Lebo Sekgobela’s story is one of struggle, resilience and triumph. Long before becoming one of South Africa’s most cherished gospel singers, Sekgobela (born in 1981) was a young girl growing up in southern Gauteng province, where her family grappled with the day-to-day barriers of poverty and inequality. She eventually found her way into the church. In addition to deepening her faith in the Lord, she cultivated a profoundly gutsy vocal style in the music ministry. This led to a stint with Evangelist T.A. Ralekholela’s tent crusades as well as vocal work with Vicky Vilakazi and William Sejake, both of Joyous Celebration fame. Striking out on her own in 2013 with Ithemba Lami, she has since released a string of records that combine a contemporary, choir-based sound with the stateliness of traditional gospel. Sekgobela has notched far too many hits to count, but if there is a calling card in her rich catalogue, it has to be the 2016 smash “Lion of Judah”, a commanding ballad that finds Sekgobela doing what she does best: pouring her heart and soul into God’s music.