By Matšeliso Phulane
Poloko Mohlapiso, better known by his stage name Minister Spokes, has joined one of the biggest South-African gospel ensembles, Joyous Celebration.
Minister Spokes who has taken the Lesotho gospel scene by storm since his entry as a solo artist in 2018, joined the choir this week and said he never expected that coming at all.
Founded in 1994 by industry leaders and musical friends, Lindelani Mkhize, Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba, Joyous Celebration was formed in line with the trio’s dream to create and establish an inspirational project that would help to uplift and heal nations.
Minister Spokes who was raised in a Christian family realised he had talent a very tender age. His grandmother would buy him tapes of the likes of the late Lundi Tyamara at that time.
He moved to Maseru where he found his way into a then prominent gospel group called “Yadah Praise Family”. There his skill was sharpened and he gained a lot of experience, staging with well-known gospel artists such as the late Sefiso Ncwane, Joyous Celebration Members, Ntokozo Mbambo, Lebo Sekhobela, Dr Tumi and many more.
Later he launched his solo career and went on to share the stage with more well- known gospel artists like Neyi Zimu, We Must Praise (from Botswana) and booked for concerts with international artists.
Minister Spokes has released albums such as ‘I am grateful’ and also hosted a gospel music seminar. Further, he was nominated for the best gospel artist by MCTR awards.
He has been featured in one of the biggest events called Lesotho Gospel Explosion. On March 9, he will celebrate his breakthrough with his ‘Unusual Encounter’ show.
In an interview with theReporter this week, Minister Spokes said he received a call from Joyous Celebration in January after they saw his music online.
“They saw my music online and loved me from there. They called early January requesting me to join them.
“Right now, I don’t know how I feel but I think it will sink in with time. I feel so normal and awkward at the same time. Tthis is big for me so much so that it’s scary. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that,” he enthused.
He said currently there are a lot of rehearsals since he started on Tuesday because they will be recording on March 30 and 31, 2024.
Minister Spokes added that despite being part of Joyous Celebration he is still going to release his own albums and host gospel events and shows.
“Joyous Celebration doesn’t swallow Minister Spokes. It’s the platform to build Minister Spokes so I am still the same person that you all know, nothing has changed. It is just that I am now Minister Spokes, part of Joyous celebration.
“I am still going to host my shows, record my music as usual and everything is still going to happen as usual,” he noted. Minister Spokes said there is a lot that people can expect from him since his album is in the pipeline, not to mention the upcoming Unusual Encounter show where he promised to celebrate the big news with Basotho.
