Clapping and tapping to victory

The traditional melodic voices of the Letjoe La Motheo choral group reverberated through the African gospel music setting at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace last Saturday, June 18, to see them scoop Best Choir and Song of the Year awards.

Following the success of last year’s Mmino Wa Clap N Tap Awards, this year’s standard was set high. It saw choirs from various parts of the country as well as neighbouring countries showcasing their craft on the big stage to the delight of the audience.

Letjoe La Motheo from Tembisa won five awards out of the 19 categories, including Best Female of the Year, Best Composer, Best Video, Choir of the Year and Best Song of the Year awards.

Letjoe La Motheo’s Tebogo Chauke, conductor and composer, could not contain his excitement upon receiving the awards. “We thank God and our supporters for the continued support and we thank the City of Ekurhuleni for providing us with the platform to make our art big and be seen by the whole nation,” he said.

Balokoloa Ba Morena from the Kingdom of Lesotho graced the stage with songs of clapping and tapping to the joyous sounds of traditional gospel songs, leaving the audience wanting more.

“As the City of Ekurhuleni we are passionate about the growth of this music and we hope to see the people who will be acknowledged on the stage tonight representing us on international platform,” said Ekurhuleni’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC), Clr Dora Mlambo.

Some of the night’s best accolades went to the following recipients:

· The Most Improved Choir – The Morning Star Choir from Vhenda

· Most Disciplined Choir – Kingdom Apostolic Church

· Best conductor – Sechaba Mbhele from Mangeloi a Kgotso

· Best Manager – Motsamai Letlakale

· Best Male – Sien Nkosi from Holy Rock Church

· Best-dressed Choir – Notes of Joy gospel choir from Mpumalanga

· Best Choreographed Choir – Mangeloi a Kgotso

· Best MC – Mohasi Hlangani from Mangeloi a Kgotso

· Best Supporter – Vuyokazi Simelane

· Best Church Choir – Kingdom Apostolic Church

· Best CD – Damaseka Zone 14 from the Vaal

· Best Promoter – Bokone Music Promoters

· Best TV programme – Hulisani from Dumisa TV

· Best radio programme – Thoriso Yaba Domedi from Thetha FM.