Gospel giants testify through music
Gospel giants collaborate on a new album.
THE South African gospel scene continues to be flourishing especially with the first collaboration by gospel giants, Mthunzi Namba and Jabu Hlongwane of Joyous Celebration (JC).
On their way to prepare for the JC concert in Durban, the pair stopped for a brief interview at the Zululand Observer Richards Bay offices on Thursday.
After 20 years of preaching and spreading the word of God through music worldwide, the two musical icons have finally joined forces on their first collaboration.
Their newly released album titled, ‘Fakaza’, highlights the importance of thanksgiving through their personally composed testimonial songs. It is also a reflection of their journey in music, and their faith in the higher power.
”This was not planned,’ said Hlongwane.
‘We were just hanging out and we thought of doing something. It has taken us six months to complete and we thank God for giving us this opportunity. We have worked together on many projects the last 20 years, but we have never worked on an album together. It is exciting because we now touring the country and bringing our music to people.’
They are the force behind the award-winning gospel group, Joyous Celebration (JC), and known for their evangelic, soulful voices.
They are mostly called, the godfathers of South African gospel music for their contribution to the industry and for nurturing young talented musicians in the county.
This new venture featured the afrosoul singer Siphokazi, hip hop artist, Kwesta and producer, Guffy.
‘It is still the old contemporary gospel, but we included the young stars because we always want to fuse different genres together, and create something new,’ said Namba.
