FILE Pic, Sam and his backing vocalists prepare for a performance
Mohalenyane Phakela
GOSPEL crooner, Lisema “Sam” Roelane says his latest offering is meant to encourage Christians to unite regardless of denominations since they all worship one God.
The South African-based artist released a 12-track album titled Ke Ntse ke Rapela last month which resonates around the theme of unity.
Sam told the Weekender this week the album emphasizes that believers worship the same God from the first track to the last.
“For instance, the first track Kereke simply states that all churches are the same because we pray and worship one God who is the creator of everything,” he said, adding that the album also features tracks such as Ke Lumetse, Konyana and Moloki Waka among others.
“The main message of the album is that we are all God’s children and don’t need to discriminate against one another because of our various denominations.”
Sam said the differences over denominational doctrines had also created divisions within families.
“Some family members now hate each because of the different doctrines they follow, yet we are one in Christ.”
Narrating his musical journey, Sam said it all started during his days as a herd-boy, with his skills later on honed after joining a community choir.
After relocating to Witbank, South Africa in 1980 where he worked in the mines, Sam launched his debut album, Moshe, in 2004.
This was followed by Matla Mo Khumamela (2005), Haba Mpotsa Tshepo Yaka (2006) and Kena le Molisa in 2008.
Sam is a member of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) which has a great influence on his musical style.
“My mixture of instruments and vocals is greatly influenced by my ZCC background. I write and compose my music,” he said.
Despite being in the industry for over a decade, Sam said he had struggled to distribute his music until recently when he signed with South African stable, Modisa Music, under which his latest offering was released and distributed.
“As a person working in the mines, I did not know how I could market and distribute my music since I did not know the channels to follow,” he said.
“I would just pay for studio time and not know what to do after recording. I was just driven by passion to continue making music.”
Sam added: “I met Modisa Music owner, Aubrey Diphoko, last year as I was about to my latest album. He was a lifesaver because, for the first time, I saw my album in a music store and also did a radio interview.
“Finally I feel I am going somewhere with my career and I believe now I can be able to reach out to many Christians and preach to them the gospel through song.”