As Joyous Celebration (JC) marks its 30th anniversary with a powerful showcase of 30 iconic songs that have defined generations, two Mpumalanga vocalists represent the beating heart of what makes the choir a national treasure.

The spotlight has shone brightest on two Middelburg homegrown talents who traded local stages for national acclaim: Normtie Phiri and Mbali Lekhuleni.

The unintentional star of Behlanziwe

For soprano vocalist Normtie Phiri, hailing straight from Middelburg’s Mhluzi, music is quite simply the only reality she has ever known. Rooted in a musical household, she spent her formative years singing in church, at school, and anywhere a melody could take hold.

Yet, her journey to the legendary JC family is the stuff of modern fairy tales. It began entirely unplanned at a local event in Middelburg where several JC members happened to be in the audience. Struck by the raw power and beauty of her voice, they recommended her to the directors.

Phiri admitted she had entirely forgotten about the referral when, a year later in 2024, the life-changing call finally came: report for rehearsals as soon as possible.

“Being part of JC was not a dream until it happened,” she said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity because I grew up listening to JC with my family. At my first rehearsal, I got the opportunity to hit the ground running and led an Igcilongo hymn, Behlanziwe. I got to perform it live for the 2024 album recording which has hit more than 3.1 million views on YouTube.”

Beyond her soaring worship moments with the ensemble, Phiri’s versatility extends across the South African music landscape. She has arranged and directed vocals for projects such as Nontokozo Mkhize’s deluxe album Lindiwe and has even explored the Afro-house and dance scene, lending her distinct voice to a single titled Lonely Nights alongside Senzo C and Peppe Citarella.

Now, as she prepares to step onto the stage in her hometown, Phiri is bracing for an emotional homecoming. “I am excited that possibly half of the audience will be people I know, people I grew up with, or who raised me,” she said.

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A decade of purpose, power and advocacy

Sharing the spotlight is alto powerhouse and gender-based violence activist Mbali Lekhuleni. Though originally from Tsakane in Gauteng, Lekhuleni has firmly rooted her life in Middelburg through marriage, making the town her proud adopted home.

Her path to the ensemble began through formal auditions in 2017.

Growing up immersed in a rich musical background of church and school choirs, she has blossomed into a vital anchor of the JC alto section, celebrated for breathtaking lead performances on tracks like Mvan’eyophayo and Wangihlawulela.

As she looks ahead to celebrating a remarkable 10-year milestone with Joyous Celebration next year, Lekhuleni credits the institution with shaping her far beyond the microphone.

“Being with JC has been an amazing journey. They teach us not only the music, but the financial side of being a musician. The biggest lesson I have learned is finding myself as a musician and a person – to embrace my sound and give people the real me.”

The artists both said the tour in Middelburg is set to be a night of pure musical magic and audiences should expect nothing short of fireworks at the Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall on November 14.