Piano Cover of "Re Ya Mo Leboga (Akekho Ofana Nawe)"

“Re Ya Mo Leboga” (also known as “Akekho fana Nawe”) is one of the most beloved gospel songs in South Africa. Whether it is sung in Sotho, Zulu, or Venda, the core progression remains a classic staple of the South African gospel sound.

In this tutorial, we are breaking down the song step-by-step in the key of F# (F Sharp).

1. The F# Major Scale & Numbering System

To follow this tutorial, you must understand the numbering system for the F# major scale:

• 1: F#

• 2: G#

• 3: A#

• 4: B

• 5: C#

• 6: D#

• 7: F

• (8/1): F#

2. Section 1: The Opening (Re Ya Mo Leboga…)

The song opens with a strong, grounded feel on the 1 chord.

• Chord 1 (The 1):

  • Left Hand: F# – C# – F# (1 – 5 – 1). This creates a “Perfect 5th” foundation.

  • Right Hand: C# – F# – A# (2nd Inversion of F# Major).

• Chord 2 (The 3):

  • Left Hand: A# (3) or A# and F# (3 and 1). This gives you an A#m7 feel.

  • Right Hand: G# – C# – F (2nd Inversion of C# Major/The 5).

• Chord 3 (The 4):

  • Left Hand: B – F# (4 and 1).

  • Right Hand: B – C# – F# (B Suspended 2). Instead of playing a normal B major, we “suspend” it for a modern gospel sound.

3. Section 2: The Turnaround

As the melody moves forward, we use the 2 chord to create a bridge toward the dominant 5.

• Chord 1 (The 2):

  • Left Hand: G# – D# – F# (2 – 6 – 1).

  • Right Hand: D# – F# – G# (B6 shape). You can use 3, 4, or 5 fingers here, depending on your comfort.

• Chord 2 (The 5):

  • Left Hand: C# – F (5 and 7). This creates a C#7 sound.

  • Right Hand: C# – F – G# (C# Major/The 5).

• Resolution: Back to the 1 chord (F# Major).

4. Section 3: The Build-up (Modimo Wa Rona)

This is a popular walk-up used in many gospel songs. We are ascending from 2 to 5 without skipping any notes in the scale.

• The Walk-up (2 – 3 – 4 – 5):

  • Left Hand: G# $\rightarrow$ A# $\rightarrow$ B $\rightarrow$ C#

  • Right Hand: Use a G# Diminished shape, but add the F# note to give it that “sweet” gospel grit.

  • Specific Notes: D – F# – G# – B (G# diminished 7 / Bm6).

• The Landing:

  • As you hit the 5 (C#) in your left hand, move your right hand to the 2nd Inversion of the 1 (C# – F# – A#).

  • Finally, resolve to the 1 (F# Major).

Final Tips for Success

1. Inversions Matter: Notice that the right hand often stays around the same area. For example, moving from the 1 chord to the 3 chord involves playing a C# Major shape over an A# bass. This is the secret to smooth gospel transitions.

2. Left Hand Power: Using the 1-5-1 “power chord” shape in your left hand (F# – C# – F#) provides the heavy, rich bottom end necessary for this genre.

3. Language doesn’t change the music: Whether you are singing “Re Ya Mo Leboga” or “Akekho fana Nawe,” the chords remain identical. Practice the rhythm to match the syllables of the language you are singing in.