WeeklySA_AdminDESIGN: By the look of things, the iconic singer looks to explore her new-found hobby
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By Gugu Sibiya
Once upon a time she was a child labourer on a farm though her dreams were bigger than ploughing corn or sunflower while avoiding nasty snakes. Her heart bursting with a songs only she could hear, Rebecca Malope embarked on a journey that’s culminated with her as the undisputed, reigning Queen of Gospel today.
As if that’s not enough, her recent showing at events like the late Zanele Mbokazi’s funeral service, Royalty, SAFTA and SAMA Awards, wearing gorgeous designer garments, set the rumour mill on over drive. After intense speculation about her new, secret designer or possible handsome suitor, gossip mongers’ jaws dropped to the floor when she revealed that she’s behind the splendid creations. As it turns out, the lady is not only a canary with pipes for decades but is proving to be a maverick around a sewing machine. Makes you wonder what other aces she’s got up her sleeve.
Giggling like a school girl she confesses “It all started during the pandemic when I suddenly found I had a lots of time on my hands. I turned to Youtube and landed smack bang on a sewing lesson. I made myself a dress and was hooked. When I got confident,
I progressed to creating garments I wore to events I was invited to and on stage. I’ve even made uniforms for the band” she says boasting about a talent she stumbled upon, unexpectedly.
On how she landed in the city of gold, the bubbly songstress with a big personality says “My late sister Cynthia and I walked to Jo’burg all the way from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga. It was a frightening, tiring, journey worsened by hunger and thirst. However we never wavered from our determination to make it. We settled in Evaton in the Vaal. Life was tough, we survived by the grace of God. It got better when we started working as backing singers for other artists. The biggest game changer was when I won the Shell Road To Fame” she says with feeling.
“It threw the music industry doors wide open for me. Overnight I suddenly had a recording contract, a platinum selling debut album that was on high rotation. I was on TV, radio, magazines and newspapers” she recalls, pointing out that her two first offerings were not gospel.
“However taking the gospel route was the best decision for my career” she says with conviction.
Not only has Rebecca received truckload of awards for her offerings but has performed globally. She has been bestowed countless accolades in other African countries, something not to scoff at. “I’m grateful for all those blessings but I wished for that highest honour to come from my country. When President Cyril Ramaphosa bestowed the Order of Ikhamanga on me, I was ecstatic. It was a dream come true. All of this because of the people of my country who’ve supported my music from day one until now. It’s a blessing and a privilege.”
South Africans shouldn’t be surprised by whatever Rebecca does next. “Another highlight of my career was presenting Gospel Times. I knew nothing about TV but the warmth I was showered with, made me feel at home. People always ask about the next season but unfortunately it’s done. It was great while it lasted. I’ll always cherish the experience” she says, marvelling at the farm girl’s journey.
On her new found talent she says “I enjoy making these exquisite garments and surprising myself. However I have no desire to start a business along those lines. I can just imagine the pressure. For now it’s about me” she says, rushing back to the cutting table.
