Her name is Lerato Mothapo. She is a talented backing vocalist for some of the elite gospel music stars in the country, and has graced big stages and sold-out venues around Mpumalanga as a performer.
Mothapo said music has been a calling since the age of 14. She sang in church and ventured into a full-time professional singer straight after matric.
She is currently working towards releasing her debut single and an album. “I am planning to release a single titled ‘Thumela Libutfo’, which I believe people will love. The song and my debut album will be released some time in 2024. I feel it is not yet the right time to release my own music. I still have a lot of work to do so I can offer people great music.”
The singer said her love of gospel music was inspired by church and allowing God to spread His Word through her in music form.
“I grew up in church in KaNyamazane, as my father was a preacher. I was exposed to gospel, worship and praise from a young age. As I grew, I experimented with other sounds to learn ways of making music and to grow myself to be the musician I want to be.
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“After experimenting for a short while, I came back to gospel music. My music career varies from being a backing vocalist to a performer. I have been a backing vocalist for a lot of artists, such as Mabongi Mabaso, Pretty Mhlongo and Sipho Makhabane, and shared stages with big artists such as Rev Benjamin Dube and Dumi Mkokstad.”
Mothapo has showcased her vocal talent by performing songs by South Africa’s well-known talents, Lira and Brenda Fassie. At the moment she is part of the Rising Sun Choir.
“I have grown so much as a musician being part of the provincial choir. This has allowed me opportunities to interact with music giants and being on TV for the rest of the world to see my talent.”
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The mother of two said she has seen God work miracles in her life, as she can provide for her family through her music. She said she hopes to become someone the community can seek help from, such as advice in making a living off music.
“My door is always open to help my young sisters who want advice about anything music. There is nothing that grows me than being able to impart my knowledge and skills to other women. I hope one day I will create a platform to empower even more women,” Mothapo said.
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