By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Kgethang Konese
Johannesburg – Renowned gospel artist, entrepreneur and community builder Kgethang Konese is set to usher in the Easter season with the highly anticipated fifth edition of The Rise, a worship experience that has grown into a powerful spiritual and cultural fixture on South Africa’s gospel calendar.
The 2026 instalment of The Rise will unfold across two major gatherings: on 18 April 2026 at Ethiopia in Midrand, followed by a Limpopo leg on 25 April 2026 at the Ngoako Ramatlodi Sports Complex in Seshego. Now in its fifth year, the event continues to draw worshippers from across the country, united by faith, reflection and praise.
The Midrand celebration will feature the acclaimed Mmuso Worship, while the Seshego edition boasts a strong lineup including Manana Ramongae, Mapula Monyepao and Katleho Seobi. Audiences can expect an atmosphere steeped in authentic traditional gospel, rich harmonies and heartfelt ministry that speaks to both personal faith and collective renewal.
The Easter gatherings come on the heels of a significant milestone in Konese’s musical journey: a successful live recording held on 31 January 2026, which marked a new chapter in his evolving body of work and reaffirmed his place as one of gospel music’s most distinctive voices.
Rooted in the meaning of Easter, The Rise is more than a concert series. It is a reflective worship experience centred on sacrifice, renewal and resurrection. Through song and shared moments of praise, the event carries a message of hope, restoration and resilience, reminding communities of the triumph of light over darkness and the power of faith to lift people beyond their circumstances.
Born in Lesotho and raised in South Africa, Kgethang Konese’s personal story mirrors the message he carries on stage. He grew up in Jouberton, Klerksdorp, attending Mokolokotoane Primary School and later matriculating at Tshedimosetso Secondary School. From these humble beginnings, he has built a career that bridges ministry, music and business leadership.
Beyond his gospel calling, Konese is a seasoned entrepreneur and serves as Group Chief Executive Officer of a Johannesburg-based company with a national footprint. The group operates across events management, project management, learnership administration and labour activation programmes. Collectively, these ventures have created employment for more than 300 full-time staff and opened over 45,000 opportunities for South Africans over the years.
Soft-spoken yet deeply influential, Konese is a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church and is widely admired for his rich, resonant voice and reverent interpretations of hymns and choruses that resonate across generations. His music reaches millions of listeners globally, drawn to its authenticity, humility and spiritual depth.
His impact extends beyond music and business into place-making and community development. Konese has played a key role in positioning Klerksdorp and the City of Matlosana as viable hosts for large-scale cultural events. Initiatives such as The Rise Easter celebrations and the Matlosana Mega Fest have contributed to local economic activity, cultural expression and social cohesion.
As The Rise (5th Edition) approaches, Kgethang Konese continues to embody a rare balance of faith-driven artistry and purposeful entrepreneurship. His philosophy remains consistent: work diligently, uplift others and trust in divine guidance. For thousands expected to attend in Midrand and Seshego this Easter, The Rise promises not only music, but a moment to pause, reflect and rise anew.
