28 Mar 2023

The church can use gospel music as a way to offer a refuge from the societal difficulties that youth often face.

Most youth grappled with psycho-social, emotional and mental health challenges that rob them of the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the development of the nation, and as such music could be a solution.

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare said this during the St John’s Angels of God choir album launch in Gaborone on Saturday.

“Such challenges include alcohol and drug abuse, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, gender-based violence and suicide,” he said.

The minister said this was a clear indication that government alone could not solve all these problems, as they required a multi-faceted approach, hence the church involvement would be an added advantage.

“It is therefore pleasing to see that Angels of God church choir comprises mostly of youth, whom we can only hope will see music as an opportunity to provide a safe haven from the social ills of this world,” he stated.

Rakgare further stated that during the establishment of the church, one of its founding objectives was to use music through choirs to uplift spirits.

“This is how the St John’s Apostolic Faith Mission of Botswana church developed church choirs in all its branches,” he said.

Outlining the choir’s journey, St John’s regional bishop, Gilbert Serema said the music album titled Re Kopantswe ke Morena Jeso comprised 16 clap and tap songs.

It was conceptualised in 2020 and completed December last year.

“We have come a long way as a choir and this album only speaks about the excellence and determination we demonstrate,” Serema said.

He said the vision of the choir was to unite the youth and give them a chance to praise the Lord and at the same time showcase their talent. ENDS