Glorious solo journey for former Yadah Family singer

‘MAKERESEMESE LETUKA

MASERU – After a six-years stint with Gospel group, Yadah Praise Family, singer ‘Minister Spokes’ launched a solo project – and he is unstoppable as his music journey progresses. The singer dreams of becoming one of the biggest gospel artists the country has ever had.

‘Minister Spokes’, whose real name is Poloko Mohlapiso, is aged 24 and was born in Maseru’s rural town of Semonkong. He began his schooling Samuel Primary School to complete his studies at Phuthiatsana High School.

Poloko joined and stayed with Yadah Praise Family around 2012 and six years later released his very first album, ‘The Genesis’. It is at Yadah that he realised and nurtured his talent and love for music, driving his unquestionable passion.

“I had quite a number of shows after the release of this first album, which is my first achievement. I held concert in Botswana, Thaba-Nchu, named ‘The Genesis Church Tours’, and at the Black Swan in 2018 and 2019.

It is really exciting to see the love from people you know, the appreciation, the support and the love; and it somehow makes it easy for me as a musician to keep bringing more for the fans,” says the musician.

He says it is been a dream to be one of the biggest gospel artists Lesotho, which he couples with entrepreneurial projects in which he sells household products and clothing.

“One of the gospel artists I look up to is South African Gospel muso Benjamin Dube, he is one passionate artist I have ever known. The quality of his projects is extraordinarily amazing. His work ethic, his passion and determination of music…the list is endless. Above all, his commitment to serve is really exceptional.

It is because of music that I had an opportunity to explore places like Cape Town and Botswana. I do not think if I wasn’t a musician I would have been to those places.”

Poloko says his fans and Gospel music lovers can expect a show next month, saying “I am hosting a show on May 1 at Botleng Guest House,” he reveals.

“In this industry there will always be challenges like negative criticism from some quarters, there is always negativity coming from somewhere; but it is part of the journey.

But my family is always behind me every step of the way and in every show. My church, my Bishop, most of the local music lovers are honestly supportive,” Poloko continues.

He has thus far a single album under his belt, and has offered two singles ‘Wamuhle’ and ‘Holy Spirit’, and the singer says ‘Wamuhle’ remains his favourite song because “it my testimony.”

“Well, gospel is more than just a choice to me, it is a calling, and I feel better when I sing Gospel, I am more effective on Gospel. People are more impacted when I do Gospel, I am comfortable in Gospel, and it is working to my advantage because so many Christians connect with my music,” he confidently adds.

He has been blessed to share the stage with the likes of South African megastars such as the late Pastor Neyi Zimu, Dr Tumi, Ntokoso Mbambo, Lebo Sekgobela and local singer Mookho Moqhali at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru and some of them in Cape Town, South Africa. He calls his performance alongside Pastor Neyi Zimo one with the best feeling ever.