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Langalakhe Mabena, Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Latwell Nyangu in Johannesburg
IT was more than just a concert; it was a powerful spiritual gathering that united nations through song.
The Celestial Chorus launch at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena in Johannesburg on Saturday lived up to expectations, delivering an unforgettable night of praise, worship and high-energy performances that left thousands uplifted.
Led by multi-award-winning gospel musician Everton Mlalazi, the Celestial Chorus is not simply another concert — it is a carefully curated spiritual experience that blends diverse voices, cultures and sounds into one harmonious act of worship.
From early evening, anticipation filled the venue as gospel lovers from South Africa and Zimbabwe packed the auditorium to capacity. Despite light rains, fans streamed into the arena, eager to be part of what is fast becoming one of the continent’s most talked-about gospel showcases.
The atmosphere was both electric and reverent. The crowd did more than attend; they actively participated. Hands were raised, voices united, and the Big Top Arena was transformed into a cathedral of sound, echoing songs of faith, hope and unity.
Backed by a breathtaking 100-piece symphonic orchestra — a rarity in gospel — and a polished in-house band, the production delivered 20 seamlessly arranged songs that together built a powerful worship narrative.
South African gospel powerhouse Sindi Ntombela opened with a commanding performance that ushered in waves of adoration, while Dumi Mkokstad moved the audience deeply with his hit song Lalelani.
Zimbabwe’s Canaan Nyathi injected a unique flavour with Thokoza Phambili, blending soft gospel and rhumba-infused rhythms that had the crowd swaying in worship.
The night also featured memorable collaborations, with Sharon Cherayi and Rudo Madindi delivering a moving performance marked by vocal harmony and emotional depth. Janet Manyowa kept the crowd engaged with a spirited set, while veteran Mthunzi Namba added experience and charisma to the show.
Fan favourite Mmatema closed the evening with a powerful rendition of It Is Well, leaving the audience captivated. Other standout performances came from Mpumi Mtsweni, Fisani Masinga and Natasha Mlalazi, whose angelic vocals added texture and richness to the production.
Emerging talents such as Peniel Tambama, Petronella Sengwayo, Tawanda Midzi and Precious Marimbire also impressed, proving that the future of gospel music rests in capable hands.
Behind the scenes, the production — spearheaded by DJ Tira’s Afrotainment label — combined world-class sound engineering with subtle but effective lighting, ensuring the focus remained firmly on the message of the gospel.
“This was more than just a show; it was ministry. The night was a bit rainy, but gospel music lovers managed to come in their numbers for a great cause that unites nations through divine music and God’s ministry. We’re grateful that everything from the logistics to the production went according to how we had planned it,” Mlalazi said on the sidelines of the event.
Fans were full of praise, describing the event as uplifting and unifying.
“What a night, you could feel the unity in the room. The music lifted everyone’s spirits,” said one Sipho.
Another attendee, Thandi, highlighted the cross-cultural impact.
“The orchestra gave the songs a whole new dimension. I felt closer to God than I have in a long time.”
A third fan, Zanele, echoed similar sentiments.
“Seeing South African and Zimbabwean artistes on one stage was so powerful. It was worship without borders. We want more of these gospel concerts.”
For Themba, it was the excellence of the production that stood out.
“The production, the voices, the energy — everything was top class. I left rejuvenated.”
Mlalazi said the overwhelming response confirmed the vision behind the Celestial Chorus.
“We had an amazing show, a full house with people from South Africa and Zimbabwe. South Africa and Zimbabwe were one. We sang in Shona, English, Zulu and isiNdebele. It was an electric night from song to song. From song one to song 20, the crowd was with us. I’m super excited,” he said.
The free concert, made possible by the Bridging Gaps Foundation, ensured that fans from all walks of life could attend, reinforcing the organisers’ efforts to create an inclusive space for worship.
Canaan Nyathi described the event as a divine assignment rather than a musical showcase, emphasising the deeper spiritual connection that defined the night. He said the unity among artistes and the audience was particularly moving — something he believes is rare in today’s music landscape.
“This was not about us as artistes, it was about God moving through us. From the moment we stepped on stage, you could feel that this was bigger than a performance. The unity, the hunger for worship, the way people connected with the music, it was something truly special and unforgettable,” said Nyathi.
He added that the collaboration between Zimbabwean and South African musicians reflected the true essence of gospel music — bringing people together beyond borders, languages and backgrounds.
Echoing his sentiments, Namba applauded the production quality and spiritual depth of the show, saying it achieved the perfect balance between excellence and ministry.
“You don’t often see this level of excellence combined with such a deep spiritual impact. Everything was well organised, from the sound to the flow of the programme, but what touched me the most was the presence of God in that place. It was real, it was powerful. This is what gospel music should represent — unity, purpose and transformation. People did not just leave entertained, they left changed,” Namba said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter