Mohalenyane Phakela
GOSPEL ensemble Tehilla Africa will launch its sophomore album Tehilla Africa Vol. 2 during their annual Gospel Alive concert set for Lehakoe Club on Saturday.
Tehilla (Hebrew for “praise God”) is a gospel group from Sephethenyane in Maseru. The 16-member outfit was formed in 2009 and released its debut album in 2014.
They are managed and promoted by marketing company Afro Media, whose avowed intention is to grow Tehilla’s following to the level their heroes- internationally acclaimed South African group Joyous Celebration.
According to Afro Media Head of Sales and Marketing Vuyani Mone, the new offering is a two-disc album with a total of 20 songs which have strong traditional influences.
“Volume One offered tracks in different African languages and English, but this time we have decided to pay homage to our beloved country by having more tracks sung in Sesotho,” Mone said, adding the stand-out tracks include Oa Halalela, Luluetsane, Busa and Number 1.
He said the Gospel Alive show, which has been held annually since 2013, is also meant to test the group’s competency against well-known artistes from South Africa.
“We have hosted prominent South African gospel singers who also held training sessions for our group to help them attain world-class standards because we are aiming for global recognition,” said Mone.
The top South African artists who have ministered at Gospel Alive include Benjamin Dube, Sfiso Ncwane, Ntokozo Mbambo, Ndivhuwo and Teboho Moloi.
“This time, we will host groups rather than solo acts. We learnt a lot from them so it is time to gauge ourselves against groups like us. We want Tehilla to be among top groups like Joyous Celebration who are able to host their own shows and draw huge crowds.”
Some of the ensembles expected at this edition include Tshwane Gospel Choir, Living Waters and House of Total Praise. South African-based Joey Mofoleng and Tšitso are also expected to perform at the show.
Mone also said Tehilla was ready to embark on international tours.
“The concert and the album will prove that Tehilla has matured and can now tour the world. We have graced Botswana on several occasions during the Botswana Music Awards and we undertook our maiden tour of South Africa early this year when we were hosted by House of Total Praise. So being out of our comfort zone will not be an issue,” he said.
