By Esther Motlhabane

Bongani Divine Khoza talks about joining Tshwane Gospel Choir,his relationship with God and Disability Awareness

Born and Bred in Brits, a town in the North West Province of South Africa. Bongani Khoza, affectingly known by his full stage name as Bongani Divine Khoza, is a musician with a disability.

In respects to his artistic abilities, Bongani is a newly appointed choir member of Tshwane Gospel Choir and an erstwhile participant of ‘’WE CAN FESTIVAL, a project aimed at fostering the inclusion, integration, and promotion of artists with disabilities into the mainstream creative arts economy’’. The Festival is a partnership of the Durban Playhouse Company and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture.

I had the honour of meeting Bongani Khoza last year during my tenure as a Public Relations Consultant of Lifted Let the Blind Sing. I recently had a chat with him about his lived experience as a theatre performer and his challenges as a musician with a disability, his new work as a member of the Tshwane Gospel Choir, which will perform their live recording titled Harmony of Prayer’s The Revival on 2 November 2024 at the South African State Theatre.

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EM: Hi, Bongani, please share with us more about yourself and your musical journey thus far.

BDK: My musical journey began unexpectedly, rooted in a deep passion for music. As a devoted listener, primarily drawn to gospel genres, I’d often sing along, discovering my voice. Strangers would complement my singing, sparking awareness of my untapped talent. Encouraged, I took a leap of faith, seeking an opportunity to perform at House of Prayer, my hometown church. The pivotal moment arrived when I rendered my first item, profoundly impacting many. Validation from that experience confirmed the genuine praise I’d received, launching my musical journey.

EM: What challenges have you encountered and still encounter as a musician with a disability?

BDK:  As a musician with a disability, I face three primary challenges. Firstly, low self-esteem, fuelled by societal pressure and my condition, often hinders my confidence and participation in events. Secondly, gaining recognition poses significant obstacles, requiring immense struggle. Lastly, I encounter sympathy-driven appreciation, where audiences focus on my disability rather than my artistry, undermining the value of my creativity. I urge listeners to appreciate my music solely for its quality, not my condition.

I have experienced people attributing my selection as a new member of the Tshwane Gospel Choir to my blindness, not talent. Imagine a blind contestant on SA Idols, struggling to hit notes—would they be selected? Unlikely. Talent, not sympathy, earns recognition. Let us separate ability from disability. My music deserves attention because of its creativity, passion, and message. Don’t listen to me because I’m blind; listen because my voice resonates with you. I strive for artistic merit, not pity-driven applause. Recognise my craft, not my condition.

EM: Who have been your greatest gospel inspirations and why?

BDK: Kaya Mtetwa is my gospel music role model, drawn to his distinctive sound that sets him apart from others. I admire his innovative approach, inspiring me to create something uniquely my own, rather than copying his style. His collaboration with Benjamin Dube, “You Will Never Leave Me,”  deeply resonated with me, intensifying my passion for gospel music. Mtetwa’s creativity fuels my aspiration to introduce fresh perspectives, making gospel music even more captivating. He embodies the innovative spirit I strive for in my own artistry.

EM: How would you describe your relationship with God? In addition, how would you define your relationship with music?

BDK: My relationship with God is profoundly personal—He is my Father, and I am His child. This bond is built on love, trust, and unwavering guidance. Unlike a contractual or hierarchical connection, ours is a familial tie. I have witnessed Him intervene in impossible situations, embodying the role of a loving Father when no one else could. To me, God is everything—my rock, my confidant, my provider. His presence makes every other relationship is optional, not essential.

This divine lineage is the inspiration behind my name, Bongani Divine. As a child of God, I carry His attributes and divine nature within me. I am truly divine, not by my own merit, but by virtue of being part of His family. This understanding fuels my identity and purpose. As an heir to His kingdom, I’m humbled and grateful to belong to His wonderful family, where I find unconditional acceptance and love.

My relationship with music is deeply profound. Music is a transcendent force that unlocks a spiritual realm, transporting me from one dimension to another. It is a guiding energy that navigates me through life’s journey, seamlessly moving me from point A to
point B. Music is my sanctuary, where I find solace, healing, and self-discovery. It is an integral part of my being, woven into the fabric of my soul. I am inherently musical.

EM: Our readers remember you from the musical theatre production Lifted: Let the Blind sing. Can you share with our readers your musical experience on the show? And how did you find the balance to transition between theatre, which is more or less acting, and being in a gospel musical group, which is more authentic?

BDK: Participating in “Lifted: Let the Blind Sing”; was a transformative experience, blending music, drama, and personal testimony. Transitioning from theatre to a gospel musical group required embracing authenticity and vulnerability. Theatre taught me adaptability
and expressive storytelling, while gospel music nurtured my spiritual depth and sincerity. Balancing both, I discovered harmony between creative expression and heartfelt worship. The overlap lies in conveying emotion, hope, and resilience—whether through scripted characters or sacred songs. This fusion enriches my artistry, allowing me to inspire and uplift audiences in diverse settings.

EM: Please complete the following sentence Tshwane Gospel Choir will be performing on 2 November 2024 at the South African State Theatre, and people should come watch the show because?

BDK: Tshwane Gospel Choir will be performing on 2 November 2024 at the South African State Theatre; people should come watch our show because it promises to be a soul-stirring, uplifting experience, filled with inspiring testimonies, captivating harmonies, and heartfelt worship, bringing hope, joy, and unity to all who attend.

EM: In Galatians 5:22–23, the verse speaks about the foods of the spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience and kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In relation to that verse and our humanness as a people, do you think we have lost a part of our humanness, and if so, how do you think Ministry can help us to heal?

BDK: Indeed, I believe we’ve lost touch with essential aspects of our humanness, as described in Galatians 5:22–23. The fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in often prioritises productivity over people and individualism over community. This has led to
increased isolation, anxiety, and disconnection.

Ministry can play a vital role in healing and restoring our humanness by:

1. Fostering inclusive communities where people feel seen and truly heard.
2. Encouraging empathy, compassion, and self-reflection.
3. Teaching mindfulness, self-care, and emotional intelligence.
4. Promoting forgiveness, reconciliation, and conflict resolution.
5. Nurturing spiritual growth and connection with a higher purpose.

Scripturally, we’re reminded of the importance of cultivating our humanity:

“Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
“Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
“Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32).
“Let love be genuine” (Romans 12:9).
“Walk in humility” (Micah 6:8).
“Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

By embracing these values and scriptures, ministry can help us rediscover our humanity, cultivating a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. This, in turn, enables us to embody the fruits of the spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—transforming our lives and the world around us.

As we strive to reconnect with our humanity, we’re reminded that “God is close to the brokenhearted”; (Psalm 34:18), and through Ministry, we can experience healing, restoration, and growth, becoming the authentic, compassionate, and loving individuals we were created to be.

EM: Do you have any words of inspiration or affirmation for anyone who is going through their own trials?

BDK: In times of trial, I want to remind you that you are stronger than you think, braver than you feel, and loved more than you know. Don’t lose sight of your worth, your purpose, and your resilience. Here are some affirmations to hold onto:

Stay anchored in hope.
You are not alone; God is your constant companion.
Your trials are temporary, but your strength is eternal.
Every setback is an opportunity for a comeback.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Remember, trials refine, strengthen, and prepare you for greatness. They may shake
your foundations, but they cannot shatter your spirit. Keep pushing forward, knowing:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18)
“You are the light in the darkness, and your story will inspire others.”
“Your scars are testaments to your survival, and your triumphs are on the horizon.”;

May these words be a balm to your soul. You are victorious, and your breakthrough is
coming. Don’t give up; every step forward is a step closer to your miracle.

As you navigate life’s challenges, recall:
You are a warrior, armed with faith and fortified by love.
You are a conqueror, rising above obstacles and doubts.
You are a beacon of hope, shining bright for yourself and others.

Hold on to these truths:
God’s plan for you is prosperity, not pain.
His promise is peace, not turmoil.
His purpose is to give you a future and a hope.

In the midst of trials, take a deep breath, stand tall, and declare:

“I am enough.”
“I am strong.”
“I am loved.”
“I will overcome.”

And when the darkness fades, and the sun shines through, you’ll emerge:

Stronger, wiser, and more radiant than before.
A testament to the power of resilience and faith.
A shining example of hope and inspiration to all.

EM: In light of the upcoming show at the South African State Theatre, where you will be performing Live on stage alongside music legends, would you consider this a full cycle moment for you considering that your first musical theatre experience was at the State Theatre last year?

BDK: Performing alongside music legends at the South African State Theatre is indeed a full-circle moment for me. It’s like the universe is saying, “Bongani, you survived your first musical theatre experience last year; now let’s upgrade you to sharing the stage with legends!”; But seriously, it’s a surreal honour. I’m thrilled to be part of this incredible lineup and can’t wait to soak up the energy, wisdom, and harmonies. Who knows, maybe I’ll even pick up some legendary moves to add to my repertoire!

I recall my first show at the State Theatre, where I was nervously waiting for my cues, hoping not to miss a single entrance. Fast-forward to now, and I’m about to share the stage with icons! It’s a testament to growth, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for music. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.

As I prepare for this momentous occasion, I’m reminded of the wise words: “When God blesses you, nobody can curse you!”; So, here’s to an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and inspiration! Get ready for some soul-stirring performances, and maybe a few spontaneous dance moves—all in the name of celebrating life, love, and beauty of music.

Bring on the music, magic, and legendary selfies! This moment is not just about me; it’s about everyone who’s supported me on this journey. To my family, friends, and fans, thank you for believing in me. Let’s make this night unforgettable! Join me on November 2nd at the South African State Theatre—grab your tickets now at Pick n Pay, Webtickets online, or at the State Theatre box office. Don’t miss out on this epic celebration!

Esther Motlhabane is a Public Relations Specialist putting a spotlight on artists with disabilities and a Disability Rights Activist.