Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
SOUTH African Gospel music ensemble Spirit of Praise will launch its Spirit of Praise 12 (SOP12) tour in Bulawayo on November 22, giving local Gospel music enthusiasts an opportunity to experience songs from its latest project.
The Bulawayo show will be the tour’s opening stop, bringing together some of South Africa’s celebrated Gospel musicians for an evening of praise and worship.
SOP12 was recorded in July at SunBet Arena, Time Square, in Pretoria, South Africa.
The project boasts a star-studded line-up of Gospel artistes, including Xola Toto, Nothando Hlophe, Mpumi Mtsweni, Sindi Ntombela, Ziyanda Tshangana, Takie Ndou, Omega Khunou, Dumi Mkokstad and Pastor Mthunzi Namba.
Zimbabwe will be represented by Tsholotsho-born Gospel musician Everton Mlalazi, who is among the artistes featured on the project.
Several tracks from the album have already been released, including Mmeli Wami, led by Nothando Hlophe, and Size Kuwe, performed by Sindi Ntombela and written by Puleng March. Takie Ndou also features on We Worship You.
The ensemble has also released Ivangeli Classic, a collaboration featuring Sindi Ntombela, Dumi Mkokstad, Mpumi Mtsweni and Omega Khunou.
Mlalazi, who was in Bulawayo over the weekend to prepare for the event, said he was delighted that his home city had been selected to host the opening show of the SOP12 tour.
“I am super excited to be among the artistes who made it onto SOP12. This is God’s blessing to me because every gospel artiste in Africa wishes to be part of this ensemble.
“What makes it even more exciting is that I feel they have honoured me by kick-starting this tour in my home city of Bulawayo. This gives me a sense of belonging to the ensemble and makes me feel at home. I am really looking forward to performing the two songs I contributed to this year’s project, titled Uyingcwele and Ngabe Safela Endleleni,” he said.
The excitement surrounding the show was already evident during Mlalazi’s visit to Bulawayo, where he took to the streets for a meet-and-greet session with fans.
The engagement also attracted local social media personalities, including Chik Aljoy, Umnikazi Wempuphu and Young Steazy, among others.
Spirit of Praise has established itself as one of Africa’s leading Gospel music ensembles, bringing together celebrated vocalists in productions distinguished by powerful harmonies, live instrumentation and energetic worship performances.
The Bulawayo show is expected to attract Gospel music enthusiasts eager to experience the ensemble’s latest offering and witness some of the continent’s leading Gospel voices sharing the stage.
