It’s true that Sechaba has much to be thankful for, as his journey to fame has been a true rags-to-riches story. From humble beginnings, he has risen to sell platinum units, perform nationwide and make his way across the African continent. This year, he also received his first award at the 2010 South African Music Awards for Best Traditional Gospel Album. It is only fitting that after so much success Sechaba feels the need to give thanks to the Lord and to all gospel fans out there.

Sechaba’s new album is once again produced by one of the most prolific gospel artists in the country – Sipho Makhabane. The pair has done wonders on the album, which has 10 vocal tracks as well as one instrumental. It is safe to say that souls will be renewed and lives changed by the incredible delivery and arrangements on THANK YOU. One can look forward to tracks such as beautiful, emotional ballad “I Will Follow”, “Imizamo”, which features a guest appearance from Sipho Makhabane, “Ujesu Unobubele” and “Holokile”.

This is the perfect album for the Christmas season and beyond.

The album will be spot released on Wednesday, 20th October 2010.

The talented singer will entertain music lovers at the inaugural ‘I Am Woman’ Lifestyle Extravaganza, which is being organised by Thought24 magazines – True Love, Real and Move. The event will take place on 02 October 2010 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Jonathan Harris, Thought24 CEO and publisher says “I Am Woman will be the biggest event that Thought24’s brands have showcased to date. Set in a dynamic, mixed concert and EXPO-style format, leading fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle brands will be able to engage with more than 2 000 readers who will explore and experience these brands in a unique setting.”

The concert will also feature top comedian Trevor Noah, multi-award-winning rapper HHP, Afro-pop sensation Malaika and internationally acclaimed drummers, Drum Cafe.

“This will be a breathtaking one-day experience filled with celebrities, fashion beauty, entertainment and so much more. Also expect fabulous beauty pamper sessions from the best in the South African beauty industry, hot fashion runway shows and cooking demonstrations,” adds Harris.

Tickets for the much-awaited event are available at Computicket from R375.

Standard Bank and Sofn’ Free Healthy Living are also sponsoring the event.

Hundreds of gospel music lovers thronged Soweto’s Dobonsville stadium on Sunday (4 October), to witness live, the cream of the local gospel scene over nine hours. It was a very well organised event that undoubtedly left many fans gasping for more. The sound was phenomenal and the performers were more than prepared to rock the 2000 plus crowed.

Emceed by young TV presenter, Twasa (popular for SABC’s Jam Alley show) the fest kicked off at 9 am, with fascinating performances from up-and-coming names who readied the crowd for prominent names such as Rebecca Malope, Deborah Fraser,Sechaba, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sipho Makhabane, Winnie Mashaba and Keke. Things really started heating up at around 11 am, upon the introduction of household names, in particular Sechaba, who dazzled the audience with hits from his commercially successful sophomore album “Modimo O Teng”.

From there on, the event got even better and better, complemented by chilly temperatures which also helped to stimulate massive dances in the audience.

Sechaba left the stage for husband and wife, Bongi & Collin, who took the event to another level with only five songs. Thereafter the iconic Deborah Fraser rocked in and it was very easy for her to woo the crowed with a few chart-topping hits that have made her one of the most successful female musician in the country.

The highlight of the afternoon came from Winnie Mashaba, who delivered arguably the best performance of the day. An up-tempo beat always works at such events and she was very conscious of that. Her energy really drove the crowed mad and she was sure to also showcase her vocal prowess during the 60-minutes-long performance.

Queen of gospel Rebecca Malope, Hlengiwe Mhlaba and Sipho ‘Big Fish’ Makhame concluded the festival on a very positive note before ending at 6pm.

After this experience, I’m really looking forward to attending next year’s addition.

Written by: Eddie Hatitye

Referred to as the icon of hope and faith, Sechaba has over the years become a motivation to both young and old people. But  “It’s only through God’s grace” that his life turned out this way, says Sechaba who was once a street kid.

His career started in 2005 when he released his multi-platinum debut album, Sechaba, which was followed by Modimo Oteng (God exists) – another successful offering.

According to Sechaba, the power of prayer is stressed in one of the songs “Jeso Ke Mmoloki waka”. He guarantees  that by listening to this track, “One can fully understand the pride one has in God”.

“When you walk with the Lord no evil will harm you under any circumstances,” he explained

Sipho Makhabane produced most of the songs on this soul-shaking album and also helped with vocal work.

Sechaba used the song ‘Oh Mohau’  to pay tribute to Sammy Malete, a gospel musician he admired as a young man.

The album will be released on the 5 October  and will prepare you not just for the festive season but for the kingdom of God.

Album Title: Modimo O Teng’

Genre: Gospel

Year of Release: 2008

Once a street kid from Johannesburg, Free State-born Sechaba has miraculously carved out a notable name for himself on the local gospel scene. His latest album ‘Modimo O Teng’ has been doing fairly well since its release late last year. On the album, he works with gospel music producer Tshepo Nzimande, who is also his longtime mentor.

The album starts with ‘Lapo ukhona’, a track that has very minimal instrumental backing, only accompanied by a soothing violin. The progression sounds very familiar to that of ‘alpha and omega’, a classical African composition that has also been performed in many languages worldwide. He praises the lord and persistently assures Christians that God is always there no matter the magnitude of life’s problems.

The second track is titled ‘Mina Ngialibona’. It’s an ordinary track that’s perhaps made more captivating by a very familiar featured male vocalist. The CD cover fails to reveal any details but my guess is that Lundi Tyamara lent his voice on the song.

Lyrically, Modimo O Teng’ is not as powerful as his past album, this shown in the singer’s reliance on well-known folk compositions like ‘wozani’ and ‘siyakudumisa’. ‘Hanthe Jesu’ is possibly his best effort on the album. Backed by soft female vocals, he uses a lead-and-response style on the chorus and delivers well on all the verses.

Sechaba seals the album with ‘kuwe baba’ a track that’s smoothly introduced by strings, piano notes, cymbals and occasional military drums.

Instrumentally, Sechaba uses keyboard strings, bass guitar and occasional lead guitar melodies. Overall, it’s a good album and I can recommend it to anyone who loves inspirational African gospel music.

Cover/Art: 1/5 | Sound/Technical: 4/5 | Rating: 6.5/10