Devotion: Grace nobly shrugs pricey gift for Keke’s resurgence

By Victor Mecoamere

Gospel music star Keke used the live recording of his ninth album, Resurgence, which occurred at the Soweto Theatre in Gauteng at the weekend, to reveal the reason for his twelve year long absence from the mainstream of the local showbiz arena.

A short while into his marriage to his wife, Grace, she was diagnosed with cancer. Keke decided to drop all things, including his career, to take care of Grace. Keke said both he and his wife, Grace, sacrificed a lot over the past years, adding that Grace sacrificed her health, while Keke put his career on hold, while he was nursing her back to good health.

Interestingly, over the past few weeks, media releases that were promoting the recording stated that, besides writing material for Resurgence, the Pimville, Soweto born Keke, real name Kekeletso Phoofolo, was stabilising his church, Shekinah Glory Worship Tabernacle; streamlining the operations of GraceKeke, a multimedia events management company he co-owns with his wife, Grace; and that he was also working developing African Spirit Musical, a youth and community development oriented production that is expected to be staged in Soweto soon.

But, during the hectic four hour long recording, Keke disclosed a heartwarming motive, which highlighted how both he and his wife had sacrificed a lot for the couple to see the fruition of Resurgence, which signals the revival of his career, hence the album’s apt title.

As the show was nearing its end, Keke paused and spoke in a heart-to-heart manner with the highly animated audience. He said that nine years ago, on the eve of his betrothal to Grace, he was involved in a horrific car crash, from which he barely survived, but he made it to the wedding, regardless.

As the formalities unfolded during the wedding, Grace whispered in his ear, reminding him that he promised to sing for her at their wedding.

Keke then confessed that, owing to the physical and psychological impact of the crash the previous day, Keke had forgotten the lyrics of the love song he planned to sing for his wife.

So he improvised, with the words flowing almost supernaturally, and he chanted a ditty that became one of the items of the new album, with the refrain, “…Ke mmone, Jehovah… Ke senatla sa bophelo baka… (I’ve seen Jehovah, the warrior of my life).”  Continuing his intimate chat with his diehard fans, Keke then revealed that Grace was diagnosed with cancer, and after a long period of prayers and divine intervention, the condition is thankfully in remission.

So, recently, Keke suggested that they should acquire a special gift, like a new car, to celebrate her health and their tenth anniversary of their marriage,  also seeing that Grace was promoted at her workplace recently. But Grace saw things differently, and she suggested that it was time that Keke revived his career.

And that is how the idea of Resurgence was born, and it comes 12 years since Keke’s 2007 release, Living Testimony, which included a live CD and DVD recording, which was a trendsetting innovation that has since been emulated by many other local artists across a diverse range of music genres.

Keke’s previous personal recordings include Throne Room, which was released in 2018, Keke Presents  Shekina Choir (2017), Keke Reloaded (2016), Devine Victory(2013), Spirit Unlimited (2011), Holy of Hollies (2008), which achieved Gold Status in CD and DVD sales; Living Testimony (2007), which attained Double Platinum Status in CD and DVD sales,  Revival (2006), and the debut album, Restoration, which was launched in 2005.

HEART-RENDING MOMENTS MARK NDIKI’S SURROGACY JOURNEY

BEYOND ORDINARY: The 13-part reality series, based on the story of hope and love, set to premiere on January 28 next year…

By Lehlohonolo Lehana

Actor, TV and Radio personality has bagged a reality show called Life With Moshe, which will be broadcast on Mzansi Magic early next year. In March, Ndiki announced on Instagram that he will become a dad of twins, born via surrogacy.

He also said that the journey was being well documented. Now the 13 part reality series, which is set to premiere on Sunday, January 28 2024, will share this heart-warming journey.

“Witness Moshe’s beautiful story of hope and love as he prepares for his dream family through surrogacy,” read a statement from the channel.  It added that Ndiki’s story “goes beyond the ordinary”.

“As a black, gay man choosing the path of surrogacy to start his family, his decision challenges the dilemma of modern parenting pitted against traditional customs. With the surrogate well into their pregnancy, Moshe’s life is on the brink of an emotional transformation.”

The reality series will also delve into his demanding showbiz career and deeply rooted family ties, promising to deliver “hope, joy and determination”.

The unique story will answer burning questions like, “How does this form of parenting work?” and “How will traditional lineage and ancestral connection customs play out in this scenario?”

“Moshe’s dedication as he navigates therapy and seeks guidance from his ever-supportive mother will move you. His interactions with close friends who stand by him through thick and thin will inspire you.”

Shirley Adonisi, director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net said his energy, charisma, and infectious optimism will light up the screen.

“Viewers will not only witness the highs and lows of his journey but also be able to resonate with the universal themes of love, family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams.”

Life with Moshe is set to air on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 7.30pm on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161). – www.fullview.co.za