After 20 years out of the limelight, music legend Julius Mudau has made an extraordinary comeback to the stage, much to the delight of his many dedicated fans. The gospel hit maker from Pile village, near Tshilamba, who rose to fame in the 1980s, recorded his latest 13-track album, titled “The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me,” following a significant demand. The album was finally released last Thursday, on 2 November.

Although Mudau has been absent from the music industry all this time, some of his popular songs are still being played on Phalaphala FM and other local community radio stations, especially on Sundays.

Mudau studied music at UNISA when he began his music career in the eighties. During his heydays as a recording artist and sound engineer at Note Factory Studios, Mudau worked with and recorded big names such as Shufflers Ragimana, Rapson Rambuwani, Amon Mvula, Ali K, and Roxley Masevhe. When he decided to take a break from music in 1992, he had already released six successful gospel albums. He ended up teaching music, sound engineering, and voice training at Matador Music School in Johannesburg from 1993 to 1995.

In 1996, he went to Sterkspruit, in the Eastern Cape, to work in the veterinary service. He returned to Phile in 2017, where he has been focusing on music full-time again and preaching the word of God.

Talking about his music and latest offering, he said: “You can run from the music, but you cannot hide. My fans wanted me to produce new music, and what can I say? I had to oblige. Over the years, when I was not practically involved in music, I learned many new things. I have returned more mature than before. This album is the perfect gift to my fans and gospel lovers to show my gratitude for their loyal support throughout the years. I believe it will get people in the perfect Christmas spirit, as it is filled with teachings from the Word of God and worshiping songs,” he said.

The album was recorded at JFM Studios and includes the tracks “The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me” (the title track), “Mpfunze Murena,” “Hayani ndi tadulu,” “U nndadza mafuloni a vhudi,” and “Christ in Me.” All 13 songs on the album were composed by Mudau himself.

The album will be available on all digital platforms within the next two weeks.