It’s been almost 10 years since local group Gospel Ensemble released their first studio album Stronger Now.
The group made up of four sisters, Judy Pietersen, Harrieth Hartzienberg, Gail Speakeand Lee-Ann Arendse has been touring around the country since their album release.
They have performed on the biggest stages in South Africa with the biggest artists in the country.
The sisters studied jazz at the University of Cape Town. Their album was a fusion of different music genres including jazz and gospel.
After numerous performances, the group took a break and focused on community work.
“Music is a calling for us and it is a way to try and change people’s lives through God and music. People are hungry for change and God is that change,” said Harrieth.
Some of their charitable work includes the Youth Moving Foward concert where they showcase local young talent, being part of Rainbow FM’s blanket drive, working with Sparrow Village and to assist in skill development in children’s havens.
“Everyone in the community needs help and what we are doing is something we learned from our parents. They were very community driven. We have travelled around the country and we have seen how our communities are in need of assistance,” said Harrieth.
In the next few weeks, the group will embark on another tour around South Africa starting in Kimberley.
They want to use these concerts to reach out to the community and minister about Christianity.
They are also working on their next album titled No Place To Hide.
The sisters started a children’s care centre two months ago.
“We have been blessed in our travels and how the community has treated us kindly so we want to give back. That is why we have also started a children’s care centre so we can work with young children who are the future leaders of this country,” they said.
