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Sammy Malete grew up in a religious family. His father, Pastor Malete, started his ministry with the Assemblies of God but was soon called to help build the South African branch of the Apostolic faith Mission in Africa. He has devoted the past 25 years to this mission and today A.F.M has a huge following with branches throughout the country.
The Maletes are also a musical family with father, mother and sisters all gifted singers. Pastor Malete initially encouraged Sammy to learn to play the accordion and it wasn’t to long before Sammy taught himself to play organ.
Sammy recorded his debut album “Mahlomoleng a bona” in 1988 and with it he won the acclaim of the media and built a sizeable following as Sammy and the Revivals. After the release of his second album with The Revivals in 1990, entitled “Sebe Saka”, Sammy’s life went through a rough patch and he lost his way. Facing major personal problems and his musical career floundering, Sammy turned to Jesus for help.
In a moment of deep despair he was moved to write a prayer in which he confessed his weakness and
asked for help. This prayer was turning point in Sammy’s life and served as an inspiration for him to rebuild his faith. He recorded the prayer “Thapelo” and featured it on his album release through Cool Spot in April 1992. This album was entitled “Ke lengolo le monate”
Since then Sammy, with the help of his close friend Piet Sebiloane and cousin Paul Lechalaba went on to record three more albums with Cool Spot “ Ke kopa Tshwarelo (March 1993), “Tau ya Juda”(April 1994) and “Ngwaneno o kae” (October 1995) and Afika Will Be free
On the 24th June 1996 Sammy started recording a new album which he was due to release in September. Tragically, in the early hours of Monday 1 July on his way home after performing at a festival in Mmabatho - at which the state President Mandela was quest of honour - Sammy died instantly in a car crash
In Sammy Malete the music world has lost a most talented singer, songwriter and performer. But he will be remembered by many as his music lives on and continues to inspire others to follow the word of God and comfort and help those who have lost their way to find strength and experience the joy of salvation.
