Alexandra-born sister The Light Twins proudly share their Xitsonga heritage in the new release of “Ukwetsimile.”
South African gospel duo The Light Twins, made up of Lesedi and Lebone Khunou, have released “Ukwetsimile,” a Xitsonga Sanctus Catholic hymn that has long been familiar within choir and liturgical spaces.
“Ukwetsimile,” meaning “You Are Holy,” draws inspiration from the traditional Sanctus liturgy — “Holy, Holy, Holy” — and presents it through stirring harmonies, uplifting instrumentation, and the unmistakable anointing that has become synonymous with The Light Twins’ ministry.
Born and raised in the township of Alexandra, they started making music at a young age. Growing up in church and surrounded by music in their community, they entered the mainstream in 2017.
“Gospel music felt like a natural calling because their faith has always been central to who they are. For them, music is not just performance; it is ministry and worship. Singing the Sanctus in Xitsonga is deeply personal for us. It’s about honoring both our faith and our heritage,” Lesedi says.
“We wanted to create a worship experience that feels intimate but also universal — something that speaks from our roots to the world,” Lebone reiterated.
The Light Twins are a South African gospel duo known for their rich harmonies, spiritually resonant sound, and commitment to celebrating faith through African language and culture. Blending contemporary gospel with traditional influences, the duo has built a reputation for music that is both reverent and uplifting. Over time, The Light Twins have continued to expand their reach, ministering through live performances, church platforms, and recorded music. Their artistry is marked by vocal precision, heartfelt delivery, and a clear spiritual purpose: to inspire devotion, unity, and faith across generations.
Rather than introducing a new composition, this release seeks to return listeners to the heart and meaning of the hymn, inviting deeper reflection on the words that are often sung but not always fully contemplated.
This release encourages listeners to pause, listen, and re-enter the sacred moment the Sanctus represents within the Mass.
The recording features six Catholic priests from the Archdiocese of Johannesburg: Father Mlungisi Mabe, Father James Thaki, Twin priests; Fathers Tshepo and Tshepiso Lekoko, Father Kgaogelo Ntsie, and Father Limpho Maoela.
Their voices anchor the hymn firmly within the life of the Church, reinforcing its liturgical depth and spiritual authority. The intention behind the release, not performance, but reverence; not reinvention, but renewed awareness.
The Light Twins explain that the purpose of this recording is to ensure that Ukwetsimile is not only sung from memory but understood, felt, and entered into as an act of worship. By presenting the hymn with clarity, restraint, and spiritual focus, the duo hopes to remind worshippers of the weight and beauty carried in these sacred words.
The song is offered as a resource for Mass, prayer, choirs, and personal devotion, contributing to the ongoing preservation of Xitsonga within Catholic liturgy, while inviting contemporary listeners into a renewed awareness of God’s holiness.
Outside of music, both are professionals in the financial industry, working for different companies. Lebone is a Scrum Master, while Lesedi is a Senior Specialist in Innovation.
SUPPLIED.
