Karabo Ntanzi picture sourced
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic Church Sodality in Kimberley, held its 3rd Gospel Music Concert on Valentine’s Day at Djons Car Wash in Mashoko Street, Galeshewe, with Khethang Konese as the main attraction. Konese is responsible for making Catholic Hymns “Fashionable” and has been involved in this charity event since its inception.
The audience was exquisitely dressed in denim and white with a touch of pink. They were spiritually fed by Michelle Ka Zwide, the Deanery Youth Choir, Ole On the Mic, Fr. Orakwe (a Catholic Priest) and all the way from Klerksdorp, the Bafokeng Brothers.
The musician took the opportunity to introduce new songs that he recorded recently. He praised the Kimberley audience for being the most interactive.
Konese, a Lesotho-born national who relocated to South Africa with his mother, fleeing from an abusive relationship, settled in Klerksdorp.
Raised by a single parent and being the middle child and only survivor from five siblings, he grew up and stayed in a shack for 26 years. “As a young boy, I did not see myself pursuing any profession but being a businessman. Although I started singing at a young age in school and church, I was also subjected to bullying at school,” he narrates.
Konese, a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, started hustling from a young age, from going to supermarkets and assisting customers by pushing grocery trolleys. He started saving some of his earnings, bought a camera and took pictures and videos at weddings and funerals. “I am involved in other businesses, fulfilling my childhood dream. However, one of the lowest points in my life was three years ago when I lost everything due to bad business decisions,” he alluded.
He said he was angry and questioned God’s presence. Thereafter he made a promise to the Almighty that he would continue to praise him if he restores everything he lost, “Indeed God answered my plea and restored my businesses. But I remembered to keep my side of the bargain,” he said.
The Lesotho native credits his mom for his singing talent and strong faith. He said they used to sing and pray together, “It was difficult for me when she died right after I finished my matric. I was literally left to fend for myself, but my survival skills and business acumen helped me,” he stated.
“During the Covid-19 outbreak, people were not going to church, even when they were in church, they could not sing properly because they were restricted by the masks. I started recording and posting hymns. I also realised that because of the complexity of Catholic Hymns, there was nothing recorded, that is how I came up with this angle.”
Despite his hectic schedule: managing his businesses, singing, and reading the bible daily, Konese still makes time for his three children.
Comments are closed.