After being actively involved in the music industry for more than 36 years and with 36 hot albums under his belt, well-known gospel star Bishop Roxley Masevhe (55) is to bow out gracefully from the music scene.

A tribute concert, which will be headlined by such gospel greats as mkhukhu king Solly Moholo, among others, is planned for 22 March as tribute and farewell to Masevhe. He will officially announce his call to full-time ministry and his non-availability in the music industry during the event.

The tribute concert takes place at the headquarters of his new church, The Devine Deliverance Fire Temple, in Itsani outside Thohoyandou.

“Yes, I am bowing out of the music industry. I have paid my dues and have no regrets as I have chosen a new path in my life. God has called me to his vine that I should serve Him, praying for the sick and following all the lost souls back into the fold of God. I have a flock of more than 2 000 which I am leading now,” said Masevhe.

He said he had been evading the call to minister for a long time. Masevhe’s absence in the industry will not be felt, as he will continue assisting in the fight against piracy. “I am out physically, but piracy in this area is driving me crazy. Many artists in this area are dying poor and are buried as paupers while pirates are making a killing out of their music. I will continue fighting for the betterment of the lives of artists I this area,” he said.

He said the event on the 22 March is to say farewell to his fans. "I am no longer available, and my friends in showbizz will be here to say farewell. I will record a live DVD for my fans," added Masevhe.

He also urged artists to turn to God and also to invest their savings in self-sustaining projects that will sustain them throughout their lives.

Masevhe was born into a musical family at Thengwe where his father played at parties and his mother was a well known malende dancer. He first recorded an album in 1977 and never looked back as he produced hit after hit  and won countless awards throughout his music career.