Gospel Digest - November 12, 2008

Published Nov 12, 2008

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While the recent Cell C Gospel festival, held two weeks ago in Bloemfontein, was a lukewarm attempt at praise and worship, a few energetic musicians saved a day marred by bad weather and too many curtain raisers.

One of these heroes was the tireless Keke, who got the otherwise sleepy crowd on their feet and ready for a real show. But just how did this man wind up in gospel music?

"I wanted to be in the army at first, because that way I could do my tertiary studies for free," he said. "I had already applied, but the music took over in the process and I have never looked back since," said the musician.

With three albums to his name, the latest being last year's The Living Testimony, Keke attributes his success to his mother.

"Growing up with a spiritual mother helped me develop that interest of the genre as I found it the most touching form of music out there, especially because of the powerful message," he said.

It later turned out that Keke would not be restricted only to music as he proved to be multi-talented.

At the moment, Keke is a presenter of two religious shows, namely In His Presence, on One Gospel, and Spirit Of Praise, on e.tv. He also runs two production companies and is regularly invited to preach at various churches.

"I keep an honest diary so as to manage my busy schedule," he explained. "I actually have three diaries - the book I write my appointments in, my manager and my wife - who all keep me alert," he joked.

While some of his peers in the industry restrict themselves as solely vocalists, Keke writes, produces and plays "a bit of keyboards and drums".

Though his recent gig in Bloemfontein went well and was the highlight of the day, Keke, as with any musician at some point, had an onstage disaster he'll never forget.

"In 2001 I was performing in Mmabatho. I was so into one song with people crying and praising the lord," he recalled. "And from nowhere this woman managed to breach the security guys' 'wall' and dived at me, giving a tight hug topped with uncontrollable screams," he laughs at the memory of it all.

"The worst part was the mic I was holding amplified her screams over my singing. It was a total disaster, so much so that I left as soon as the security got her off me," he added.

Currently, the man is working on two projects simultaneously. One will be a collaboration with some of the industry's best and the other will be the follow-up to The Living Testimony.

"The songs are there already, but I am indecisive on which song goes where, as I need the projects to be as balanced as possible," he said.

"Either way I am confident that whatever the outcome, the fans should still find the albums enjoyable," he said.

- If you have any gospel music related news, please e-mail [email protected] for publication.

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