Rebecca Malope forgets lyrics on stage

South Africa's gospel music icon, Rebecca Malope, says she sometimes forgets lyrics to her songs when performing and resorts to fans for assistance by requesting them to sing along.

Malope who was in the country at the weekend for Gospel Divas concerts in Bulawayo and Harare said live performances were no walk in the park adding that it is difficult to please diverse audiences.

"At times I find myself stuck on stage, not knowing what song to sing next. When I'm singing, I get so overwhelmed and from time to time, forget lyrics. "But being an experienced artiste, I have a clever way of going around it as I stretch out the mic to the audience and ask them to sing along," said Malope.

The Umoya Wami hit-maker who has been in the music industry for over 30 years said her trick always works well as the audience rarely disappoints. "Forgetting lyrics happens to every singer, especially for me who has so many songs from the 35 albums I've produced thus far."

The 47-year-old artiste who is celebrating 30 years in the music industry said one of her fondest memories of her illustrious career was when she performed for Nelson Mandela‚ after getting a personal invitation from the former president of South Africa.

"I couldn't believe it when Mandela invited me to Maputo in Mozambique, not only to perform‚ but spend time with him as well. It was unreal‚" Malope recollected. "There were politicians everywhere and they were happy to see me perform. I've never felt so important in my life."

Malope said her career has had its fair share of ups and downs as her lowest point was when she lost her parents and siblings within a year.

"I lost members of my family when my career was at its peak. It was very difficult, because they died one after the other. My father passed away first and we buried him on a Saturday, on Monday, my brother passed away, meaning we had to prepare for another funeral. A month later, my sister passed away followed by my mother." She said after the loss, her producer Sizwe Zakho suggested that she finds comfort in listening to her own music.

Like any mother, Malope who has three children, said she wanted to protect them and has tried to discourage them from being musicians. "I discouraged my kids from venturing into music because it has so many challenges. I wanted them to go to school first then varsity and do what they like afterwards.

"My son Zweli and daughter Thandeka are both working in South Africa. However, my other daughter Noluthando is my manager."

Malope performed to a sizeable crowd at the Queens Sports Club grounds in Bulawayo with local female artistes including Abigail Mwembe, Tholakele, Mai Charamba, Thobekile Nleya, Lorraine, Rudo and Lady Tshwane backing her.

She turned the concert on Sunday into a church service as she led revellers in prayer while performing all time favourites, such as Thandanani, Don't let me die and Angingedwa which evoked emotions. When she performed her 2002 hit Iyahamba Lenqola, Malope got off stage and took a lap around the grounds with fans joining her.