Gospel artist Tlhoks releases new single
RANDBURG – Gospel artist wants to share his music with Africa
From sleeping in a shipping container with no food, to becoming a hardworking recording artist, musician Letlhogonolo Tlhoks Moloi’s journey has not been easy.
However, through the good and bad times, he has never lost his faith and will now release a single off his second studio album on 1 August titled Re Bine.
Moloi said the inspiration from the song, which means ‘lets dance’ in Setswana, is from a bible verse in Revalations.
“The bible scripture reads: ‘I saw a city coming down from heaven, a city called Jerusalem’, and Re Bine is a song that I wrote to say that we will be dancing in that city and worshipping the Lord,” said Moloi.
“The song, like most in the new album, is a praise song because, in my life, I have realised that I’ve been through many situations that try to bring me down.
Music was my coping mechanism to lift up my spirits. Most of the songs on the album have been composed by me.”
Before pursuing his dream of being a recording artist, Moloi arrived in Johannesburg in 2011 from North West, working in security, but unfortunately, this did not last and he found himself unable to pay rent or buy food and had to live in the streets.
His church, which was based in Yeoville allowed him to stay in a shipping container along with seven other homeless men, sharing food and troubles like a real family.
“‘I did not give up and sent my CV around and was eventually hired at another security surveillance company,” said Moloi.
“This also did not last and then I became a sales agent until I resigned because I wanted to record music and fulfil my dream of being a gospel musician.
With the money I saved, I paid to record two songs at Casa Prisa Records and luckily a producer there, who found out about my situation, decided to record the rest of my album for free,” he explained.
Through this assistance, Moloi was able to release his first album Ao Modimo (God has), which laid a platform for him to be recognised as a talented young gospel artist.
He was also made a brand ambassador for non-profit organisation (NPO) Sneakers For Change and helps young South Africans who need footwear.
“I have been homeless, not having a roof over my head especially after my struggles. I know a night without food, sleeping on an empty stomach and how it feels – I know too well!” said Moloi.
“So by being a recording artist, I don’t want to be happy alone, I want to share my joy with the whole of Africa. I featured a lot of artists in this album like Nigerian artist Prince Okwu and brought they own flavour to the songs.
“I have worked with the Nigerian artist on my debut album and we have a great relationship so it’s easy to make music with him. The single, Re Bine is tipped to be played on all major radio stations across the country and Tlhoks is excited!”
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