Gospel star Lebo Sekgobela began her Kept by Grace tour in style with a sold-out show in Gqeberha, singing, praying and surrendering in worship at the weekend.
An audience of 1,700 sang to the rafters rang at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre on Saturday evening in the first of four performances across SA.
The multi-award-winning artist shared the stage with local gospel musicians pastor Donald Mpalweni, 33, and Sesethu Maneli, 27, who said it had been an honour to perform alongside Sekgobela.
“We showed love, we did not see any differences among each other,” Mpalweni said.
“This was such a great opportunity that Sekgobela opened for us and for the first time hosting her tour for herself.
“The bible says we are the light of the world. If the body of Christ cannot stand up in Gqeberha during this time then it means hope is lost.
“Gqeberha is called iBhayi, which means a blanket, a blanket symbolises warmth and we expect to return to being that warm city that we all knew.”
Maneli said they were grateful for the opportunity as popular gospel artists rarely started their tours in the city.
“It is not often that big artists bring their shows here and then they still consider us local artists as well.
“We normally host our own shows. We do not take this opportunity for granted.
“The gospel scene is weird, but not in a bad way.
“I want to believe that gospel music is not fully considered as music, simply because people are of the impression that we are going to minister and worship.
“Gospel artists have been part of other genres like jazz, but it is rare to see people from other genres coming to gospel events,” Maneli said.
Lebo Sekgobela kicked off her 'Kept by Grace TourLebo Sekgobela kicked off her 'Kept by Grace Tour' to a sold out concert at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre which had 1,700 people praying as well as worshiping asking Gqeberha to be the safe, warm, friendly Bhayi (blanket) that it is known for. 📹 Simtembile Mgidi
Posted by HeraldLIVE - Nelson Mandela Bay on Monday, April 14, 2025
Sekgobela said the inspiration behind the Kept by Grace album had come after she was admitted to hospital in 2023 for complications with her appendix.
She said it had been during that period that she found herself questioning God, but she had also learnt God’s strength.
“I am grateful to God. We saw the goodness of God [on Saturday night], we saw young people, they do not want to leave, we prayed and we all needed the fellowship.
“I bless the Lord. If it was not for the Lord being by my side I would have died on the road.
“I would have given up, but his grace was sufficient for me.
“When I woke up today [Saturday] I said Lord your day is here, do as you please, and for the local artists we do as it was done for us, they are the seed that will give here in Gqeberha as well as nationally,” Sekgobela said.
Sekgobela will head next to the Kroonstad Civic Theatre, then to the Rustenburg Auditorium and conclude at the Bloemfontein Mangaung Indoor Sport Centre.
The Herald
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