Lord Comforters: "It’s not about money"

By Sbu Ngubane

Several music groups have failed to stand the test of time, yet the Lord Comforters have managed to defy this scourge by successfully sticking together for years now. Today they stand proud as one of the longest serving groups in the music industry. In this interview with Sbu Ngubane, the group’s chairman and co-founder Thembalethu Ngalwana reveals the secret behind their sustainable unity...

                    Thembalethu Ngalwana - (far right in the back row)

Tell us about the history of the Lord Comforters 

The group was founded by Mandla Makhubalo in 1995 in Kings Williams Town noma eQonce in the Eastern Cape . The main objective was to unite local youth from different church affiliations in the area to praise the Lord with one voice. As such, we are an interdenominational gospel group. 

Several South African music groups have hardly lasted half a decade without splitting. What is the secret of your sustainable unity that has seen you going strong for eight years now? 

Our founder established us from a strong vision by making it clear from the outset that the group is no money making machine but a foundation from which all different churches around the area could find common ground. Before cutting our debut CD Noyana, we used to perform in local halls and because of our various church affiliations we commanded huge audiences. 

How did you strike a recording deal? 

Our recording deal came by chance after Sizwe Zako, who was scouting for talent at a time saw us performing at Griffiths Mxenge College of Education during a local gospel concert.

                       Talent scout and music producer Sizwe Zako

Money squabbles seem to be the main cause of music groups splitting. How have you managed to defy this scourge? 

As I said before that Makhubalo had a sound vision about us; before we signed a recording deal he reminded us once again that  we’re not a profit making organisation but since there will be royalties expected now, no one would benefit as an individual, instead we all agreed to open a trust account. With the money we made from our first three albums we bought ourselves uniforms, music equipment and a minibus. 

Then why did Makhubalo leave after the third album Yizw’indaba? 

There was no bad blood between us. Partying ways was an amicable decision because soon after opening up a recording studio he decided to extend his generosity by establishing new gospel groups. By that time he felt we were strong enough to stand on our own feet. And as a person who was a Chairman even while he was presiding, the group deemed it necessary for me to fill his shoes. After all, I have been with the group since its inception. 

You seem to be a professionally well managed group indeed, but you can't say there are no challenges involved in heading such a massive gospel team 

Of course there are challenges. As the brand grew stronger and more famous, economic challenges set in and at one stage we realised that some of us needed money. Half of our band members of 18 adult people were unemployed and music was the only thing they were doing for a living. So we came together and decided to divide royalties equally, regardless whether one is working or not. We also agreed at this stage that no one is special than the other group member  regardless whether you are a lead singer, a composer or a back up vocalist. We also agreed that in case some of us decided to leave, the name would stay with the group. 

Any setbacks after Makhubalo's departure? 

As a radio presenter he had a major impact on our promotion because he had all sorts of connections. After his departure we had to rely on our record company, whose focus obviously is also on other artists. In this sense I would say there are minor setbacks since Makhubalo specifically pioneered our promotion. 

What remedy would you prescribe to rid our industry of this common group schism? Fans are the most affected, you know.

Speaking of fans, my message to them is that one way or another their behaviour sometimes do lead to music groups falling apart. To make an example with us, at one stage we were performing in Durban when some fans mobbed our lead singer Zoliswa Skeyi after the show, some asking her why she doesn't go solo. I want fans to know that this kind of behaviour has led astray a  number of artists whose careers were going strong into believing that they are the only reasons their groups existed. First of all, the word group means team work. Behind the scenes there are producers and composers whose gigantic roles make it possible for the very lead singer to open her mouth and sing. In our case, no one is greater than the other. So it is this very spirit of humility that keeps us going so strong. 

Thanks for sharing your success story with us Themba. See you next time.

Thank you.