Double win for gospel artist
Morne Lesley is well-known for the song 'Always Be There' which he wrote and recorded in 1999.
Singer Morne Lesley (45) recently scooped two awards at the SA Country Music Artist Foundation (SACMAF) awards held in Pretoria.
He won the Afrikaans Gospel Male Artist and Gospel Male Artist of the Year 2024.
His mother, Bets Saayman, had the honour of collecting the awards on his behalf.
Sandy Lee, a director from SACMAF, said the foundation gives out annual awards, media awards, and other special awards to recognise the achievements of country music artists and industry professionals.
Talking about the accolades, Lesley said it felt – and still feels – good to be recognised for his talent/s the Lord has blessed him with.
“All the glory goes to God. I also had the best support system from my fiancée CC (Chantel) Leigh and stepdaughter, Chantelle Coetzee,” he said.
This is not the first time Lesley has been acknowledged for his singing talent. In 2023, he won the SACMAF Country Gospel Cover Male Artist of the Year.
Lesley and his family moved to Port Shepstone from Gauteng in February.
He started singing as a child in church. When he was 15, Gene Rockwell (artist and producer/manager) discovered Morne’s talent, and they started to work on an Elvis Album; unfortunately, Rockwell died before they could release the album.
Lesley can sing a variety of genres from country to Afrikaans, including songs by Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Bles Bridges and Neil Diamond, to name a few.
He grew up and worked alongside many famous country singers and had the pleasure of being the opening act for South African songwriter and singer Steve Hofmeyr.
Lesley is well-known for the song ‘Always Be There’ which he wrote and recorded in 1999. The hit song went gold.
He reached number one twice this year on the Springbok Internet Top 20 music charts for the songs Me and Bobby Mcgee and his original song, Always Be There.
Lesley and Leigh have also recorded a cover song together called ‘Picture’.
Catch Lesley and Leigh at the Uvongo flea market on December 21 from 08:00 to 14:00. Go along and enjoy a memorable day, showcasing exceptional stalls, a charming tea garden, and entertaining music. Funds go to the Rotary Club of Hibiscus Coast.
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