- What is Difela Tsa Sione?
- Difela Tsa Sione (also written Lifela Tsa Sione, meaning the Hymns of Zion) is a collection of Sesotho Christian hymns sung by the Basotho people of Lesotho and South Africa. The hymns are used in church services, weddings, funerals, and family prayers, and are often sung in four-part harmony.
- How many hymns are in the collection?
- This collection contains all 449 hymns, each keeping the traditional number it has in the printed hymnal so you can find hymns the way you already remember them.
- Is it free to read the hymns online?
- Yes. Reading and searching every hymn on this website is completely free. There is no account to create and nothing to buy. The site is supported by modest advertising that helps cover the cost of keeping the collection online.
- How do I find a specific hymn?
- Open the Browse Hymns page and use the search box. You can search by the hymn number, by its Sesotho or English title, or by any words you remember from the verses. You can also sort the list by number or title, and filter to hymns that include an English translation.
- Do the hymns have English translations?
- Many hymns include an English translation, shown alongside the Sesotho text. On a hymn page you can choose to read Sesotho only, English only, or both together. Not every hymn has a translation yet, and we add and improve translations over time.
- Can I read the hymns offline?
- The website needs an internet connection. For full offline reading — with bookmarks and your favourite hymns saved on your device — install the free Difela Tsa Sione Android app, which is designed to work without internet, perfect for church services or areas with poor signal.
- Can I use these hymns in church or at a funeral?
- Absolutely. These hymns belong to the community and are meant to be sung. You are welcome to read them from your phone during services, weddings, funerals, and family prayers, or to display the words for others to follow.
- Why is a hymn worded slightly differently from how my church sings it?
- Because the hymns of Zion are shared across many congregations and passed down by memory, the same hymn can be sung in slightly different ways from one community to another. We present a clear, commonly used version of the Sesotho text. If you spot something that should be corrected, please let us know.
- How do I make the text larger or easier to read?
- Each hymn page has text-size controls. Tap the larger or smaller letter buttons to adjust the reading size to your comfort, and your choice is remembered the next time you open a hymn.
- How can I report a mistake or suggest a translation?
- We welcome corrections and suggestions. Email us at deltaslep@gmail.com with the hymn number and the change you would like, and we will review it.
Still have a question?
We are happy to help. Read more about the hymnal, or get in touch and we will gladly respond.