Mahikeng- An American human rights activist, Dr Martin Luther King once said “Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us”.

His words gave meaning to the annual gospel festival which was hosted by the Department of Culture, arts and Traditional Affairs (CATA) this past weekend at the Mmabatho Civic center.

The festival was ushering in the month known to South Africans as Freedom Month. The Department saw it fit to celebrate this through the second annual  gospel festival which was a resounding success.

The Department under the leadership of MEC Tebogo Modise gave an opportunity to gospel groups representing all local Municipalities of the Province to participate in the festival which aims to unearth, record and promote the hidden talent Bokone Bophirima has in its midst.

The aim of the festivals is to identify a need for artists to promote their craft and create a platform to showcase gospel music in the province and bring about an economic gain.

Participating groups were recorded live on the day, whereby a collaboration  CD  and DVD will be compilled and given to groups on completion to afford them an opportunity to generate income from its sales.

Last year’s participants were handed over a compilation CD which was recorded in partnership with Motsweding fm during the first annual gospel festival by MEC Modise during proceedings of the festival.

The day also saw MEC Modise with South African Gospel Queen, Dr Rebecca Malope and other senior Departmental managers with the assistance of South African Police Services (SAPS) hearding an Anti Piracy campaign which took place at Mahikeng CBD. The aim of the campaign was to encourage community members not to buy pirated CDs and encouraging them into buying original material.

MEC Modise praised the talents groups displayed during their performances and pleaded with communities to support efforts made by artists in harnessing their craft. She also pledged support from the Department in assisting artists to develop their talent and help in the fight against piracy.

“Our artists spend money and time trying to make a better life for themselves but instead of reaping the rewards of their labor, they find their work being copied and sold on street corners for minimal amount”, said MEC Modise.

She  continued,  “CATA strives to be visible and have an impact in people’s lives and we will work together with our artists and law enforcement to see to it that the people who steal bread from our artists face the full might of the law”, she concluded

Bojanala District was represented by: Thaba ya Moya, Reformed church choir, Ikageleng Areka.

Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District was represented by: Motswedi wa bophelo gospel choir, Ukhololwethu gospel choir, Ikageng gospel group, Lesedi gospel choir, Mighty voice gospel choir and Bacha ba tumelo.

Dr. Kenneth Kaunda was represented by: , Platinum voices, Dinaledi tsa Tumelo, Ba apostolo ba pele, Dikhutsana tsa Bethesda, Boitshoko Gospel choir and Bana ba lesedi gospel choir.

Ngaka Modiri Molema was represented by: Uqhatso la madodana, New revelation, Bajadi ba lentswe, Gomotsang gospel choir and The Holy Emmanuel gospel choir.

The day included praising and dancing to the melodic tunes of different gospel genres such as clap and tap, Traditional Gospel and contemporary Gospel.

The festival saw Dr Rebecca Malope performing on the day closing the show.

-TDN

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