She has done it for 31 years and has a TV career spanning for almost a decade. Rebecca Malope is most arguably a God-sent talent. We review her latest album.
Thirty-four albums later, Rebecca is as relevant as when she first started out 31 years ago. The Queen of Gospel’s 34th album is yet another remarkable masterpiece that yet again cements her meaningful relationship with her millions of adoring fans.
Her latest album, titled Bayos’khomba, takes Sis Ribs’ outstanding vocal excellence to another level. The title track, Bayos’khomba is strategically positioned as the opening track. The backers on the song coupled with the semi- leisurely tempo and beats try and outdo Ribs but she quickly regains the lead and proves why she earned the Queen of Gospel title. Unquestionably my Sis Ribs favourite track to date, the song proves why the Queen of Gospel remains at the top of her game – She is just simply the best.
The subsequent track, Uphakeme, can only be appreciated by those who understand the true meaning of worship. If you have ever faced life’s most threatening situations that left you almost in a state of insanity, you will lose yourself when listening to this track. A worship song that can usher you into the presence of God when you reflect on what God has done in your life, you will sing along and say “Bayede”.
I have said it before and I will say it again, what sets Rebecca apart from her peers is her ability to resonate with her fans, offer them hope in the midst of whatever challenges they go through. Besides, Dr Malope is herself the beacon of hope and epitome of grace. “The Lord God your maker, tailored your life in a very special way, full of promises and the knowledge that in the midst of your troubles, there is a way out,” says Sis Ribs of her album. Indeed, her album in a way offers a way out of your troubles in a sense that you will no longer be the same when you listen to it.
The remix of the popular song, Tshwarelo ya dibe tsaka, shows just how innovative Ribs is. She took the song and made it relevant for 2013 generation of music buyers. She also pays tribute to Madiba on track 8, titled Madiba, which encapsulates why Madiba remains an international icon. If you are an emotional fellow, this song will see you shed a tear or two.
The album is jam-packed with 12 songs plus one bonus track, Woza Nawe, taken from her previous album which she recorded live at the State Theatre featuring the Tshwane Gospel Choir last year.
With a TV career spanning over nine years, Rebecca will be adding another milestone next year when her show, It’s Gospel Time, celebrates 10 years on air. At the same time, she will in all probability, be celebrating her 35th album.
By the sound of Bayos’khomba, Ribs will not be hanging her golden mic anytime soon. Besides, we still need someone as distinguished as Sis Ribs, someone who has lived in abject poverty and rose above their circumstances in full view of the country.
A four star album