A famous Nigerian artist once sang, “Music don’t need permission to enter your spirit, anyway, anyhow, I say you go feel me,” meaning that music effortlessly penetrates the human soul. It speaks to individuals in different ways, depending on their emotions, mood, or state of mind. Many believe that music is spiritual, influencing emotions and even behavior. Among the various genres, gospel music is often regarded as one of the most healing and uplifting. For many, it serves as a refuge, bringing comfort, peace, and even emotional healing from pain, trauma, or depression.

Zimbabwe has produced exceptional musicians whose work has touched lives across the world, and one such artist is Linda Rufaro Mudzenda—a gospel singer whose music has become a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Now based in the United Kingdom, Linda Mudzenda is a singer, songwriter, performer, and worship leader who recently made headlines after receiving the 7th Golden Buzzer on this year’s Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) from judge Alesha Dixon. In a competition where thousands aspire to impress four of the toughest judges in the industry, Linda not only captivated them but also earned a standing ovation from both the panel and the audience, securing a golden pass to the live shows.

In an exclusive interview with My Afrika Magazine, Linda shared her journey to BGT, her motivation, and how she conquered her nerves on stage:

“Growing up, I used to binge-watch BGT, and that’s when the dream to be on that stage began… I was super nervous because I knew this could be life-changing either way. I was also very emotional as my dream had indeed come true. But when I started to sing, it all went away.”

Her powerful rendition of Lauren Daigle’s ‘You Say’, delivered in a unique arrangement, left the audience in tears and awe. The raw emotion in her voice, coupled with her impressive vocal range, stunned the crowd. No one could have guessed that the nervous young woman at the beginning of the performance would leave such a lasting impact.

With her Golden Buzzer moment, Linda joins the ranks of Zimbabwean talents who have made history on global talent stages. She follows in the footsteps of comedian Learnmore Jonasi—popularly known as Long John—who received a Golden Buzzer from Terry Crews during the 19th edition of America’s Got Talent in 2024.

Reflecting on the life-changing moment, Linda expressed her overwhelming gratitude:

“Shock. I couldn’t believe it. Then my emotions took over, and I started crying—just thanking God for His grace.”

Born into a humble home, Linda always dreamed of performing on some of the world’s biggest stages. Her journey has been marked by hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her family and friends. At just 21 years old, she has already collaborated with renowned artists like Everton Mlalazi and the ZimPraise Choir.

Her debut single, Mhinduro, is available on YouTube and all digital platforms, and she has also done several song covers, showcasing her incredible vocal ability.

When asked what fans can expect in the near future, Linda excitedly revealed:

“Yes, indeed! I already have a new single, Mhinduro, which we released in November on all digital platforms—and there’s more coming!”

With her remarkable talent, deep passion for gospel music, and a newfound global platform, Linda Rufaro Mudzenda is undoubtedly a star on the rise. Her journey is only just beginning.