By Mr Lee Tonic
news@alexreporter.co.za
Alex Reporter’s quest for outstanding leaders with untold stories has led us to Jabu Macheke, a well-known drummer who always inspires others.
Jabu, a man of humility and passion for what he does, has a strong belief in Christ. He was born and raised in Malamulele West, KaMudavula Tlangelani, Limpopo.
Drums were something he fell in love with when he was young, but he started taking it seriously in 2005.
He recounts that it was a process that he learned on his own by watching people he admired. Throughout his journey, he was inspired by numerous people, such as Mr. Mabasa (Kulani Xikhogo), who once played drums at his church (Full Gospel ).
“During his departure to varsity, I was given the chance to play. The second person who inspired me was Mr. Lee Tonic who used to teach drums in Malamulele. After watching him teach others, I began to take it seriously. Occasionally, I observe him teaching people until my school transport left me,” he says.
Jabu characterizes a worshiper as someone who is filled with the spirit of the Lord. “He should be chosen and trusted by the Lord to send an incense of praise and worship to him and to also deliver his message to his people through sounds of worship. It could be through voice, dance and instruments.
“I have been a worshipper for as long as I can remember. I come from a lineage of worshippers. What keeps me going is knowing that there is a living God that I serve, who has given me instructions to seek his kingdom.
“I don’t only play drums because it is my passion, but I play them because they form part of my ministry as a vessel that serves while seeking God’s kingdom.
” The first thing you need to comprehend is that God has given you/us gifts to use for His glory. God created us for the purpose of His Kingdom going forward. He has enabled us to reach people that no one else can, and it is the gifts He has given us that accomplish it.
“Romans 12:6 says, ‘Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us’. The second thing that keeps me going is found in God’s word, Proverbs 18v16, that says, ‘A man’s gift maketh room for him , and bringeth him before great men’ KJV.
“God gave me a gift to be a drummer to send out his message through sound to his people, and he promised that such a gift will be recognised by great men and I can attest that I am living this scripture.”
Attending church services is of utmost importance, according to Jabu. He said that God has designed a structure in the body of Christ, and such a structure cannot be fulfilled when people don’t attend church services.
“We are like Christ and we’re made by his image, what he does, we do and even more. He used to fellowship with people in and outside of church and this is how much important it is to attend church services. When you go to church, you learn a lot and also transfer knowledge to others.”
Asked why there were more women in churches than men, he said, “I think one of the reasons that could make men lazy is the way women/wives conduct themselves , which is inconsistent with the word if God
“It is important for women to live a life that is pleasing to God so they can be witnesses to the world and men in particular. Women were made by God to be influencers. Their ability to alter the atmosphere in homes can motivate men to attend church.
“I think men should understand that God created all people including them. They need to understand that they play a vital role in churches, they are the heads of families and can only lead their families through Christ.”
This friendly drummer with an infectious smile, is also known for his addiction to refined fashion. He has been serving at Powerlife Ekklessia for six years and his relationship with Apostle Nukeri, the founder of the church, is beautiful.
“We have a father/son relationship with Apostle Nukeri, which is great, and I will always be grateful for it. I personally think Apostle Nukeri is a great leader and I admire his leadership style. His teachings have provided me with a great deal of knowledge. He is a source of amazing revelations.”
He urged people to have a glorious character written in Luke 18v1, which speaks about how Christ Jesus was teaching his disciples to pray without getting weary.
“We live in the end times. A prayerless life leads to chaos and death,” he warns.