Rebecca Malope
Rebecca Malopeis not called the Queen of Gospel for nothing. Her reach and appeal remains strong over the years and she steadfastly keeps up the standards and exploring new terrain with her music.
Rebecca Malope’s talent is not only enjoyed and recognised in South Africa but across the continent and the world. She has performed in the USA, United Kingdom, Paris, Germany, Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Ghana and Angola to name a few.
Rebecca Malope has a few firsts to her name. Chief of which is being the first black artist and woman to perform at the State Theatre in Pretoria after the unbanning of apartheid. Most recently she is the first South African artist to have a song (Uthando Lwam’) included in the American Christian Churches hymnbook.
She has been an ambassador for Cell C, Sunlight Soap and a brand of Korean pots..
Not bad for a little girl from a rural township called Lekazi near the Kruger National Park, who went to school on an empty stomach and without shoes, didn’t finish school and lived on the streets. She hiked 400km from home to Evaton in Gauteng and pursued her dream. Hers is a story of resilience, determination and chutzpah. A true reminder of Phillipians 4:13 which says “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me”
Currently, you can see her in action on your television screens every Sunday on SABC 2’s ‘It’s Gospel Time” and Mzansi Magic’s “Clash Of The Choirs”. Rebecca Malope, Sis Ribs, Doctor Malope is a legend in her own lifetime. She is a national treasure to be cherished. Thirty years of committed service to the music industry and many SA Music Awards Crown Gospel Music Awards, MetroFM Music Awards, Kora All Africa Music Awards later. Music trends will come and go, and styles will change, but Malope will remain the rock of ages!
Few artists occupy the high firmament that Rebecca Malope enjoys in the South African music scene. She has released 36 chart breaking albums, sold millions of copies, won countless music awards, honoured by institutions of higher learning and above all is respected by her peers and revered by legions of her fans.
From the moment she entered and won “Shell Road To Fame”, Malope’s name was in the stars. Her superb collaboration with Sizwe Zako, Vuyo Mokoena and Jabu Nkabinde weaned her off bubblegum music and instead spurned gospel anthems that inspired generations.