A gospel singer is using his sound to address gender-based violence (GBV) and drug abuse.
Neolithic Joseph Maredi, known as Maredi tsa Manyalo, is fighting GBV and drugs using his gospel and wedding-themed music.
Maredi tsa Manyalo (55) from Mahube Valley Ext 3 started singing at high school in his home town in Limpopo before moving to Mamelodi in 1989.
He said GBV and substance abuse are huge problems in our society, and he is raising awareness about these social issues through his music.
Maredi tsa Mayalo said he started singing in ZCC choirs and moved on to work with the likes of veteran gospel singers Solly Moholo, Enos Aphane, Solly Remember, and Modise Faksa Dube and formed a group choir.
He said they have recorded albums with these gospel singers, and he is currently working on a new mixed gospel and amapiano gospel album with the likes of Kapa Kapa, Bellas Maseko, and Mokwelekwete.
He added that he is hosting a gospel music festival with local gospel singers, raising awareness against GBV and substance abuse at Barnett Chillas Pienaarspoort in the far east of Mamelodi on September 7.
He said the festival aims to raise awareness about social issues and encourage the public to report such crimes at their nearest police station.
“The public should not be afraid to break the silence on domestic violence, sexual offences and domestic violence.
“We hope and believe that this information will reach the entire community and we will see fewer crimes being reported,” he said.
His message to the youth of Mamelodi is that everyone has a hidden talent and that they need to believe in themselves, avoid peer pressure and, most importantly, stay away from drugs and crime.
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