Barorisi Ba Morena

Barorisi Ba Morena is one of South Africa's longest-serving and most influential indigenous gospel choirs, recognised as a pioneer of the country's distinctive ‘Clap and Tap’ gospel tradition. Formed in Soweto in 1965 by a group of fourteen worshippers from the St Jacobs Saviours Church, the choir was founded not by professionally trained musicians, but by ordinary congregants united through their love of worship and African choral music. Their energetic blend of handclapping, rich vocal harmonies and multilingual praise songs helped shape what became known as Mmino wa Barorisi, a style that would later evolve into the widely celebrated Clap and Tap gospel movement.

Throughout a career spanning more than six decades, Barorisi Ba Morena has released an extensive catalogue of albums, many through Gallo, becoming one of the most prolific groups in South African gospel music. Among their best-known recordings are Ho Binoa Hosannah, Jesu Otlile, Ruri Le Nkhapile Pelo, O Mohau Wa Modimo, Dichaba, Glory, Ke Fumane Morena Jesu, Long Way to Heaven and Rorisang Morena. Their music seamlessly combines traditional African worship with contemporary gospel influences, allowing their songs to resonate across generations and church denominations throughout Southern Africa.

The choir has performed extensively across South Africa and neighbouring countries, including Lesotho and Botswana, where they have remained ambassadors for indigenous gospel music. Their influence extends well beyond their own recordings, with many of today's leading choirs acknowledging Barorisi Ba Morena as the group that inspired the genre's widespread popularity. Over the years they have shared stages with fellow gospel pioneers such as Isaac and the Mighty Messengers, Lejwe la Motheo, Mighty Oh Lord Singers and other prominent church choirs at major gospel festivals.

Barorisi Ba Morena's contribution to South African gospel has been recognised through more than 50 music awards and over 200 industry nominations, reflecting decades of excellence in ministry and performance. Even after more than half a century, the choir continues to record new music, including the acclaimed 2022 album Matshidiso, while remaining faithful to its original mission of spreading hope, healing and the Gospel through song. Today, Barorisi Ba Morena stands as one of the founding institutions of South African indigenous gospel music and a treasured symbol of the country's rich spiritual and musical heritage.