Joyous Celebration keeps audience on their feet
An air of expectation hung over Meropa Casino and Entertainment World where Joyous Celebration performed their 20th Anniversary Concert on Saturday. With the parking lot and overflow parking space filled to capacity two hours before the start of this sold out performance, it was clear that the people of Limpopo could not wait to hear …
An air of expectation hung over Meropa Casino and Entertainment World where Joyous Celebration performed their 20th Anniversary Concert on Saturday.
With the parking lot and overflow parking space filled to capacity two hours before the start of this sold out performance, it was clear that the people of Limpopo could not wait to hear the heavenly sounds and see the stage show spectacular that Joyous Celebration offered.
Those with VIP tickets enjoyed the show from the comforts of the special outdoor lounge adjacent to the stage, but it was clear from the dancing and singing that the real fun was had by the people in the seated and standing room only areas.
Joyous Celebration is an inspirational gospel show, the brain child of founders Lindelani Mkhize, Mthunzi Namba and Jabu Hlongwane.
The two goals associated with this musical ensemble were to bring about spiritual revival in South Africa and to be a platform for new talent to showcase their vocal skills.
Mkhize, Namba and Hlongwane is still at the helm of Joyous Celebration and under their tutelage many solo artists like Ntokozo Mbambo, Nqubeko Mbatha, Brenda Mtambo, Mahalia Buchanan, Khaya Mthethwa, Brian Temba and Swazi Dlamini used the group as spring board for their gospel careers.
Backed by a highly skilled and spirited nine-member band, the 34-person strong gospel choir swept the Polokwane audience off their feet with favourites like ‘Bengingazi’, ‘Greater Is He’ and ‘Praise the Lord’. Their fans would not let them leave the stage before singing ‘Haleluya Nkateko’ as well. Soloists like Nomthi Sishi, Eric Moyo and Takesure Zama Ncube had the spectators on their feet time after time and many people enjoyed singing their favourite gospel songs with the Joyous Celebration choir.
Story and photos: MARKI FRANKEN
>>marki.observer@gmail.com
Featured photo: Cathrine Mathe, Julia Molaba, Marcia Mahubela and Daphne Malaba cannot wait for the Joyous Celebration concert to start at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World on Saturday.
