A Hero Without A Cape

In a fictitious plot, there is always a hero who is the protector of the innocent, and defender of the weak. That hero sets standards for him or herself that communities can look up to. “A hero is a character who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, displays courage or the will for self-sacrifice, for the greater good of humanity.

A hero without a cape: Bongani Mnisi

A hero is not only fictitious. There are real life hero’s amongst us. One such hero comes in the form of Bongani Mnisi. Born 9^th November, 1986. From his high school days, Bongani has displayed heroism amongst his community. He has been involved in ambitious projects which all had a criteria of “creating a clean, safe and better community”.

In a neighbourhood plagued with underage drinking, teenage pregnancy, High school dropouts and extensive drug use and gambling. Few teenagers are able to resist the temptations of the plague and make something of themselves. The majority fall victim to the plague that has devastated Bongani’s neighbourhood for decades. However, Thanks to Bongani’s heroic acts, the majority has now been turned into the minority.

One of Bongani’s ambitious projects, is the long running “Lesedi Gospel House” (LGH). Started in 2007. LGH is a choir formed with the criteria of “creating a clean, safe and better community”. Bongani uses the choir to recruit troubled teenagers and grooms them to not only become performers but future leaders of tomorrow. Since LGH was started. It has produced over twenty matric graduates. Some of them having dropped out of school before matric only to be convinced and motivated by the local hero himself. Bongani is also responsible for helping some of his recruits find jobs while he himself remains unemployed. A true reflection of a person who puts others ahead of himself.

Bongani is truly the unsung hero we never hear, or read about. He would like to see LGH reaching heavenly heights with the hope of changing the lives of troubled youths. May the good Lord bless him and LGH. I mean it’s not every day you get to meet a hero.

Garden Of Talent

Lesedi Gospel Choir: A garden of talent

Within townships all across South Africa. There is a lot of undiscovered musical talent amongst the youth. While most of the talent remains undiscovered, due to the talented individuals being unable to find a platform to showcase their abilities. Some do find such platforms through the art of choirs. Choirs provide a platform for talents to be developed and they keep youths away from trouble, while providing wonderful music to the community. One choir being celebrated for its unique development structures and musical style, is “Lesedi Gospel House" (LGH).

Formed in 2007 by Bongani Mnisi and Fikile Makume. LGH was formed after Bongani’s departure from a church choir. His departure was the result of having a different vision of what a choir should be like, and wanting to move away from the traditional musical styles of choirs. LGH lives by the idea that “gospel music can change the lives of many within the community”. This idea drives the delivery in their music which features choreography, clap & tap, and remixed songs from popular artists. The impact of their performance is so breath-taking. One would assume they were attending a John Legend concert.

Their music is a result of creative conductors. With LGH the conductor is selected based on a criteria. A conductor at LGH should be a leader, who not only provides technical instructions to the cooperative group, but also be able to motivate singers, provide feedback, and express the pleasure of music in a unique and energetic manner. If the criteria is met by an individual. He/she is appointed the role of a conductor.

The most positive aspect about LGH is the fact that it does not discriminate anyone from their gender, race, religious beliefs, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disabilities.  It promotes the use of different languages in their music, including English, IsiZulu, Sotho, Tsonga, and Tshivenda. This diversity opens the possibilities of attracting a larger audience. Religious beliefs are also not an obstacle to many because LGH caters for all religions. Their music features songs from the Apostolic church, Zion church, traditional gospel, house music and jazz, just to name a few.

Several years into their existence. LGH is changing lives and giving hope, while providing entertainment within communities. It has also inspired many choirs with their style and presentation on stage. As Lesedi we live by the Motto. “We have chosen change”, so we hope to see that change reach every corner of the globe.