31 Oct 2022

Life changing concert with the sensational South African gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration’s come back after two years break due to COVID-19 pandemic brought joy and restoration to its fans.

In an interview with BOPA during the concert on Saturday night at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena, one of the concert regulars Mogi Moriki, who said she had never missed concert, said she was excited and wouldn’t have missed their 26^th album as per their norm of releasing an album every year.

Songs that captivated the fans included  Wakhazimula and I am faithful. 

“I was frustrated the past two years and when I heard this year that they were performing, I bought the ticket well on time” She said.

Also she commended the team behind the concert, Brave heart company for their resilience and hardwork preparing for the show well on time, which resulted in a well-attended concert.

One Maseng said the highlight for the night was to see Batswana local artist such as Dato Seiko performing with such great group, the feat she said would help grow, their careers and showcase their talent internationally.

She also said performing with Joyous Celebration which have stood the test of time releasing albums annually and consistently was a breakthrough for all the local artists and giving all the musicians in Botswana some hope.

Brave Heart’s Mooketsi Gaolape said they were very happy about the attendance, which he said demonstrated that the show was successful. 

He said the fans had bought tickets on time and was happy that the concert catered for families.

He also said the reason why they had a successful show attended in large numbers was that they always prepared on time which was seven days before the vent, checking the sound and the production team setting up the stage.

Also he said though they had been in the industry for ten years, they were willing to learn. 

For the safety and health during the event he said, they had hired security companies, liaised with Gaborone City Council and ambulance services for assistance when the need arose.

Despite other big shows in the city on same day, he said the fans had pitched in large numbers and they were happy that Joyous Celebration had performed with local artists such as Tshenolo Mosima, Keolebogile Mokaleng and Motheo Rabasa, and Seiko who appeared as a guest artistes.

He said the plan was to host the another concert next year even next year, indicating that every year after Joyous Celebration which has already won more than 25 awards releases a new album and Botswana concert was one of calendar of their events.

One of the founders of Joyous Celebration back Pastor Jabu Hlongwane said they were happy to be in Botswana and they had been waiting for the day. 

He praised Brave Heart organising team for the invite and dedication. 

“We first performed in Botswana in 2011 and performing with the local artists tonight was an honour and a great opportunity,” he said.

In 2011 when they first performed he said, only 300 people showed up however over the years they captivated fans and  their shows always attracted large numbers of people .

Joyous Celebration started as an idea in 1995 between Hlongwane and his two friends, Namba and Mkhize. 

They wanted to create a platform to find, develop and groom talent in Gospel music.

Since its inception, Joyous has produced hundreds of talented artists over the years and filled the Awards cabinet with numerous awards from South Africa and beyond. ends