The festival will be anchored around two platforms, namely the Gospel Showcase and the Gospel Music Seminar, which will be held on December 6.
The metro is expecting thousands of people to join them in praise and worship.
The executive mayor of Ekurhuleni, Cllr Mondli Gungubele, says the city is looking forward to hosting the event.
“Not only will it serve as entertainment for our residents, but it will also ensure that invaluable skills are imparted to individuals, groups and choirs through the seminar, that will be carried out by well-respected experts,” he says.
“Gospel music is known for its inspiration and healing of the soul, and I am quite confident that this particular festival will be no different.
“I do hope that people come out in numbers to enjoy great music and the peace and tranquility that our new-look Germiston Lake Park has to offer.’’
Gungubele adds that the festival affirms the city’s commitment towards cultivating a culture of racial harmony, creating sustainable job creation, addressing societal ills and promoting community development.
The festival’s headlining act is international gospel sensation Byron Cage.
Over two days, Gospel music-lovers will be entertained and spiritually uplifted by some of the greatest gospel acts this country has to offer, from the likes of Sifiso Ncwane, Solly Mahlangu and Rebecca Malope, to Solly Moholo, Kholeka, Joyous Celebration, Amadodana Ase Wesile, Deborah Fraser and the Soweto Gospel Choir.
Gungubele has recommended that the festival be used to build family relations.
“I further encourage parents to bring their entire families and use this event for quality family time. Let us use the power of Gospel music to cement our family units right at the beginning of the festive season,” he says.
Details of the event are as follows:
Friday, December 6: International Gospel Seminar, Germiston Lake.
Saturday, December 7: International Gospel Festival day one, Germiston Lake from 11.30am to 10pm. Line-up includes Rebecca Malope, Amadodana Ase Wesile, Kholeka, Soweto Gospel Choir, traditional local bands and church choirs.
Sunday, December 8: International Gospel Festival day two Germiston Lake from 11.30am to 10 pm. Line-up includes Joyous celebration, Benjamin Dube, Solly Moholo, Israel Mosehla, Solly Mahlangu, Ntokozo Mbambo, Deborah Fraser, along with traditional choirs.
