Award-winning artist Dr Rebecca Malope will be replenishing souls with her catalogue of illustrious gospel music at the Replenishment Concert later this month.
In the run-up, she visited Metro FM’s popular afternoon drive show, “The Touchdown” where she spoke to Thabo “Tbo Touch” Molefe and his co-host, Luthando “Loot Love” Shosha, about her career spanning more than 35 years.
Malope said being in her profession required a lot of discipline.“Knowing very well what you want and why you are here, why you doing what you doing, the purpose ... Humble yourself and give God the glory and let him lead you until you reach your destination, that is how I kept myself (disciplined).
“My purpose is to teach people where I come from. It’s been a lesson to me that I had to reach out and tell people that it’s not over until God says so ...
“From my background to now being Rebecca Malope and coming into your homes uninvited through music, it was not because I knew better, it was not because I had the talent, but God chose me to do that, so now, that is my purpose to bring smiles to everyone and to show people that there is life after all the pain,” she shared.
Speaking about always being in the spotlight, Malope said: “It’s difficult, you know when your growing up in this and you feel like you’re missing out on life ...
“I am growing up on stage and I’m just in the faces of people, I can’t do anything else like any other young girl my age, it was very challenging but I got used to it.”
As a result of the pressure, she made sure that her home was her sanctuary. After work, she looks forward to returning home to be with her grandchildren, spend time in her garden, studio or sewing room.
Sewing is among her many talents.
“That’s what I do (to fill my cup). If I was not disciplined I wouldn’t know how to put together a dress but I spend my time here, I need to keep my mind busy and my body healthy.”
Taking listeners down memory-lane, she spoke about one of her earlier songs which made her realise that gospel was her calling.
“We used to perform in night clubs with Pure Magic ... The first composition we use to perform was ‘S'thembele kuwe’ and when I used to perform this song, everyone would stop drinking,”
Speaking about the new generation of gospel artists, she said: “I love all of them. Remember when they were growing up, they were listening to Mam’ Rebecca, and when they started gospel music, they wanted to be like Mam’ Rebecca, so they are all my children ... They are all brilliant.”
Renowned gospel singer Dumi Mkokstad called into the show to let Malope know what an inspiration she’d been in his career.
“I still look at you and wonder how you still do it. You always give me such great advice, and sharing the stage with you at the (upcoming) 2024 Replenishment Concert is another dream come true. We love you.”
The 2024 Replenishment Concert takes place on September 28 at Supersport Park Stadium, Johannesburg.
Malope will be performing alongside 13 other gospel artists.