Gqeberha’s six-member a cappella group Legato SA are hoping to hit all the right notes and return home winners after receiving their first nomination for the SABC Crown Gospel Awards.
The group’s eclectic mix of Gospel, Afro Pop, Afro Soul and Traditional African Music, may be their ticket to taking the category of Best Acapella Group at the red carpet event taking place on November 24 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. .
The 17th instalment of the event comes after its much-loved founder and UKhozi FM radio personality, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, died on August 12 at Parklands Hospital.
She succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 52.
Legato SA, comprising Lwando Lukhuko, Phiwokuhle Tyatya, Luyolo Samuel Sthungu, Milani Sixakwe, Bongani Matrose and Mihlali Tyatya, said they were proud to be nominated for their single, Bayethe.
“You know when you are used to losing a lot, even when you win you end up not seeing it clearly,” Tyatya, from KwaMagxaki, said.
“Out of fear we did not share the news [of our nomination] that night [October 30], because we did not think that they were talking about us.
“We just made submissions since we had a song that we could submit so it [the nomination] came as an unexpected shock to us.”
Previously known as For Him until 2015, they rebranded to Legato SA after competing in a TV a cappella talent competition called The Sing Off SA on SABC 1 and claiming second place.
“That experience was amazing, there is a lot that we learnt musically.
“The experience of being exposed to TV for the first time and interviews.
“It shaped us into thinking how do we position ourselves into this music scene,” Tyatya said.
He said they were proud of their journey -- when they started singing they never imagined they would be nominated for awards, travel and perform internationally.
The group has performed in Portugal, Turkey, Cape Verde, singing for presidents and government dignitaries, while sustaining their families through music.
They are now working on a new album that will be released in 2025 which will not strictly comprise a cappella songs.
With most of their work being international, the award nomination, according to Tyatya, was more special, because they were receiving recognition in their own country.
“Most of our work was done outside the country, now we have started performing at home, filling up venues around SA.
“We are busy working on a very traditional African gospel album now.
“It will have about 10 songs, we are halfway done with it, we recorded the album in Gqeberha.
“It is not easy performing abroad, because you leave your family.”
Details on how to vote for the group can be found on the social media pages of the members of the group.
HeraldLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.