RHS band plays in honour of the late Ben Diale
Grade 11 learners from Randfontein High School (RHS) showcased their talent at the memorial of the late Ben Diale would have turned 100 this year.
A band made up of Grade 11 learners from Randfontein High School (RHS) recently showcased their talent at the memorial of the late Ben Diale who would have turned 100 this year. Ben was a former community leader and funeral undertaker at Mohlakeng St Paul’s Anglican Church.
“It was indeed befitting to have this youth band play at my late father’s anniversary. My father was also a music personality, a choir conductor and actor, he would have been happy to have the RHS Band playing,” said Dr Manyane Diale, son of ‘Oom Ben’ as he was affectionately named.
The RHS band consists of Onthatile Lethoko on the saxophone, Neo Thobela on the keyboard and Lethabo Mekoe who alternates between saxophone and bass guitar.
“It was an honour for us to have been given this opportunity to play some musical items with the St Paul’s Choir and congregation,” said Lethabo, who is also a former altar server at the church.
“Dolly Lethoko, Onthatile’s mother is the one who arranged for us to play at this service, it is just one of the events that we have played so far. This includes some church services and school events, we intend to play in big theatres and arenas, even outside our country,” he added.
He went on to say that he was influenced by his father Reggie, also a pastor and keyboard player, while Neo said he was influenced by top artists like Ntokozo Mbambo and American gospel artist Israel Houghton who also plays the keyboard.
“I can not say that my musical influence is from top local or international artists, but it is from fellow band member Lethabo who is so versatile in many instruments from keyboards, drums, saxophones and bass guitar.
“All of us have a gospel music background but we do see ourselves experimenting in other genres including jazz. We are still at school and we see ourselves going further with our music after matriculating and even going on to study further,” said Neo.
The RHS band is set on the mould and model of former high school and church groups that went on to global stages. Bands like Sipho “Hot Stix” Mabuse and Harari, also Lionel Richie and the Commodores, and Malaika were formed in the church. There are also groups like US rock and RnB legends the Isley Brothers who first came to prominence from the church.
