Former member of the South African girl band, Jamali, makes her presenter debut on the new SABC 2 show Lofprysing on Sunday.
Liesl Penniken first shot to fame in 2003 when she and fellow bandmates Jacqui Carpede and Mariechan came second to Ghetto Lingo on the reality singing competition, Coca-Cola Popstars. They were in their twenties at the time.
Since then, the powerhouse singers have gone on to achieve greatness, even outshining the winners. The band were also nominated for three South African Music Awards and won in 2009 in the category Best South African Pop Act.
SABC 2 recently announced the launch of the new show that will air at 8.30pm. Lofprysing is the home of chart-topping, youthful, contemporary and soulful traditional Afrikaans gospel music that the whole family can enjoy.
Th show touches on Christian values in a shiny music entertainment format, with each episode featuring a live band and creating an electrifying atmosphere with powerful performances from guests.
Penniken said it was her first foray into presenting a live TV show.
“I've been a judge on a previous gospel show but it's much different this time around. I had to sing and interview guests, but the production company really made it worth my while. The entire team was super nice and patient, even if I had to do five different takes, they were so encouraging and always made me believe that I got this.”
In every episode, Penniken will welcome two special guests, including renowned gospel singers, inspirational speakers and community leaders, who share their personal stories, testimonies and musical talents.
Together, they explore themes of faith, hope and love, offering viewers a heart-warming and spiritually enriching experience.
“It’s an exciting new endeavour for me, especially because it's a gospel show. I’ve grown up in the church, my dad is a pastor, so my entire life revolved around church and God. I had the honour of presenting numerous gospel concerts at church. Now, I get to do it on a bigger scale that appeals to a broader crowd.”
Penniken said gospel had always been relevant in her life and music.
“Amidst being part of the iconic girl band, Jamali, God and gospel music has always been the centre of my life and that’s kept me grounded throughout my 20 years within the industry.
“I’ve done numerous solo performances for gospel shows and featured on three projects alongside Benjamin Dube, so I won't say I am unknown within the gospel industry. It’s always been apart of my life.
“Lofprysing is an Afrikaans gospel show, but because we are such a colourful nation, we've included all races and mixed it up with different languages, and not only Afrikaans, to appeal to all viewers.
“This show will not only uplift and encourage the sad or discouraged, but will edify the soul with testimonies and songs sung by some of our renowned gospel artists that will leave your hearts filled with joy.”
Some of the guests include Trevor Malgas; multi-award-winning gospel artist Lebo Sekgobela; Alton Zakay, who has been in the gospel scene for a while; and multi-award-winning gospel artist Dumi Mkokstad; and singers Charnell Josephs, Sindi Ntombela, Julian Manuel, Keneiloe Hope, David Jantjies, Zaza Mokhethi, Patrick Duncan and more.
Weekend Argus