Choir focuses on issues of faith

"When we compose songs, we look at what people want and what problems they face"

HAVING survived the dog-eat-dog music industry , gospel choir Sefofane continues to spread the word of God.

Consisting of 50 members, the a capella group has released its fifth album, Ingelosi, of spiritual music that will lift your soul.

Steve Moleke, leader of the group, says when they compose their music they look to society for inspiration. On the latest CD they focus on issues of faith and spirituality.

"When we compose songs, we look at what people want and what problems they face. We want to see people being touched by the music. Our music speaks to people and everyone can relate to it," Moleke says.

"This time we want people to grow spiritually. Everybody needs to have that strong bond with God. People who don't have a relationship with God yet need to start working on it."

The choir sings traditional hymns that have been adapted to suit their clap-and-tap style.

"Most of our songs are well-known traditional hymns that have been re-worked to suit our style of singing.

Sometimes we re-work the message and phrase it differently," he says.

Formed in 1999 by members of the St John's Church, the group has recorded albums such as Pula Tsa Lehlohonolo and Nyakallo ke e fumane.

Moleke says: "We started as a church choir, just entertaining in the church. It was for fun more than anything else, but the support we received from people in the church pushed us to record the music."

Their first album, Lona Baratang Hophela, was released in 2001. It did not sell well and the group decided to take a two-year break before releasing their second album, Hee ba Nyoriweng, in 2004.