South African gospel duo The Light Twins, made up of Lesedi and Lebone Khunou, have released a powerful new rendition of the Xitsonga Sanctus Catholic hymn “Ukwetsimile.”
The hymn, whose title means “You Are Holy,” has long been familiar within choir and liturgical spaces across Catholic communities. Now the duo brings renewed spiritual depth to the sacred song through rich harmonies, uplifting instrumentation and a deeply reverent delivery.
“Ukwetsimile” draws inspiration from the traditional Sanctus liturgy — “Holy, Holy, Holy” — one of the most sacred declarations within the Mass.
Through their interpretation, The Light Twins present the hymn not merely as music but as a spiritual moment of worship rooted in faith and African heritage.
Born and raised in the township of Alexandra, Lesedi and Lebone began making music at a young age while growing up in church environments surrounded by strong musical influences. Their journey into the mainstream gospel space began in 2017, where their distinctive sound quickly drew attention.
For the twins, gospel music has always been more than artistic expression. It is ministry.
“Gospel music felt like a natural calling because our faith has always been central to who we are,” Lesedi explains.
“For us, music is not just performance. It is ministry and worship. Singing the Sanctus in Xitsonga is deeply personal for us. It is about honouring both our faith and our heritage.”
Lebone echoes the sentiment.
“We wanted to create a worship experience that feels intimate but also universal. Something that speaks from our roots to the world.”
The Light Twins have become known for their rich harmonies and spiritually resonant sound. Their work blends contemporary gospel with traditional influences, celebrating faith through African language and culture.
Over time the duo has continued expanding their reach through church ministry, live performances and recorded music, building a reputation for worship music that is both reverent and uplifting.
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 completely new composition, the release of “Ukwetsimile” seeks to return listeners to the heart and meaning of the hymn itself.
It invites worshippers to reflect deeply on words that are often sung during Mass but not always fully contemplated.
The recording also features six Catholic priests from the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, further grounding the project within the life of the Church.
The priests include:
•Father Mlungisi Mabe
• Father James Thaki
• Twin priests Father Tshepo Lekoko and Father Tshepiso Lekoko
• Father Kgaogelo Ntsie
• Father Limpho Maoela
Their voices anchor the hymn within the liturgical tradition of the Catholic Church, reinforcing its spiritual depth and sacred authority.
According to the duo, the purpose of the recording is clear.
Not performance, but reverence.
Not reinvention, but renewed awareness.
The Light Twins hope the release will encourage worshippers to experience the hymn with deeper understanding and devotion.
By presenting “Ukwetsimile” with clarity, restraint and spiritual focus, they aim to remind listeners of the beauty and weight carried within the sacred declaration of God’s holiness.
The song is intended to serve as a resource for Mass, prayer gatherings, choirs and personal devotion, while also contributing to the ongoing preservation of the Xitsonga language within Catholic liturgy.
Beyond their musical ministry, both twins maintain professional careers in the financial industry.
Lebone works as a Scrum Master, while Lesedi serves as a Senior Specialist in Innovation.
Despite their corporate careers, their mission remains clear: to use music as a vessel of worship, cultural identity and faith.