From village roots to global resonance.
Born Madumetja Joey Mabusela | Voice of Purpose | Opera with Soul
From the quiet hills of Malokong Kop to the vibrant pulse of Alexandra township, a voice rose……not just to sing, but to heal, uplift, and transform.
Joey Detenor, a self-taught opera virtuoso born on February 23rd, 1993, carries more than melody in his lungs, he carries a mission.
His voice, forged in the fires of faith and community, echoes through concert halls and soup kitchens alike.
Founder of the Joey De Tenor Foundation, Joey is not merely an artist; he is a movement. He trains underprivileged youth to believe in their divine gifts, mentors rising soccer stars, and brings dignity to elders through acts of compassion.
Whether performing at the BRICS summit or gifting wheelchairs to those in need, Joey’s artistry is inseparable from his activism.
His journey began in school choirs and led to collaborations with cultural luminaries,from Mr. TT Mohlabi to ballet impresario Dirk Bardanhost. He’s graced stages from the South African State Theatre to Gallagher Estate, and even performed for royalty at King Khulu Radebe’s book launch.
Joey Detenor is not just a tenor. He is a torchbearer of hope, a bridge between generations, and a living testament to the power of purpose-driven art.
Meet Createpreneur Africa, South Africa’s Tenor of Hope — Joey Detenor
1. What’s driving you?
Honestly, believing I stand for something good in this world — been blessed with a talent to make the world a better place.
My true passion in life is making the world a better place, hence I’ve registered a Non Profit Organisation (NPO) to make a difference in empowering a child’s life or the next life.
2. How did your journey in music begin?
I was part of a choir that competes (Alexandra Harmonious Melodies) and we won tickets to compete at the finals in Eastern Cape. We were all expected to contribute money for accommodation, food, and other expenses.
In 2019, just before Covid-19, I was not working, so I went to churches around Alexandra asking pastors to let me perform a song and ask congregations for donations. That’s when I started taking my music as a career.
3. What makes your work unique?
The uniqueness, how different my craft is, and how much I touch other people’s lives — many have cried after most of my performances.
4. When did you realise you could make a living from your talent?
After seeing that I was able to contribute the amount of money needed in Question 2, I knew then that I could sing to make a living out of my talent.
5. What has been your career highlight so far?
2023 , when I was booked at the awards ceremony in Pretoria.
6. What inspires you to keep going?
The impact I was making every time after singing, and believing that my voice was given to me by God to make the world a better place.
7. What has been the key to your success so far?
Not giving up, keeping rehearsing, never stopping. Always having a positive attitude about my destiny and art, knowing it’s going to be very big one day and reach about 23 million kids — inspiring them to believe in their uniqueness and knowing it’s okay not to have the same talent as everyone else.
8. What would you say to those who doubt you?
God sent all of us to this world for a purpose, and I’ll continue fulfilling mine for as long as I still have the voice to sing.
It’s okay for them to believe what they want to believe about me.
9. What advice would you give to others?
If you’re going to decide to do something, please make sure you do it even better.
10. Closing statement/introduction
Thank you. My name is Joey Mabusela and I go by the name Joey Detenor on stage. I am an opera performance musician/artist residing in Alexandra Township.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBasvtCRs1txxL0an2u
Follow the Joey Detenor (Kasi Opera Performance Musician) channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBasvtCRs1txxL0an2u
Leave a Reply