Budding gospel artist learnt from the best in the business
WORKING with big-name acts as a backing singer for more than a decade has helped budding gospel musician Thabiso Moloi to establish himself as a solo artist.
“I have worked with gospel musicians [such as] Rebecca Malope, Lundi Tyamara and composer, arranger and producer Sello “Chicco ” Twala in his Madluphuthu movies and his yet-to-be-released documentary about the life and times of Malope,” Moloi said this week in Duduza on the East Rand.
Moloi was speaking to Sowetan during a surprise birthday party that he had thrown for 72-year-old Duduza community police forum stalwart Violet Masimong through his charity Help Me Help Them.
“The many things that I have learnt from Malope, Tyamara and [Sechaba] Padi, together with Twala, have helped strengthen my resolve to succeed at all costs, to remain dedicated to my craft and to work hard at all times,” said Moloi, who has released two compact discs.
Moloi ’ s first CD, Testimony , was released in 2012. His second, I Come
To You, was released in 2014. Moloi also has his own record label, Beyond Measure Music Productions.
“While it is not easy being a solo artist, I am able to survive because I used to observe how some of my idols – including Malope, Tyamara, Padi and Twala – were able to survive the many odds they used to face, ” Moloi said.
“They never used to throw in the towel and allow the different challenges they faced to overwhelm them. I have also forged my own unique identity as a singer and a community worker.
“That is why I have established the charity Help Me Help Them, through which I raise funds for vulnerable children and needy pupils, as well as honouring deserving community development volunteers like Gog ’ Violet. ”
Moloi, who was born in Villiers, Free State, was raised in Duduza by his domestic worker mother who died in 2000. He currently stays in nearby Brakpan.
He is performing in Mpumalanga this weekend before a homecoming tour of Free State next month.