Kekeletso “Keke” Phoofolo is one of the most celebrated gospel musicians in Southern Africa. Born and raised in Pimville, Soweto, Keke started his career in the late 90s, doing vocal work for popular gospel acts like Redeemed, Benjamin Dube and Joyous Celebration.
In 2006, he persuaded a solo career that has spawned three acclaimed albums; Restoration, Rival and In the Holy of the Holies. We caught up with Keke ahead of his much-awaited tour of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.
Q: What do you think makes people love you so much?
A: [laughs] I think the main reason is that I sing songs that relate to many people in Southen Africa. I try to break language boundaries by composing songs that are easy to listen to and make people understand where I’m coming from and going.
Q: How is your latest album doing, in terms of sales?
A: Not so good, compared to the previous albums. My albums generally sell over 10 000 units in the first three months but this one has taken about four months to sell 10 000 units. But I’m happy because we realised that it was just a marketing problem, we fixed the problem and now sales are picking up.
Q: What are you working on at present?
A: I’m working on a national talent search that targets all the undiscovered musicians in South Africa. The main aim is to develop local talent and monitor it because we have many talented artists in S.A who don’t know how to enhance their careers once they’ve released an album. So this initiative will discover artists, help them record and monitor their careers.
Q: That sounds great! When can we expect it?
A: Very soon, everything is going smoothly. We’re currently looking for a sponsor because this is a very big project. So once we finalise that, we will be ready to launch.
Q: Good luck on the awesome initiative. Are you planning to release another album soon?
A: Yes. I’m working on my new album and will be released in June next year (2011).
Q: How do you feel about the current state of gospel music?
A: It’s growing and I’m impressed with the new talent coming up in the industry. The talent is there, we just have to find better ways of promoting our music.
Q: I’m sure your talent search will play a major part in solving that. Do you have any message for your fans?
A: Definitely. I thank all my fans for the support and I want to say to my young fans; don’t be afraid, we have the ability.
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July 4th, 2010 at 8:31 am
I saw the dvd(Obrigado) of Mr S.Mahlungu i luv tht song tht u sang togethr i deeply felt it n it left me wit tears n a thought of how GOD is great keep da gud wrk we appreciat it alot
July 6th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Hi brada keke i lyk 2 thnk u 4 gud work u’v done, u alwys rock u n ur crew, ma sista zaza,mr s mahlangu, andile b, i lv u so much guys. Am adroit gal n talented so i dnt knw wer 2 start. Here is ma number 0737742375, i wil b glad 2 here 4rm u , i cnt even wait
July 9th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
im a guy frm Tembisa who love yo music so much im blessed id love to sing 1 song with u prophert KEKE coz im gifted vocally recognize me.0847114225
July 14th, 2010 at 11:31 am
hy,bro!de bbl sys sholigdnez nd mercy shal 4llow us &wt dat i wana sy gud luck wt evry thing!!!we wud lyk 2 c u soon plz cum to our church(Remnent ministry church)
Kindly
Ralph
July 15th, 2010 at 12:18 am
Keke has 4 solo albums, not 3 as stated in the article. Restoration, Revival, Living Testimony and Holy of Holies.
July 15th, 2010 at 8:12 am
Hi you pastor keke i lov u very in th name of our heavenly father GOD u rock CHE CHE CHE how such a wonderful masage song mi brother thats true akekho ofana naye nam andimbonanga KE KONYANA.nd im a talented strugling to get in the industry so i ned any of u guys for help i wnt to prays, worship nd preach th name of GOD to chnge penplz lves kulowo wasfelayo as you do to us broz nd sisterz nd i apreciated tht so plz realize me 0789015633
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
i really love your music and you offcourse especiaaly when you are together with mr sooly mahlangu.keep up the good work and continue staying strong in the Lord
August 5th, 2010 at 1:57 am
yes keke u really bless my soul Amen
August 5th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
WELL DONE PASTOR KEKE MAY DA GUD GOD REACHLY BLESS YOU AS YOU KEEP ON MINISTERING FOR OUR SOULS.
August 5th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
WOW TO GOD BE THE GLORY.PASTER KEKE YOU REALLY BLESS MY SOUL,MAY THE GOOD GOD REACHLY BLESS YOU AMEN
August 6th, 2010 at 3:21 am
keep blessing human soul keke u rock
August 6th, 2010 at 11:31 am
INDEED TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE GOOD WORK THAT HE DOES WITH HIS SERVANTS. PASTOR KEKE YOUR MUSIC REALY BE MY SOUL,MAY YOU CONTINUE COMPOSING THE GOOD AND BLESSED MUYSIC TO US, BECAUSE IT REACH TO ALL THE GENDER YOUNG OR OLD MAN OR WOMAN.MAY THE LORD THAT I SAVE BE WITH YOU AND MAY HE ALL INCREASE YOUR TORETORY
August 20th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
why did they booo-hooo keke on the crown gospel awards?
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:31 am
you are a blessing Man of God,you’ve set out a platform for us..look behind you we coming to continue the work you have started which you were given by the father
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:42 pm
PASTER KEKE I JUST WANT TO SAY I HOPE THAT 1DAY WE WOULD WORK WITH EACH OTHER BECAUSE YOUR MUCIS HEAL MY SOUL. DONT STOP TOUCHING PEOPLE HEARTS
September 19th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Just to make u know I have been tracking u down. When u do smt in SA, Africa rocks (smts silently). U r our heart and our voice. Walk in honour of God who loves u. U are almost His Israel of Africa, (because I am Ghanaian).
October 5th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Why do people leave their cellphone numbers on the net? What makes them think they will receive a call from these celebrities bathong?
October 29th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
hello bra you such a good worshipper by his grace(GOD) I HOPE ONE DAY I WILL BE LEADING WORSHIP WITH YOU AND ALSO INTRODUCE YOU TO SOME WONDERFULL NIGERIA SONGS THAT CAN ROCK THE COUNTRY LIKE UCHE DID IN JOYOUS. I LOVE YOUR STYLE MY LORD YOU INDEED AND ENLARGE YOUR COAST AND HIS HANDS SHALL REST UPON YOU.
November 2nd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Hey brother-man you are not a performer but a worshipper.You always make sure to give all honour and Glory to THE MOST HIGH(which is how it’s supposed to be) Keep it up my brother.
The good Lord has given you a gift of blessing others and reminding them about how wonderful it is to serve God as a young person.
November 11th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
hie kk,ke rox frm botswana,god bless.
December 14th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Hi Pastor Keke,I thank God for changing my life through you because, when ever i listen to your songs i feel something moving inside my heeart,sadnes turns into joy when ever i feel like life is not on my side, i just know it will be alright just by listening to the massage on your songs
January 26th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
i like ur music keep it up keke
preciuss
polokwane
February 3rd, 2011 at 3:52 pm
keep doing what you are doing my brother i have 2 cds of yours you revive my spirit so much that on my way to school i go singing cant go through the whole week wthout ur cd love u keke with the love of the LORD JESUS CHRIST may he keep u
March 24th, 2011 at 11:23 am
hey keke u really bless me ur music is so touching and moving,esp THE PROMISE that song just blesses me in such a way that when ever im feeling down it uplifts my spirit and feel like a brand new person coz i know that nothing is impossible with God..keep up the good work.
March 24th, 2011 at 11:56 am
Realy man of God Jesus took my sins away.Jwalle kaPaulos.Thank you for all the songs that u are singing.One of the days will be singing together ,Preaching the word of God.My address y497 site b khayelitsha 7784 Cape town.My number 0213614667.My email-songezopululu@yahoo.com.Jist of my message Hate in Greek word means loveless but love God more.
April 25th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU KEKELETSO. YOU ARE A BLESSING. WE SUPPORT YOU MAN WITH GOD ON YOUR SIDE EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
May 20th, 2011 at 7:10 am
come from kenya amd i like your music it realy bless me .
god bless you so much
May 20th, 2011 at 7:16 am
come from kenya amd i like your music it realy bless me .
God bless you so much.
September 5th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Hi prophet phoofolo i luv u’re music very much
when u sing u transport me from this realm to the other one
when i get married i want u to come if u haven’t become old
October 12th, 2011 at 11:40 am
Hi Prophet,thanx for working with me on Holy of Holies DVD it was a great experince… just thought I should paint this wall with love and acknowlegde you publicly..lol hope you don’t mind… love u always Man of God… hope to see u soon… as always
October 17th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
pastor i have sow you in ladybrand.i love your music and i also worship the lord in the church. i play the piano and also do a little of own songs gospel hip hop;gospel jazz.and i will be studying music next year so i hope by the glory of the lord we will meet.0713139928.
November 30th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
mooooooogoeeeee keke sucks
December 30th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
your songs make me feel strong in times of trouble , as life is full of ups and downs thanks brother.
mpho from lesotho
January 29th, 2012 at 3:08 am
things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!