Rebuilding the Sound - The Worship Forum
Mic check, one, two. Two powerhouse voices from South Africa, each with a proven track record of excellence in music ministry, took the stage at the Rhema Feast 2026 Worship Forum.
Dubbed "Rebuilding the Sound", the forum was more than a music workshop. It was a divine realignment for worshippers, music directors, ministers and instrumentalists who gathered to learn from those who have gone before them, and to rethink what it means to steward a musical calling.
Starting us off was Dr Tumi, who brought together the gift and the marketplace, challenging musicians to think beyond talent and consider the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with a gift.
Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV)
Every gift is a trust. God does not simply give us gifts; He entrusts them to us. And before asking for a bigger platform, greater opportunities or wider influence, the question is: am I faithful with what I already have?
A musical career cannot be sustained by gifting alone. Talent may open a door, but stewardship determines what happens after the door opens. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:21, faithfulness with little precedes being entrusted with much.
That stewardship must also be practical. Musicians need to understand business, contracts, rights, branding, marketing and intellectual property. Do not just have a gift - build a structure that can carry the gift.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?
Luke 14:28 (NKJV)
Dr Tumi also offered a crucial piece of wisdom that a lot of people overlook: read the exit clause before signing the entrance clause. Excitement should never make decisions that wisdom ought to make. Before accepting an opportunity, understand the terms, duration, ownership and exit provisions, and seek legal advice. Not every open door is a God-door simply because it opened.
He also reminded ministers to steward people, not just money. Some relationships bring wisdom, accountability, friendship, access and long-term partnership. Build relationships, not merely transactions - as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Ultimately, let your calling determine your career. Not every invitation deserves a yes. The biggest platform is not always the right platform. Pray about the doors you enter, and learn to distinguish between what is available and what is assigned.
Then came Ntokozo Mbambo, who shifted the conversation to stage presence - not according to worldly standards, but according to God's design. Romans 12:1 calls us to present ourselves to God as living sacrifices. That means stage presence is more than commanding a room; it is knowing how to carry God well in the room.
She highlighted three essentials. First, be bold. Proverbs 28:1 says the righteous are bold as a lion. Boldness is not arrogance. Arrogance says, "I am better than you." Boldness says, "I know who I am, and I know whose I am."
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
Second, stage presence requires character. People see the platform; God sees the person. You can learn how to move, engage an audience and command attention, but character cannot be manufactured. Do not become so good at ministry that you become bad at following Jesus.
Third, humility and submission matter. James 4:6 tells us that God gives grace to the humble. A great minister must be willing to be led - by the Holy Spirit, by worship leaders, music directors and pastors, and even by those who know something they do not. Being led is not weakness; it is maturity.
The forum closed with an honest panel session featuring Eugene Le Grande, Ntokozo Mbambo, Nqubeko Mbatha, Njoki Munyi, Pastor Wambua Nzaku and Dr Tumi. They spoke candidly about mistakes in ministry, raising Kenya's musical standards, and avoiding three dangers that can extinguish a musician's light: pride, money and sexual immorality.
Above everything else, one message echoed: do everything in love. Ephesians 5:1-2 calls us to imitate God and walk in love. So ask yourself: does the way I minister look like Jesus? Your gift may put you on the stage, but your fruit determines what people experience when you get there.
Your influence is powerful. Come, let us rebuild the sound.