Legendary gospel musician Rebecca Malope has ventured into the fashion design industry in an effort to improve job creation in South Africa.
Malope said she started buying sewing machines and fabrics during the Covid-19 lockdown to keep busy as the entertainment industry had been shut down, leaving musicians jobless.
“I didn’t even go to high school, but I know how to sing. Singing and performing lasts until a certain point because as I grow older I get tired faster than I did in my younger days.
“After learning how to make clothes, I realised it was something I wanted to pursue.
“I inspired people through my music, now I want to motivate job creation. We need it in these times,” she said.
The African queen of gospel said she has worn self-made dresses to performances and TV shows but never released the designs as she still feels she is not ready to commercialise her work. Though she has also made garments for her band and choir, Malope said she was still learning all things design, and recently started understanding the use of rulers and pencils.
Malope is well known for her music that retells the heartbreaking story of her early life.
She said the music helped her and many fans through the journey of healing, and though she might have planned to retire, she feels it is necessary to continue trying to heal people through gospel melodies.
The Nkarabe hit maker was born prematurely due to her father’s abuse of her mom. She also succumbed to the abuse. Malope and her sister escaped home for a better life, and she grew up to become an internationally acclaimed musician.
“Oprah said we should write down what hurts us and that has helped me a lot.
“But the truth is that you don’t completely heal from what I have been through, the experience of the dark side of life.
“I still try to push myself, and I want everyone else to try it too, regardless of the pain,” said Malope.
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