Five Essential Solly Moholo Songs

Solly Moholo was a gospel music titan in Africa. He earned that status by being a consummate messenger of the Word, delivering sonorous sermons that resonated with listeners for his intrinsic understanding that salvation is the ultimate goal of Christianity. It also helped that many of his songs inspired singalongs.

Yesterday, Moholo’s family announced the passing of the popular singer. He had fallen ill last month while on tour in Botswana, reportedly suffering a stroke and experiencing multiple organ failures. Moholo’s passing was met with widespread sadness, and tributes poured out across social media, immortalizing him as an influential household name.

“Solly Moholo provided the melodies, rhythms and words of inspiration and comfort, such as we need now, that were the soundtrack of faith, worship and community for millions of South Africans and neighbors in our region for decades,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosasaid in a statement.

Moholo will no doubt be eternally revered for the warmth his music provided, and will continue to provide, to listeners. In remembrance of his grace-filled work, here are five essential Solly Moholo songs.

“Banaka Nako Ea Me E Haufi”

In the wake of Moholo’s passing, the song that seems to bear an increased significance is “Banaka Nako Ea Me E Haufi,” with several people on social media interpreting it as a pre-emptive prayer for his passing. While that rings true, it also underlines the fact that the singer never took his eye off the goal: Salvation. Moholo sang of angels taking him to heaven after his time on earth elapsed, rooting his joy in the promise of seeing and being in the presence of God’s glory. Till his latter days, the song continued to lift spirits at concerts and even at political rallies.

“Ke Latlhile Botsotsi”

For generations of South Africans, the first Solly Moholo song that comes to mind is “Ke Latlhile Botsotsi.” It’s not just Moholo’s greatest song, it’s arguably the definitive South African gospel song of the 2000s. In his trademark warm tone, Moholo extols the virtue of repentance, singing of turning away from sin in a first person perspective that makes the topic relatable and non-judgmental. “Ke Latlhile Botsotsi” also features one of Moholo’s most iconic choruses, a soulful croon that stays in your head after first listen and might pop back up long after you’ve listened.

“Tsoha Jonase Nice Time Ya Bolaya”

Redemption is an intrinsic part of being a believer. That’s the major teaching in “Tsoha Jonase Nice Time Ya Bolaya,” where Moholo leans in on the biblical story of Jonah and his mission to Nineveh to encourage listeners to be open to God’s plan, as well as dedicate their lives to the redemption only God can grant. It also features one of the most memorable chants in Moholo’s catalog: “Holla 7, Holla Jesus.”

“Mothang Ke Kolobetswa”

Regardless of denomination, baptism is widely regarded as a pivotal point in a Christian’s life, signaling readiness to commit to God’s precepts. On “Mothang Ke Kolobetswa,” Moholo’s knack for evangelism shows up once again, as he underscores the importance of baptism and urges those who want to turn to, and follow, God’s word to take the plunge. It’s a gentle nudge. “May the thousands and thousands repent because of his Music,” @ModimoMoyaTrinityMoya writes on the song’s YouTube page.

“Lefu Le Tshabeng Ellis Park Stadium” by Winnie Mashaba & Solly Moholo

Part of Moholo’s legacy was his willingness to mentor younger gospel artists, one of which includes the great Winnie Mashaba. “I was very young and clueless about the music industry. My mom handed me over to Malome Solly Moholo, he trained me and guided me throughout. It’s so painful to say Rest In Peace Malome Solly,” Mashaba wrote in her tribute post on X.Also added to the post was a short clip of their collaboration, “Lefu Le Tshabeng Ellis Park Stadium,” which Mashaba and Moholo sung in memory of the dozens that died during the Ellis Park Stadium disaster in 2001. It’s somber yet hopeful.