26 Mar 2023

Sesotho hymns Bodibeng jwa Matlhomola and Joko ya Hao e Bobebe among others proved to have withstood the test of time as they threw the Glory music festival patrons into a worship mode at GICC on Friday.

While contemporary Christian music is the in-thing, it became evident that some traditional Christian tunes are still popular when South African gospel star Pastor Solly Mahlangu belted out old tunes.

Mahlangu, who headlined the Glory music festival organised by UCCSA, took Batswana back to the days of Sesotho hymns.

Dressed in a black suit, the minister of the Gospel jumped onto the stage first with his signature song Obrigado, and the fully packed GICC conference hall went berserk with shouts of joy.

The crowd did not disappoint  when time for s’come around part came.

How they danced and turned around without any glitches indicated their familiarity with the song. As he continued ministering in one of the songs, One Love, he declared good things upon Botswana.

“Lets prophesy one love in Botswana, one love in Botswana’s government, one love in our streets, workplace,” he said.

In an interview earlier, Mahlangu expressed his excitement to be back in Botswana and contribute to the Lord’s work of giving back to the needy, having learnt that part of the proceeds would go to Lephoi Centre for the Blind in Francistown and Kgodisong Centre, which offers orphan care in Kanye,.

He said two government schools Moeding College and Maun Secondary School also, aided by the church, would also benefit from the proceeds of the concert

He advised local artistes to learn from his journey, that it took him more than 20 years to make a breakthrough in the music industry.

The established musician said he was discovered at Mokoena’s memorial service. By then he was unknown despite being part of the lineup that included some renowned artistes.

“I ensured that I used the opportunity to my best ability. I remember Mama Rebecca Malope standing up first and all the famous artistes came on stage to sing with me. After that all the journalists wanted to know who this man was and that’s how Mahlangu became famous,” he said.

He expressed hope that local artistes would be inspired by his humble beginnings and capitalise on every opportunity that beckoned.

Mahlangu also said they should not shun opportunities as they came and also create them, adding that whatever they do they should do without seeking any recognition.

Another South African gospel singer, Puleng March set the stage ablaze with her hit songs Kelaolwa ke Moya, Phahama and many more.

The former Joyous Celebration singer, who wore a white suit, said she always honoured invitations from Botswana, and expressed her appreciation by wearing Botswana colours; either white or blue

The concert also featured local artistes such as Sesame and Hosanna gospel singers. ENDS