Pastor Tiego 'blessed' with Presidential award

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Wednesday June 9, 2010 00:00

 

Tiego is a Religious Knowledge teacher at Maoka Community Junior Secondary School in Gaborone.He and other nominees received their awards from Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Keletso Rakhudu who officiated at this year's Teachers' Day commemorations held in Francistown.

Tiego, who is also a United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) pastor, said the award showed that he was not neglecting his core duties as a teacher. Although he is engaged in several activities, Tiego said when you are organised you will always get your priorities right. He sees the presidential award as a token of appreciation for his loyal service to the country.  The award will also motivate him to work even harder for his country.  It will also act as an encouragement to Batswana to appreciate their country. 'I feel honoured especially that I am still young.  I feel appreciated and that my contribution is being recognised,' said the 31-year-old artist.

Tiego is also part of the UCCSA leadership as a mission convener.  He is the minister for the UCCSA Gaphatshwa/Metsimotlhabe branch.  Tiego is not only preaching the word of God in church.  He has also been preaching the word through his music.  He has been a solo artist for quite some time.  Although he did not win anything in 2007, he was nominated for the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) awards under the Best Gospel Artist category.So far Tiego has four gospel albums under his belt. His first album, titled Thuso, was released in 2002.  The second offering, Lorato la Modimo followed in 2005. 

He collaborated with another gospel artist Matheke Leteane to produce the third album, O nthatile. His latest album O ha kae, is composed of sermons.

Tiego said his music has been doing well on the local market.  'I can't complain,' he said.

Tiego also formed a choir, which is fashioned along the massive South African gospel group, Joyous Celebration. His gospel choir is known as Beatitude well or Sedisa sa Masego.  If all goes according to plan, the choir will be recording in a live concert in November.

'I am trying to take gospel music to another level,' he announced.  Tiego also presents a Sunday morning religious programme on Radio Botswana (RB1).  The programme, which is called Semphete, looks at various religious issues.   He proudly reveals that the programme is aimed to uplift the listeners spiritually.  Listeners are also given an opportunity to call-in and share their views with him.  Tiego started presenting the programme last year.

Judging by the feedback that he is getting from the listeners, he said, people appreciate the programme.