North singer uses praise and worship to bring hope and healing
A 43-year-old from the north of Pretoria is restoring hope using gospel songs.
Hammanskraal resident Malemi Somo told Rekord she discovered a passion for music at a very young age.
She said she grew up in a family that loved singing, which turned her into a ray of hope for people through the sounds of gospel.
'I grew up singing with my mom at home, and during my primary school years, I was leading the school assembly and choir.'
Her music speaks directly to people who are grieving, feeling pain and loss.
'It reminds those who are in pain, loss and struggling in life that hope is still there,' she said.
She shared that to her, gospel music is a ministry, and she does what God has put in her heart.
She defined what being a gospel musician means to her.
'In gospel music, I'm not creating art, I'm delivering a message that ministers to people's hearts and glorifies God.'
Malemi said she uses the Bible and a book of hymns as inspiration for her songs.
'My songs draw inspiration from Bible scriptures and the hymn book, Difela tsa Sione.'
'When I write a song, I always start with the message, not the music.'
Her first album was titled Pula tsa Lehlohonolo and was released in 2012.
Through the song choices in the album, she wanted to make people feel closer to God.
'It was an inspiration for people to pray to God and ask Him to remember them when he blesses others.'
She said it encourages people who feel alone and like they aren't doing enough in life to remain strong and keep in mind that God bestows blessings on those who are closest to Him.
'I wanted to remind listeners that giving up should never be an option when you can kneel down and ask for strength from God.'
Malemi said she will be releasing a single in the upcoming months, titled 'Lekunutu Le Morena'.
'The single encourages people to dwell in the Lord even if they are in pain or struggling.'
She believes gospel plays a powerful role in the community by inspiring hope, strengthening faith, and bringing people together.
'It goes beyond entertainment. It's a tool for spiritual upliftment, emotional healing, and cultural connection.'
In the next five years, Malemi sees herself growing, not just as a gospel artist, but as a vessel of impact and influence in both music ministry and in business as well.
'I hope to impact future generations of gospel artists by being a living example of purpose, integrity, and worship over fame.
'My desire is to show that gospel music is not just a career, it's a calling.'
To her, success in gospel isn't just about the stage, it's about ministry.
She urged the next generation to realise that spirit-led music still transforms lives and that they don't need to compromise their religion to be noticed.
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