Queens ready to celebrate womanhood

One of the best all-female assembled music extravaganza with gospel, Afro soul, and Afro jazz and to sum it up all, an all-female set of deejays will be in the house.

That is when Pulse Events and Designs stages its inaugural “Imbokodo Queens Concert” at the Church on the Hill in KaMagugu to be headlined by Afro-jazz young great, Naima Kay and the enigmatic gospel sensation, Ntokozo Mbambo and our very own star and SA Idols season 10’s runner-up, Bongi Silinda.

Ntokozo Mbambo’s singing career was introduced to the world by her parents who gave her the platform to sing in the church worship team. At the age of 15, she was the youngest member to join the sensational gospel group Joyous Celebration.

Having released her debut album, Bambelela in 2001, Ntokozo has continued to soar in the music sphere.

In 2007 she recorded her live DVD/CD called Keep on Believing which was produced by Nqubeko Mbatha who became her husband in May 2008. Keep on Believing earned her a Metro FM nomination in the category best gospel album in 2007 and three nominations at the 2008 Crown Gospel Music Awards.

She has opened the stage for many acclaimed gospel musicians like Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin and Cece Winans on their South African tours. She has also travelled abroad to perform her own shows. Her most recent travels on invitation have been to the US (Dr Bill Winston Ministries), Ghana, Swaziland, Kenya, Botswana and the UK.

Her latest offering is Filled which was recorded at a sold-out Lyric Theatre concert in Johannesburg. The album won awards at the 2013 Samas, the 2012 and 2013 Crown Gospel Awards and at the 2013 Africa Gospel Music Awards in the UK. According to Universal Music, the album has passed double platinum in CD sales.

Having been in the industry for almost 15 years, Ntokozo has created a name for herself, but remained family-orientated, being blessed with two beautiful daughters. Home girl, Bongi Silinda, used to be a backing vocalist for artists such as the legendary Vusi Mahlasela, Swazi Dlamini and Tshepo Mngoma. Silinda has always dreamed of being more than the “girl at the back”.

“Music has always been a big part of my life,” says the 23-year-old from Mbombela. “But being a backup artist fuelled my desire to make a career out of my passion and become successful in the music industry.
Though Silinda no longer sees herself as a backing vocalist, she says it was best for her career.

“Working with Vusi Mahlasela has taught me so much. And not just about music – but about professionalism and production. If it weren’t for singing for Vusi I wouldn’t have had the confidence to keep auditioning for Idols.

Silinda auditioned for the 10th season of Idols SA at Carnival City in the East Rand, but was sent packing by the judges. A few weeks later she auditioned again at the State Theatre in Pretoria and got selected. Bongi Silinda is destined for greatness.

“I refused to believe I couldn’t sing. I wanted to prove to the judges and to myself I was talented. I felt a little bit embarrassed auditioning for the second time, but I decided to take a chance anyway.” With a fresh new look and more determined than ever, Silinda left her heart on the stage with every one of her performances.

She stood out, not because she could clearly sing, but because she was willing to do whatever it took to win the public and the judges over, while staying true to the musician she is. “I’m inspired by divas like Brenda Fassie and Lebo Mathosa.

“They always brought energy and drama to the stage. I don’t think its enough for musicians to stand there and sing. You have to entertain with your voice, your movements and even your facial expressions,” she said.

Silinda had hoped to spend the next few years studying music, but has set her sights on a record deal. “I spent a long time questioning whether I was ready for the music industry. But now I am more than ready.

“I want to bring a fresh new sound to the entertainment industry and with the right platform, I know I will keep wowing the crowds,” she said. She’s got a single out in the market, “I Got You.” You’re not going to miss out on this one. Tickets are available at Computicket at R200 and VIP at R400.

If you don’t want to lose out on this, besides buying your tickets at Computicket, Mpumalanga News in partnership with Pulse Events and Designs, are giving away five double tickets to lucky winners Send an email to bongani@mpmirror.co.za and name three of the headlining artists featured in this concert.

The lucky ticket winners will be announced in the edition of
August 6. Also include your name and contact number.