By Doreen Mokgolo
Youth Day: Gospel sensation Vuyo Mokoena’s daughter, Lerato, has over the years been exploited by gospel musicians and promoters as a crowd puller for gospel events.
The 26-year-old gospel artist from Duduza, Ekurhuleni thought she was getting a breakthrough in the industry when she was invited to perform at music concerts.
This was until she identified that they used her father’s name to attract his fans to ensure events’ success.
In an exclusive interview with Scrolla.Africa, Lerato said she wishes her father was still alive to guide her through the harsh industry. He died in 2008 after succumbing to a brain tumour.
“My father used to caution me and my brother about the industry that is full of vultures who take advantage of talented musicians and spit them out once they are done.
“He would say, if we ever decided to take that route we should remain authentic and sing traditional gospel songs and hymns.
“Back then I didn’t understand where he was coming from, his words echo now as I have witnessed this at first hand,” she said.
Lerato has since sought the help of her father’s best friend and backup singer Langa Dube to help her manoeuvre in the industry and fight off the exploitation.
“Langa took over the responsibility of a father after my father’s passing and when I started singing professionally I decided to go to him for guidance whenever I came across challenges.
“He now filters all my invitations to ensure that I am not exploited,” she added.
Lerato is now walking in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a gospel career and faith healing, a step her father was pursuing before he died.
“We used to sing with him as a family as he encouraged a family choir, growing up he encouraged us into ministry.
“He would guide us on areas to improve, to this day I still apply the teachings and ask him for guidance in all that I do,” she added.
Pictured above: Lerato Mokoena
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
