LEBO SEKGOBELA | GOD HAD ANOTHER PLAN | WHO IS LEBO AT HOME | MINISTRY OR BUSINESS | I NEVER QUIT

Before millions of people knew the voice behind “Lion of Judah”, Lebo Sekgobela had already lived through years of rejection, disappointment, service and waiting. In this episode of the King David Studio Podcast, David Mashabela sits down with award-winning South African gospel singer and worshipper Lebo Sekgobela for a deeply personal conversation about the journey behind the music, the woman behind the ministry and what it takes to keep believing when success does not arrive when you expect it. Lebo grew up in Gauteng's Vaal area and spent years developing her voice long before becoming a household name. She worked as a backing vocalist with artists including Vicky Vilakazi and William Sejake, while also serving in church and working outside the music industry. She has spoken openly about entering numerous auditions and talent competitions and repeatedly being turned away. But she kept singing. Her solo journey included Ithemba Lami and By His Grace in 2013 before the release of Restored in 2016 changed everything. The album became a multi-platinum success and introduced Lion of Judah to a much wider audience. The song became one of the defining South African gospel recordings of its era and helped establish Lebo as one of the country's leading worship voices. Interestingly, Lion of Judah was not originally written by Lebo. She has explained that she heard Matsetse Matthews, who wrote the song years earlier, perform it at a conference in Durban in 2015. The message spoke to her, and her eventual recording helped carry the song to a new generation of listeners. In this conversation, David explores the years before the breakthrough. What does repeated rejection do to somebody who believes she has been called to sing? How do you maintain faith when the doors you believe should open keep closing? And when success finally arrives, how do you make sure fame does not change the person you were before anybody knew your name? Lebo has previously said one of her prayers during the height of her success was that the attention and acclaim should not change her character. The conversation also looks at the realities behind gospel music: ministry, business, money, musicians, performance, family life and the responsibility that comes with being regarded not simply as an entertainer, but as a spiritual voice by thousands of people. Lebo's career has continued evolving beyond Lion of Judah. Her catalogue includes projects such as Umusa and Hymns and Worship, while her official biography lists numerous gospel awards and nominations over the years. Lebo sekgobela More recently, she expanded into another creative space when she made her acting debut in the Mzansi Bioskop drama Ingozi, playing Zanele. Lebo described acting as a dream come true and indicated that she was open to exploring more opportunities beyond music. In 2025 she was also building large-scale gospel experiences of her own, including Worshippers Unleashed and Gospel Love and Soul, alongside plans for a nationwide tour and another Hymns and Worship project. But beneath all the achievements remains a remarkable human story: A young woman who was repeatedly told no. A daughter whose family did not have everything. A backing singer waiting for her opportunity. A worshipper who kept serving. And eventually, a voice heard across South Africa and beyond. This is Lebo Sekgobela — beyond “Lion of Judah.” Watch the full conversation with David Mashabela on the King David Studio Podcast. Remember to like, share and subscribe to King David Studio Podcast for more thoughtful long-form conversations with the people who have shaped South African music, culture and public life. #LeboSekgobela #LionOfJudah #KingDavidStudioPodcast #DavidMashabela #GospelMusic #SouthAfricanGospel #Restored #Umusa #Worship #Faith #Gospel