South Africas Solly Moholo sings his own style of gospel with a heavy beat and at times politically inspired lyrics. Ironically, some of his songs do not even say anything about God but the music is still considered gospel and rakes in a lot of money. Buju Muju made a killing after remixing Moholos Modimo ore file Sebakanya into a house tune.
Some local artistes have turned some traditionally borankana melodies into gospel tunes. Machesas Ntate Morema is a mixture of both gospel and borankana.
Thato Matobolo a new gospel artiste now brings us classical gospel, full of life, vibe and dancing. The 26-year-old has taken the popular E Llela Moea and turned it into a danceable track, which will not only appeal to gospel lovers but all those who love music.
Interestingly, the Lobatse born Matobolo has tried to cater for all generations, track number four, titled Tshela Moea a Sesotho track, takes the listener to the summer shades with its slow beat and nicely arranged lyrics. His back-up vocalists must have been in their element during the recording, as their voices come out harmoniously. I started working on this album last year and waited until last week before I could release because I wanted to refine it before I could push it to the market, Matobolo told Show Time.
Bana ba sione is another classical gospel song which is bound to have the older generation stuck to their living rooms enjoying its slow jams.
But the tempo changes again in track number six, which is also the last. It is another old generation song, which is popular among the Zionist churches.
Matobolo, who is a member of the Pentecostal Protestant Church, believes that people who sing gospel should also be Christians.
You would be a hypocrite if you did that. You should walk the talk, he said. However, he says those who have chosen to use gospel to make money should not be crucified.
I sing to praise God and spread His word and I am not so concerned about how much money I make from my music, and if many people buy the album it will be a bonus. I am not competing against anyone and God willing, I will go far in music, he said.
Matobolo was inspired by the late Robert Robalang who was his church mate but unfortunately he died before he could release his own. He revealed that he started singing at a tender age but never really dreamt of one day releasing his own album.
I sang in churches and mass choirs but perhaps my decision to record was influenced by the fact that I come from a Christian family and I wanted to continue spreading the word of God and reach a bigger audience and music offered me that opportunity, he said.
