It is not by luck or magic that MTN Joyous Celebration remains one of the most loved musical groups in the country.
It’s the quality of their shows and music that keep fans devoted.
This was evident when the multi-awarding group performed a sold-out show to promote their newly-released album, MTN Joyous Celebration 23, which was recorded live at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) at the end of last year.
People from all walks of life gathered at GrandWest Casino last Saturday to watch the show.
The group is currently on a nationwide tour promoting their latest offering.
Gospel lovers danced, cried and prayed while the group rendered different songs, all aimed at uplifting their fans and re-assuring them of the power of God.
The group’s co-founder, Jabu Hlongwane, thanked their fans for being loyal supporters. He said the group always seeks to bring fresh music to the industry and listens to their fans who they considered to be family. He said their music was about praising God and telling people that they should have faith.
Mr Hlongwane told a packed arena that God has plans for each and every one of them and they should wait until He answers their prayers. He said God’s timing was always right and people should not despair when they encountered challenges in life.
He said the group would continue releasing quality content despite their own challenges in the industry. “What we do here, we do it for you. To us, you are not loyal fans but you are part of our family. We listened to you when you guys said that we should record the next album here in Cape Town and we did just that. We want to continue to be a respected brand. Cape Town has always felt like my home away home,” he said.
Ozanokuhle Benya, 23, who hails from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, said she travelled all the way with her relatives to watch the multi-awarding group.
The Walter Sisulu University student said the love that they have for the group was what brought them to come and witness the show. They had also been to see MTN Joyous Celebration perform in Durban last year and in Bloemfontein in 2017.
“There is praise and worship in their shows. You don’t feel as you are in church yet spiritually you are fulfilled. You enjoy yourself so much that it no longer feels like a gospel show,” she said.
Ms Benya said after they had bought the tickets for the Cape Town show they discovered that the group would be performing in the Eastern Cape. She said they did not regret coming all the way and would attend the show in the Eastern Cape as well