27 Aug 2023

The gospel concert featuring South Africa’s Teboho Moloi made a powerful impact by providing established and emerging local gospel artistes with a platform to unleash their potential.

The visiting gospel maestro was impressed by the local talent during the Teboho Moloi Botswana Invasion show, which was filled to capacity at the Game city Rooftop on Saturday.

Moloi said the main aim was to provide a wonderful opportunity for local gospel artistes to showcase their immense talent adding that it was undeniable that the number of local artistes featured in the lineup were a force to reckon with. 

“The concert is primarily dedicated to talented local artistes who deserve both local and global recognition,” he said

The show showcased local artistes such as the likes of Tlotlo Ralefala, Matheke Leteane, Precious Mogopodi, Zoe BW, Ezra Neethings, Tshenolo Mosimane, Tlotlo Lentswe, among others.

The Kedumetse singer also shared that he had longed for an opportunity to come to Botswana and hold a revival that would leave a lasting impact on the lives of many. He also said prior to the show he visited various churches in Botswana and had discovered that the country harboured hidden musical gems that deserved global recognition. 

Moloi, who is known for his heartfelt renditions of gospel hymns in both Setswana and Sesotho, filled the night with an awe-inspiring melody of such songs, which were also performed by nearly every other local artistes present.

Each talented local artiste mentioned above delighted the audience with soul-stirring Setswana hymns like Se teng Sediba, Ke na le Modisa, Joko ya hao and many other traditional songs that resonated with everyone, prompting them to join in the joyous celebration through dance.

Moloi surprised everyone during his final performance when he invited the renowned poet, Edwin Moroka also known as Serurubele to the stage.  

The decision greatly aligned with his earlier speech in which he expressed his intention to honour the creative individuals in Botswana in every aspect.    

The moment was truly moving as Serurubele gingered the night by reciting a beautiful Setswana poem dedicated to Moloi.

Serurubele even praised the South African native, that he was divinely called by God to revive the creative industry and uplift everyone who was burdened.

During the show, Mosimane who also sang  for popular South Africa choir, Joyous Celebration serenaded the crowd which attracted a diverse range of church denominations, including the Roman Catholic, Zion Christian Church, Lutheran, Methodist, Assemblies of God, Bible Life and many more. 

Each of the said church members felt a sense of dignity and pride as he presented them with popular gospel songs from their own churches. Another local artiste, Ezra Neethings, of Danko fame recently nominated for the Song of the Year award at the upcoming YAMAs, delivered a magnificent performance. 

His latest performance truly touched the emotions of everyone present, particularly with his rendition of the Christian folk song Gokatweng.

This heartfelt song, which evoked memories from its radio debut on Botswana’s Dipina le Maboko programme by Gaotwesepe Gopolang from Mmashoro, who sadly passed away in 2010, left a lasting impression.

The song’s message, Go ka tweng goka thusa ka eng, ka letsogo ka gagwe, le mokgoro nka o sikara, conveys the importance of seeking solace in God when faced with challenges, as He is the source of our strength. 

South Africa’s Lebo Sekgobela delivered a magnificent performance during the event.

What made it even more remarkable was when she joined the crowd, captivating and engaging them throughout her set.

Sello Malete, also from South Africa, mesmerised the audience with his soul-stirring Setswana hymns.

The show was one of a kind, with radio personality Resego Motlhokathari guiding the proceedings as the master of ceremonies. ends