- Gospel Icon TV show to unearth local talent for the international stage
- August 24 for 23rd Joyous Celebration album tour at UB
GOSEGO MOTSUMI
After local events management company Brave Heart made its five-year contract with Joyous Celebration official at last year’s Life Changing Concert that featured the internationally acclaimed gospel group, the two have just revealed that they are at the planning stages of a gospel TV show that will unearth local gospel talent.
In a previous interview with Time Out ,Joyous Celebration tour founder Lindelani Mkhize revealed that they wanted to do more than just perform in Botswana because they were constantly on the lookout for new voices to join their ensemble. Mkhize said they were the first group to initiate mentorship to gospel music unearth talent, as well as groom and give artists wings to fly.
Said founder and Managing Director of Brave Heart, Joseph Manuel: “This is something we had wanted to reveal at a later stage but we are in the planning stages of a gospel TV show dubbed ‘Gospel Icon.’ This show has the same concept as Mkhize’s singing competition, ‘I Want To Sing Gospel,’ that aired on SABC 2. It is a huge concept that was supposed to be launched last year. We will get to see one of our own recording, rehearsing and performing with the award-winning group that releases new albums every year.“
Moreover, this year marks the fourth installment of the “Life Changing Concert” that is slated for 24th August at UB Indoor Sports Arena. The show will feature Joyous Celebration’s 23rd album that was released in April. The album, titled “Joyous Celebration 23,” is a contemporary take on popular, traditional and new gospel hymns that offers the old Joyous sound. It is the 23rd album of the popular sing-along group and contains 22 tracks of songs and medleys that Joyous Celebration has been on tour across South African cities to promote.
Manuel: “Joyous Celebration releases a new album every year. Our five-year contract with them means they will keep bringing their new music to Botswana. This is a great platform that we could also like to see our local artists performing on. We are still finalising supporting local acts for the show. We have so far confirmed Tshenolo Mosimane who impressed audiences at last year’s show.”
Manuel went on to say that last year’s show ticked all the boxes and that they plan to keep the event’s reputation of a safe family friendly affair. Last year’s event attracted 5350 people most of whom gave the show positive reviews. Manuel says they have improved the sitting arrangements for this year in such a way that people can choose where to sit to hear and see the much-loved gospel group.