Country music, and more specifically country gospel, is not a familiar music genre in this part of the country.

Deep down in rural Maungani outside Thohoyandou, a well-known pastor-cum-musician is doing his best to promote the unknown music genre and is determined to take it to another level.

Cowboy-pastor Samson Mudau, popularly known as Samson M in the gospel music arena, says nothing will stop him from popularising this type of music. He recently released his fourth country-gospel offering, Mulisa Wanga.

The album, which has some country fused with hip hop elements, is receiving rave reviews from music fundis. Even though the album is not receiving much airplay from the local radio stations, Samson is taking the album to the people, where it is proving to be very popular.

"I grew up listening to the likes of Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Reeves, who have been role models to me and have inspired me a lot. They played music that could soothe the soul and this grew in me, so that I told myself that I would play the same type of music. I am really determined to take it to another level, no matter what the odds are," said Samson.

"I rarely receive any airplay from the local radio stations and even recording companies are not interested in recording this type of music. I am just glad that I still have my loyal fans who buy my music, otherwise I would be singing to myself, with no audience,” he said.

Those wishing to book him for performances or get a copy of his album can call him at 076 102 8625.