By Ithabeleng Qhasho
GOSPEL music lovers gathered at Maseru Club on Saturday for Gospel Alive, an evening of music, worship and celebration that continued into the early hours of Sunday morning.
The event featured a diverse line-up of local and international gospel artists, including Kherenchane, Rorisang Motsamai, Ritah Motsšare, Tehillah Africa, Manana, Ntate Dups, Minister Spokes, Lebona, Khaya Mthethwa, Solly Mahlangu and Lebo Sekgobela.
Rorisang Motsamai set the mood early in the evening, getting the audience on their feet with his energetic performance, while Minister Spokes kept the crowd dancing and singing throughout his 45-minute set.
Gospel Alive CEO at AfroMedia, Rethabile Maphoi, said the main purpose of the event was to bring Basotho together for a night dedicated to praising God.
She said praise helped people shift their attention from their problems to God’s goodness and renew their hope for the future.
Maphoi said the diversity of the line-up and the quality of the production were among the biggest highlights of the event.
“I am still in awe of how everyone delivered their set and how beautiful the production was,” she said.
Although she had hoped for a bigger turnout, Maphoi said she was satisfied with the attendance and believed the growing audience showed that Basotho were embracing the Gospel Alive movement.
She said the event also sought to unite people despite political, social and religious differences, stressing that all people were equally loved as children of God.
Tehillah Africa was among the performances that stood out for Maphoi, with the group combining contemporary, cultural and traditional sounds. She noted that most of the songs performed were written and composed by the group.
Solly Mahlangu also received a warm reception from the audience. During his performance, he introduced his daughter, Thando, to the crowd and announced that she had recently recorded her first music video.
Speaking to the Lesotho Times after his performance, Mahlangu praised the atmosphere and reception from Basotho and said he would return to Lesotho next year.
He also encouraged upcoming artists to be patient and persistent, saying it took him about 10 years to establish himself in the music industry.
The night reached an emotional climax during Lebo Sekgobela’s worship session, with members of the audience singing, crying and remaining on their feet as they responded to her ministry.
The crowd was reluctant to leave even as the event approached 5am on Sunday.
Maphoi said Gospel Alive also created opportunities for businesses to network while giving local artists a platform to showcase and develop their craft.
She said organisers planned to continue growing the event, with audiences expected to experience an even bigger and more impactful Gospel Alive in future.
