Music
The Morning Star Church Choir launched their second album, Gospel Hurricane Vol.2, during an event held at the Makhado Show Grounds' hall a fortnight ago.
This choir is the baby of Morning Star Apostolic Faith Mission Church in South Africa under Archbishop AJ Mamuthubi and its headquarters are at Midoroni village in the Kutama area.
"We have come a long way as a choir and this album only speaks about the excellence and determination which we demonstrate," said the choir's spokesperson, Tamani Mamuthubi. "The album boasts 14 songs." The album comprises songs such as O re rute, Ndo themba vhone, Ntate kemang, Bokang Modimo, Worship Medley and Yesu ndo u tulutshelwa.
The Morning Star Church Choir was formed by choirs from different branches of the church, organised by the highly talented musician, Rev Nthangeni Serongwa, on 25 May 1990. Another album, Kenang Bohle, followed in 1997. "The vision of our choir is to unite all the youths of the church from different branches and give them a chance to praise the Lord without competing with one another," Tamani said.
It was further modernised in that music arranger Tshepo Khangadela had introduced ragga rap elements in one song at some stage. "Lack of knowledge in terms of marketing had affected the album sales," Tamani said. "Concerts, clap-and-tap choir competitions, performances in churches and other outside functions were things that kept this choir going."
The choir was relaunched in 2013 and recorded Hurricane Vol.1 in 2015 at JSL Productions in Germiston with the help of producer Reuben Ramahlare.
"All songs were composed and arranged by Zee," she said. "This was the time when the choir called itself The Gospel Hurricane (as a praise name)." The album comprised a hitmaker titled Blessed Assurance, which was basically a song whose content was relevant to persons of all age groups."
It is believed that this choir was the first 'clap-and-tap choir' in Vhembe. The choir had then given rise to all 'clap-and-tap choirs' around Kutama and Sinthumule area in the early 1990s.
They had recorded their debut album, entitled Mathupho (Sufferings), at Universal Recordings and the project was published by Rickmick Music at Birnam in Gauteng in December 1990. All songs were arranged by Rev Serongwa.
This choir was honoured with an award for the most improved clap-and-tap choir during the Annual Mmino Wa Clap and Tap Awards on 18 June 2016.
"We are available for performances at any event in accordance with what the event requires," Tamani said.
The Morning Star Church Choir can be reached at 072 3580 003, 076 9994 775 or 072 359 9496.