April 22, 2003
By Bongani Majola
JOHANNESBURG is about to experience raw inspirational gospel courtesy of Joyous Celebration, in an extravaganza of song and celebration featuring Jabu Hlongwane, Vuyo Mokoena and Mthunzi Namba.
For seven consecutive years now, the Joyous Celebration pilgrimage, for that's what the gospel experience has become, has built itself into a spiritual force to reckon with.
Fresh from winning the SA Music Award for Best Contemporary Gospel Album, the gospel troupe will dish out its uplifting tunes, spiritual hymns and praise songs for worshipers and non-worshipers alike during the upcoming Freedom Day weekend.
Joyous Celebration has grown from just being another gospel group, to a formidable 34-member choir, accompanied by an 8-piece band, 6-person dance troupe and some of the youngest and finest vocal talent in South Africa.
And unearthing talent is part of the Joyous Celebration experience, having produced graduates in Brian Makiwane and Siziwe Ngema, who have gone on to tour the world with the musicals Lion King and Umoja.
Other artists who continue to soar in their solo careers, having been born at the Joyous Celebration, include guitarists Concorde Nkabinde and Ernie Smith, as well as vocalists Sharon Dee, Margaret Motsage, Nokukhanya Dlamini and Vicky Vilakazi.
"It seems like yesterday," says Joyous Celebration co-founder, musical director and conductor, Lindelani Mkhize, "that Hlongwane, Namba and I came up with the idea of putting together a gospel group to celebrate God's love".
Joyous Celebration takes place on 26 and 27 April at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. Doors open at 18h00, while the show starts at 19h30. Tickets are R80 at Computicket and R90 at the door.
