29 Jul 2021

Local gospel artistes and pastors will on Sunday focus their attention to the spiritual realm and answer to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s plea for national prayers in efforts to mitigate against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative, which would be hosted by the recently launched Francistown Online Radio station, is an online platform that would afford local gospel artistes a chance to praise and worship.

Speaking to BOPA in an interview from his base in Francistown, the new show host and presenter of Morethetho COVID-19 prayers and worship, Thapelo Maleka popularly known as MC Maswe in the local showbiz industry said, they resolved to turn to God and engage the nation for God to intervene and atone for the sins.

Francistown Online radio is the brain child of Francistown based dance hall artist, Tebogo Nkadile fondly known as Ras T. The idea was long proposed to have an online radio platform but gained much traction during the initial lockdown in the absence of the usual social gatherings and popular Sunday entertainment events such as jazz and soccer.

The online radio started with an impressive social media following and soon spread its wings with more presenters coming on board and hosting several shows in the programs line up.

Maleka said there was a growing need to establish a meaningful relation with God and assist national efforts to mount a spirited response to the scourge. He also said there was need to motivate many in the entertainment sector who faced a bleak future when the entertainment doors were shut.

He said the show, which would be launched with a live performance from popular gospel musician, Vusi Mtokufa is likely to give many Batswana who are both affected and infected by the virus a meaningful and new lease of hope and call them to serve and praise God in the midst of any adversity.

Maleka said they had approached the private sector for support and they were looking forward to a positive response.

The audience would be treated to the once popular hits such as Lekunutu le morena by Bafana Phempheretlhe Pheto, Pastor Mmereki Marakagoro of Ke a ratana fame, a life coach and radio presenter Georginah Koboto-Sakarea, Kabo Eric and Kabo Thaelo among others. All 13 gospel artistes would take part in the show on Sunday afternoon.

Invited pastors include among others Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism, Pastor Phildah Kereng and popular online preacher, Kessy Motlodiwa. ENDS