It's set to be an emotional event when a seven-member gospel group, Bafana ba Oleseng, performs at South African State Theatre (SAST) in Pretoria to celebrate the life of late gospel star Oleseng Shuping.
Shuping, who was born in 1963, died in 2010 and was regarded as one of the giants of African traditional gospel music in SA. Tomorrow's performance will see the group reunite for the first time in 17 years.
The ensemble, who sang with Shuping, comprises Kenneth Maluleka, Jonas Notoane, Justice Mathabe, Jacob Mahlangu, Simon Mahlangu, Mpho Kgomosotho and Lulu Tsheola.
The artists have been performing since 1998 and touring Africa with Shuping. Alongside him, they recorded 10 albums which included offerings such as Segopole Boikhantsho, Morena Hao Realo, Oa lebona Na and Sentebale le Nna. Most of the albums sold platinum and gold within weeks of release.
Notoane admits that it has been a struggle to cope without Shuping, but he believes they have healed.. He says every time they tried to sing his music, they would be overwhelmed by emotion and memories which made them realise that they have not healed yet.
“On Saturday [tomorrow], it marks the official return to the stage after 17 years. It has not been easy and I guess all of us now have healed and now ready to perform his music and continue to keep his legacy alive," Notoane says.
Notoane explains that when they pitched the idea to SAST, they were initially given one of the smallest theatres. Later, the theatre changed its mind and gave them one of the biggest spaces to show that they believe in their music.
Maluleka says: "We are nervous because we know if we are overcome with emotion that will be bad for the show. Whatever happens on stage on Saturday we will have to put a brave face. This is special event to us because Oleseng was like a father. He really groomed us spiritually.”
Tsheola, who started working with Shuping when he was 23, is looking forward to the reunion performance. He promises music lovers a thrilling and energetic performance that features 20 of his songs. He says whether the group is ready to face the public is a question that will be answered on stage.
“We have been rehearsing for the past five weeks and everything has been going accordingly and we are looking forward to giving music lovers a great show and remind them of their legend as we celebrate his life and legacy. On Saturday, we will not be mourning but celebrating one of the country’s most successful musicians.”
The group members all met Shuping at a young age and toured with him. According to Notoane, they tried two years ago to have a reunion but it did not work for some reason or another. He says this time around everything fell into place.
“As much as we were busy with other groups individually, we knew that we were neglecting something important. Through the demand of the public and seeing some signs coming through our dreams, we had to reunite and continue singing his music.”
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