After months of preparations, the Big Five Musical Group finally staged its album launch at the Litha Methodist Church in Ilitha Park, Khayelitsha over the weekend.
On Saturday September 24 the group unveiled its first ever music single Yesu wena ungumhlobo in Khayelitsha. The church was full of fans of their funky style of gospel.
The Big Five was founded by Kholekile Qongqo to bring local artists together and share ideas as a collective so as to promote more collaborations. The performers include the founder Mr Qongqo with his big, husky voice that captured the hall.
“This partnership was a natural fit and a mutual goal of supporting local artists in the music industry. As artists we get invited to many places. I feel that if we work in collabs that would grow us as musicians. Together we should be elevating emerging artists through the power of music and mentorship,” said Mr Qongqo.
He said collaborations made it easier to provide platforms, musical tools, and connections and to pursue emerging artists’ passions. He said if local artists can learn to work in groups that will open doors for countless artists to break into an industry that is often impenetrable.
The afternoon of worship included many other artists who came to perform, including the iconic Eastern Cape-based singer Nolundi Bomela.
The members of Big Five – Nokhanyo Naphakade, Nosipho Siko, Nokhaya Baba Mehulu, Holyman Nombila and Kholekile Qongqo – each performed solo after the launch.
Mr Qongqo revealed that there are more collaborations coming up in Cape Town. “We are truly grateful for the people who walked this journey with us and those who came all the way to witness this. But I can safely say, this is not the end. We aim to have more collaborations in the province. We need more musicians to work together. We aim to inspire the young artists too. They should know how well it is to work in partnerships,” he said.
The single will soon be available on digital platforms.