Lionel Petersen

Lionel Petersen (1947–2022) was a South African gospel singer, worship leader, and pastor. He began his music career in the mid-1960s as a member of pop groups including The Thunderballs, The Miracles, and The Invaders. In 1974, he became the first Black artist to win a Sarie Award, South Africa's equivalent to the Grammy Awards, where he was voted best male singer. Petersen became a born-again Christian in 1987 and joined the Rhema Bible Church in Johannesburg. Following his conversion, he focused his career on gospel and worship music. He served as a pastor and was recognized as a mentor in the South African gospel music field. His gospel catalog includes songs such as "I Love You Lord," "Peace," "He Is the King," "We Cry Holy," "Instruments of Your Peace," and "When the Righteous Prosper (Shouts of Joy)."