29 Oct 2023

It was a moment of joy and pride for Batswana on Saturday night at the Life Changing Concert where the local muso, Khabara, shared stage with the internationally acclaimed South Africa gospel choir Joyous Celebration.

The talented lad led the ‘Jeso Rato Laka’ hymn in a splendid performance at the UB Campus Indoor Sport Centre.

Revellers went into a frenzy when they witnessed the talent that Khabara displayed,  fitting well with the power house that is Joyous Celebration.

After Khabara’s performance, founder of Joyous Celebration, Dr Lindelani Mkhize acknowledged the young lad’s talent and urged Batswana to groom and nurture him as he embarked on his musical career.

Dr Mkhize also invited to the stage, one of Joyous Celebration members whose career path started as Khabara’s, and he was given a chance to grow and flourish by the mentorship of the choir.

“Hold this young man’s hand and mentor him into a star that you are as well. This is how you started and tell him it is possible to reach that stage,” Dr Mkhize announced as the emotionally excited Khabara and the Joyous Celebration member hugged.

Overwhelmed by the magical performance he displayed and the warm reception and love from the choir, Khabara was lost for words and could not utter any word.

“We are thrilled to see Khabara performing with Joyous Celebration, not as a curtain raiser but actually on stage with the choir. This is the highest recognition of Botswana talent and we are grateful and happy for the young man,” said one of the fans, Gape Tladi.

“It was a magical experience seeing one of our own performing with Joyous, we wish more of this from our creatives in the gospel space,” another reveler, Kutlo Daniels said.

Joyous Celebration also put up a sterling performance with some of their fresh sing along songs from their 27th album, Victory as well as some from previous albums. The choir’s arrangement of instruments and songs was indeed iconic and kept the audience engaged.

Andile Thabethe gave an outstanding performance leading Aphuthanda Khona, which thrilled the audience.

 Sefako Mamabolo also shut the hall down with Jeso ke Mechanic, as the audience seemed to resonate and relate with the lyrics of the song.

Esethu Siwe also anointed the place with her bass voice leading Ndenzel Uncedo hymn, a piece from Joyous Celebration 25. And the talented energetic spirited Sbu Noah wrapped the Life Changing Concert with Joyous Celebration leading Ewe Getsemane.

Joyous Celebration gave its audience a variety of gospel genres  and kept the crowd engaged with their energetic moves on stage as well as Dr Mkhize’s conducting prowess. Ends