If you live in Johannesburg then you will no doubt have seen MTN’s yellow posters plastered across walls at major intersections, advertising the impending gospel concert, Joyous Celebration 3.
Backing gospel is an appropriate ploy for the cellular phone network that dubs itself ”The Better Connection”. In some sense, gospel music attempts to be the believers’ ”better connection” to their God.
The dullness of the poster seems, somehow, to betray the dynamism of the major religious musical event that happens at Easter time every year. Brainchild of Sony Music A&R director Lindelani Mkhize, the third gospel extravaganza promises to be as popular as the rest, conducted by Mkhize himself.
While previous years hosted stars like Sibongile Khumalo and Benjamin Dube, this year it is the turn of the younger divas like Wendy Mseleku, Vicky Vialakzi and Margaret Motsage. Choral outfits include Family Factory and the Dynamic Choir, with the musical director being Mtunzi Namba.
To coincide with the concert, Sony has already released the CD. Somewhat better looking than the poster for the actual event, the song list shows a healthy mixture of the new and the traditional.
Joyous Celebration 3 takes place at the Market Theatre from March 31 to April 4.