Concert with a difference

concert as Joyous Celebration make their debut performance in Harare, writes Jonathan Mbiriyamveka.
It’s like a members only concert where music lovers have to have TN Cash Cards to attend.
The show, slated for May 7 at the Harare International Conference Centre, will give music lovers more than they bargain for especially to bona fide TN Cash Card holders.
The gospel concert featuring some of the hottest groups in the genre will mark the launch of unique TN bank malls including stellar performances by Sipho Makhabane, Derrick Ndzimande, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Baba naMai Charamba, Mahendere Brothers as well as Pastor G.
Also part of the bill are up-and-coming musicians Tafadzwa Sadindi and the TN Choir specially assembled for the event.
According to information at hand, you can be part of the show by acquiring a TN Cash Card, which is going for US$18 and can be collected in two days.
If you are already a TN Cash Cardholder you load the card with US$10 and two dependants under the age of seven years will be allowed to attend the concert using the same card.
However, dependants above seven years will be required to purchase a TN Cash Card.
Oh yes, all food and drinks will be purchased through the card.
The event, which has been organised by Mintale Events Management, is a first of its kind as it brings together entertainment and business under one roof.
In an interview, Boniswa Raluare, one of the managers of Joyous Celebration Choir, the troupe will consist of members from the Joyous 13 and 14 albums.
The choir is not just a one-hit wonder as it boasts numerous albums up its sleeves.
It has toured around the region and abroad where it has received rave reviews.
According to Sowetan, a South African daily newspaper: “With Lindelani Mkhize as conductor, Mthunzi Namba and Jabu Hlongwane leading the rest of the vocalists, the choir whipped the audience into near frenzy with popular previously released songs as well as systematically introducing new songs from their latest album – Joyous Celebration 15 – and new talent.
“They might have been doing almost the same thing over and over again for a long time, but the people’s choir – Joyous Celebration – still rocks and packs the theatre seats.
“Having given much joy to choral music lovers during the Easter holidays at the State Theatre in Pretoria, where they were booked from Wednesday to Sunday, the choir proved once again that they are still a force to be reckoned with.
“Judging by the reaction of music lovers who packed the theatre, there is no doubt that Joyous Celebration remains the most popular gospel music outfit in the country.”
The choir uses traditional choral music as standards but making them accessible mainly to the urban youth, their formula seems to connect easily with the audience who, at several stages during the concerts, sing along.
Music critics say that it really does not matter whether you are a fan of gospel music or not, because that will not stop you from enjoying the performance of these gifted singers and instrumentalists.
On the other hand, Makhabane – who was in the country last week on private business – was equally enthusiast about the concert.
“It has been a long time since I visited Zimbabwe and I promise my fans a spirited performance and one of the best to date,” he said.