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News24
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Gospel meets house music: Mörda and Soweto Gospel Choir collaborate for History of House
Grammy-nominated DJ Bongani 'Mörda' Mohosana and three-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir have teamed up for a one-night show. They are preparing for an explosive performance at The Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg. During a visit to their rehearsals in Soweto, the energy in the room hinted at an electrifying show ahead. The upcoming performance promised a unique fusion of soulful gospel, cutting-edge house beats, and authentic South African musical traditions. Speaking to City Press, former Black Motion member Mohosana shared his excitement about collaborating with the renowned choir. He expressed appreciation for their openness, saying he liked that they did not expect him to change who he was. Known for his dynamic dance moves on stage, Mohosana joked that the stage needed to be strong. 'The connection has been there since the first day I met them. On day one of the rehearsals, we were still trying to figure out what we were going to do, and I did not bring my equipment, but the energy was amazing. I could tell that they were also excited and ready, so I cannot wait,' he said. The two musical forces had started rehearsing together earlier in the week and had already begun creating new music, said Mohosana. He called it an opportunity that couldn't be turned down and described the collaboration as a blessing. The DJ, who released Asante III earlier this year, revealed that this would not be the last time he worked with the choir. If all went well, they hoped to collaborate on more projects and possibly embark on an international tour together. The Horns in the Sun hitmaker explained that the collaboration made sense because he viewed his music as uplifting and positive. A naturally spiritual person, Mohosana said he avoided following trends or chasing chart-topping singles, instead opting for longevity. I speak more through music. I express my emotions through music, and I have a lot to say through music. I am a shy guy; I can't address people in public, but through music, I can. Bongani 'Mörda' Mohosana Mohosana hinted at more gospel collaborations in the future. He had already worked on several tracks with Brenden Praise Ledwaba and revealed that he had been in discussions with Joyous Celebration founder Lindelani Mkhize. When the time is right, he said, they will work together. Soweto Gospel Choir master Shimmy Jiyane told City Press they were equally excited about performing alongside Mohosana. He said the collaboration had been in the pipeline for over a month. Jiyane noted that both the choir and Mohosana believed in the value of rehearsals and refining their craft. He explained that the show would be a one-night event to test whether South African audiences were receptive to the concept. He shared that their History of House project had begun back in 2012 while touring in Australia. It was during this tour that they met Australian DJ Simon 'Groove Terminator' Lewicki, who had been looking for a choir to work with on a house music concept. READ: WATCH | Joburg meets Lagos in an AfroExchange cultural takeover 'He pitched that he wanted to have house music sung by a choir. He said he was going around checking for choirs, but he could not find what he wanted until he watched us at the Sydney Opera House. Soweto Gospel Choir is a versatile choir; we like doing things that are out of our comfort zone, so we were like, 'Let's do it,'' said Jiyane. Lewicki introduced them to various house tracks, many of which they knew through South African DJs. Jiyane said the Australian DJ eventually joined them in South Africa for rehearsals, and some songs were even translated into local languages. The world started singing those songs, added Jiyane. Their first single, Good Life, received a positive response, and all their History of House shows overseas had sold out. In 2023, the choir collaborated with South African-based German DJ and producer Ralf 'Ralf GUM' Benkert on a song called Ramasedi. He added that many DJs had since approached them for similar collaborations, showing that people were paying attention and approved of their creative direction. The choir was even considering incorporating an orchestra in future shows. Asked whether gospel fans judged them for stepping outside traditional gospel, Jiyane responded that the choir had always embraced a broad musical range. He said at the end of the day, they were artists and did not want to box themselves. The upcoming performance was also set to honour South Africa's first democratic president, the late Nelson Mandela, as it would take place on Mandela Day, which is also his birthday. Attendees were encouraged to bring donations, which would be directed to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Presented by Road to Bassline Fest, BET and SAMPRA, History of House would take place at The Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City, Johannesburg.
TimesLIVE
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Mörda teams up with internationally acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir
Mörda and the Soweto Gospel Choir are to join forces for the History of House show on Mandela Day. The Road to Bassline Fest will present History of House as a genre-defying live show headlined by Afrohouse maestro Mörda and the globally acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir. Taking place on July 18 at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, this one-night only event promises a celebration of South African sound, soul and storytelling. The show will see the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir infuse classic house anthems such as Silence and Ride Like the Wind with their trademark harmonies and a uniquely local flavour, while Mörda, formerly of Black Motion, brings the heat with hits from his Asante trilogy, including the powerful single Glory. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Mörda said he is looking forward to the experience. 'I want people to dance, to feel free.' 'We can't wait to showcase our take on these evergreen house classics,' said Shimmy Jiyane of the choir. Opening the show is rising star Brandon Aura, fresh from wowing crowds at Fête de la Musique, who will deliver his blend of folk-pop with an African twist. The event is supported by Sampra, BET and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, with a call to action for attendees to support the 'It's In Your Hands' campaign by donating blankets or contributing during ticket purchases.
News24
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Styled for the throne: Inside Metro FM's Crowning Greatness red carpet
The 2025 Metro FM Music Awards lit up the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga with a night of pure musical magic and local pride. Hosted by the dynamic duo Siyabonga 'Scoop Makhathini' Ngwekazi and Luthando 'LootLove' Shosha, the event was packed with unforgettable moments, from jaw-dropping choreography to electric performances by Black Motion, Usimamane, K.O. and Langa Mavuso, turning the stage into a celebration of South Africa's greatest hits. From iconic wins like Makhadzi snagging Artist of the Year to standout visuals in the Best Music Video category, it was more than just an awards night; it was a full-on cultural moment. With a theme that salutes the storytellers of South Africa's culture, the Metro FM Music Award's red carpet turned into a runway of beautiful and proudly local fashion. From Anele Zondo's crown-worthy headpiece to Nomalanga Shozi's blooming petal gown, we've rounded up the best fashion moments that had us do double takes: 1. Golden goddess of the Metro The KwaZulu-Natal born and raised media showbiz Anele Zondo stunned in a glamorous champagne-toned ensemble with a structured, jewel-encrusted gold corset that cinched the waist. The look is elevated with a high-slit silk wrap skirt that drapes elegantly, adding motion and drama. She completed the outfit with a sculptural headpiece spelling out her name. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ??????-??????-?????? (@anele_zondo) View this post on Instagram A post shared by ??????-??????-?????? (@anele_zondo) @anele_zondo Prepping for the Metro fm awards tonight , see you later ???? #fyp #anelezondo? original sound - Neythebae 2. Queen of the galaxy Radiating all things regal, Rorisang Thandekiso wore a deep purple beaded gown that's both futuristic and royal. The embellishments that extend into beaded sleeves add volume and edge. The entire ensemble glows with violet brilliance under the spotlight, accentuating her commanding pose. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rorisang Thandekiso (@rorisangt) 3. Divine matriarch LootLove served celestial elegance in this white gown. The asymmetrical silhouette, detailed with delicate embroidery cascades into sheer textures and long, flowing drapes. Her beaded crown-like headpiece adds divine elevation to a look that balances strength and softness. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2) She also rocked several other outfits: View this post on Instagram A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2) View this post on Instagram A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2) View this post on Instagram A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2) View this post on Instagram A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2) View this post on Instagram A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2) 4. Midnight bloom Lamiez Holworthy-Morule's look featured a form-fitting black velvet gown with a dramatic-off-the-shoulder neckline. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lamiez Holworthy-Morule (@lamiez_holworthy) 5. Golden serpent of majesty Zola Mhlongo's figure-hugging black velvet gown with a dramatic train is adorned with gold embellishments that snake from the chest to the hem in abstract patterns. The bodice is sheer, adding dimension while the poised stance commands presence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo (@zolazeelovin) 6. Crimson blossom Nomalanga Shozi wore a striking red mini dress sculpted into the shape of a blooming rose. The petals are richly textured and adorned with shimmering embellishments, creating a three-dimensional floral silhouette that's both playful and regal. The look is finished off with soft and vintage-inspired curls. READ MORE | Nomalanga Shozi's fashion evolution – 'My style is a lot different to how it was two years ago' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomalanga Shozi (@realnomalanga) Makhadzi winning Artist of the Year View this post on Instagram A post shared by Makhadzi (@makhadzisa) Best Viral Challenge
