Producer at Milk and Honey TV, shared why the Zungu family was chosen to be featured in their upcoming reality show. According to Hlubi,
“The reason why the Zungu family was chosen is because there isn’t much of a platform for the Christian spiritual realm. We’ve seen traditionalists and sangomas, and we’ve also seen ratchetness on national TV, so we thought, why not build something different?”
“In the unscripted and reality TV space, there isn’t much of a platform for the holistic, holy, and Christian community. They don’t have the space to show their lives beyond being known for their gospel music. There isn’t a platform to showcase how they are also healers or to tell their individual stories and realities. If you really look at reality TV, there are many shows about traditionalists and sangomas, but we haven’t really seen the Christian community come forward to say, ‘This is who we are, and this is what we stand for.’”
This focus on showcasing the Zungu family’s authentic Christian lifestyle fills an important gap in the reality TV genre. While the public often sees representations of traditional and even controversial practices, there’s a clear lack of representation for the holistic, grounded lives that many within the Christian community lead.
Hlubi further emphasized the unique nature of the Zungu family, saying,
“The Zungus offer something different. They are family-oriented, and the best part is that the whole family can watch it together on a Sunday.”
This family-driven approach is not only a fresh perspective in reality TV, but it also provides a wholesome viewing experience that viewers can engage with as a unit—making it relatable for people of all ages.
For the Zungu family, this show marks an exciting opportunity to open up their lives in ways that viewers haven’t seen before. It’s about showing that Christian families can have depth, warmth, and struggles just like any other family, but with a foundation rooted in faith, prayer, and unity
While Thinah himself is no stranger to the public eye, bringing his entire family into the reality TV space was a different challenge altogether—especially when it came to his wife.
“I had to encourage my wife,” he admits. “I think, for her, it was about understanding the kind of person I am, that I’m already in the public eye, and that our life as a family is already public in many ways. This time, she agreed. She has turned down many opportunities to be on TV, but at least with this one, we were doing it as a family, so I had to convince her. I guess she will just get used to it, even though it’s her first time being on television.”
With his children, however, the excitement was immediate. “My kids are cool—obviously excited. It’s a new experience, even for me. As much as I’m used to being on TV for interviews and music, this time I have to actually live there, to show my life on screen. It’s a big adjustment, but we’re ready for it as a family.”
As rewarding as the experience has been, Thinah doesn’t shy away from admitting that it hasn’t always been easy.
“It’s been a very hectic experience,” he confesses. “At some point, you feel like giving up and saying, ‘Oh guys, no, I can’t do this.’ I was shocked—I never expected it to be this much. But you just have to keep encouraging yourself every day, waking up and telling your story. Some of the things we share are difficult and deeply personal, but I feel they will help others. So yes, it’s hectic, but I would say it’s worth it. And I’m sure people will really enjoy the show.”
There were moments of regret, too.
“Of course, there are times when you regret it because it’s not always easy. Sometimes, you feel like it’s too much—early mornings, late nights, the pressure, everything. At times, I feel for my kids, I feel for my wife. But I think that’s true for any job. There comes a point where you ask yourself, ‘Did I make a huge mistake?’ But once you’ve started, you just go with it and enjoy the journey.”
Through it all, Thinah Zungu remains grateful—to his supporters, to those who have stood by him, and even to those who may have lost faith along the way.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me, and most of all, to those who believed in me from the very beginning and still believe in me now. They understand me. I know there are some who feel like I’ve changed or that I’m not the same Thinah they knew before, and maybe they’ve even given up on me. But I still thank them, because they played the role they were meant to play in my life.”
“I’m here today because of their support, and I’m looking forward to sharing more of my life with them. I also know that some people will lose hope in me, but at the same time, I will continue to encourage others. I believe that in every situation, it’s up to the person watching or listening to decide what they take from it. That’s why we’re all different—we have different opinions, different preferences. But at the end of the day, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me and continues to support me. God bless you.
If you’ve ever wondered what life looks like for one of South Africa’s most beloved gospel artists beyond the stage, Thinah singoZungu is the show to watch. This first-of-its-kind reality series promises to be uplifting, inspiring, and real, offering viewers a front-row seat into the Zungu family’s daily lives—their victories, their struggles, and their faith.
The show is set to premiere on Mzansi Magic, channel 161 on Sunday the 16th of February 2025. Make sure you don’t miss a single episode!
Upgrade your packages, renew your subscriptions—do whatever it takes to watch this groundbreaking show. Thinah Zungu is opening his life to you like never before, and you won’t want to miss it.
Thinah singoZungu—It’s more than a reality show. It’s a testimony.
Comments