Joyous Celebration head for Bulawayo

Standard People
by PRIDE GONDE South Africa’s award-winning and most successful gospel ensemble, Joyous Celebration is coming back to Zimbabwe in August for a show in Bulawayo.This will be Joyous Celebration’s second visit to Zimbabwe following its visit in May where this gospel outfit performed at the Harare International Conference Centre together with celebrated gospel artists, Derick Nzimande and Sipho Makhabane.

This time around Joyous Celebration will be coming back courtesy of Harvest House International and the show is slated for August 7 at the Bulawayo Hockey Stadium.

 

An official with Harvest House confirmed that the group would perform on August 7.

“They are coming with a whole team composed of 55 members and are set to perform at Harvest House International Church Conference”.“Jabu Hlongwane, one of the co-founders of the group, will also travel with the outfit and we are expecting a memorable show which might be even better than their debut performance in the country,” said the official.

The group gave an amazing performance, which  was complemented by good voices, passionate delivery of songs, and well-choreographed dances and colourful stage presentation during their first visit.

Some of Zimbabwe’s prominent gospel artists are also expected to grace this show and their names are yet to be disclosed.

Also coming for the same concert from down South is fashionable African Idol and CBZ A Academy contender, Mkhululi Bhebhe.

In an interview with the StandardLife&Style Bhebhe, who is now a member of Joyous Celebration confirmed the return trip and said, ”I can’t wait to return home this time around in Bulawayo where I was born”.

“It’s such an honour to be part of this entourage and it will be definite non-stop action of praises and worship in the city of Kings in August”.The group commands a huge following in gospel circles and most of its lead singers took big strides in music circles, including the late Vuyo Mokoena, Uche and Namba Mtunzi.

Joyous Celebrations sings a wide variety of gospel tracks, from traditional to contemporary Christian music, with a dash of some celebratory praise and worship songs.

The choir, popularly known within gospel circles with their hit track Lord I lift your Name, and comprising of vibrant stars such as Uche of the My God is Good fame, the group will be coming with more than 50 of their finest members.

In the past the ensemble has been referred to as a Gospel group or Gospel Choir but it prefers to be referred to as a Gospel Project or a Gospel Concept, given that the crew changes at least every two years.

Led by musical director Mthunzi and producer Lindelani Mkhize, the choir has maintained consistency and has released 15 albums in 15 years and they have won numerous awards, from the prestigious Kora awards to the regional South African Music Awards.

Joyous Celebration has given birth to some of South Africa’s biggest musicians today, such as the late Wendy Mseleku, Margaret Motsage, Swazi Dlamini, Vicky Vilakazi, Benjamin Dube, Judith Sephuma and Jabu Hlongwane, among others.