Bay gospellers take second place in ‘The Sing-Off SA’
MORE than 100 fans and relatives of a cappella group Legato brought the Port Elizabeth International Airport to life last night on their arrival.
The KwaMagxaki, Port Elizabeth, group arrived from Johannesburg after hitting all the right notes and making the metro proud by being named runners-up in The Sing-Off SA on SABC1.
The competition featured a cappella groups from around the country.
They made the cut after countrywide auditions in which they were judged by musicians like hip-hop artist HHP, Zolani Mahola, of Freshlyground, and artist and producer Zakes Bantwini.
Making it this far has been a dream for the Seventh Day Adventist group, who began their musical journey as youngsters in church.
Previously named For Him, the group changed its name to Legato some time before the SABC show.
Phiwokuhle TyaTya, 23, said: “We have been doing this since we were eight years old, for the love of God.”
A pleased Luyolo Stungu, 22, said: “This has always been our dream. My father was a quartet singer and I used to sing with my sisters at church and with my group at school.”
Legato entered The Sing-Off believing they had all it would take to pull it off and make their mark, being recognised not only nationally but also internationally.
However, never in their wildest dreams did they think they would make it as runners-up.
Lwando Lukhokho, 21, said: “Our goal was to come out in about sixth place – not that we lacked confidence.”
The jewel of the group, Unathi Ntlabathi, 23, said she represented all the women “out there” and asked everyone to look out for their single, Nguwewedwa, due for release in a month’s time.
Legato leader Milani Sixakwe, 22, said the group had been thrilled by the entire experience.
“This has been so overwhelming, con- sidering that we are from a smaller city and our focus has always been mainly gospel.
“We needed to convert to secular music . . . so it most definitely forced us into introspection,” he said.
To up-and-coming young Nelson Mandela Bay artists, the Legato members said: “Let nothing stop you from reaching your goals.
“Sacrifice as much as you can without regrets . . . and if you are not doing it with passion, drop it.”
Apart from this being the most memorable moment for the artists, their families sang and shouted as the group emerged with joyful tears in their eyes.
Nokuzola Stungu, 57, said: “I am so proud.
“I did not expect them to get that far. I hope they remain humble as they are.”
Nobulali Tyatya, 49, said: “I am so happy and proud that they have made their mark.
“We will be having a big celebration tonight.”