Joyous Celebration Rewind Show
November 8, 2011 by MaBlerh
Now and again I always decide to go and experience a little bit of church via gospel concerts. I am the type of guy that has issues with sermons as I find them to be highly opinionated and full of hot air. However music blesses me completely and last Sunday I took myself to Monte Casino to watch the Joyous Celebration Rewind concert compliments of Total Exposure. Joyous Celebration decided to host a show where they sing the hits from the past 15 years. I was a bit apprehensive when I heard that they are not bringing some of the original artists.
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I was impressed when I got to the venue to see that they are no longer using the normal microphones and that they were doing the concert Janet Jackson style with Lapel microphones. This allows the choir to move around and dance freely. I also loved the part where the choir was in evening gowns and tuxedos. Joyous Celebration, in my books, is the only group that continually grows and up the standard. Well, it does help that they are sponsored by heavy brands like MTN among others.
The performances that stood out were Mahalia Buchanan’s rendition of “My Help” which was originally done by Nokukhanya Dlamini on Joyous 4. She completely did the song justice. I was shocked as I always thought of Mahalia’s voice as very pop and mediocre. She made me eat a huge slice of humble pie. Zodwa Mahlangu performed “Bawo Ndixolele” which was performed by Avis on Joyous 5. Zodwa is a versatile powerhouse, I felt as if I was hearing the song for the first time. Simply amazing! Unathi Mzekeli performed “Ngibambe Ngesandla” and that also was on point. For a big guy, he sure can move and I urge Lindelani and the guys to start giving him more up tempo songs as his voice is better suited for them.
Asanda Bam wowed the crowd when she came on stage and sang “Buela Land” a song that bored me when it was originally sang by The Village Pope. Asanda attacked with such poise and artistry. She is definitely one talented musician who is underrated in this country.
A blast from the past was when the baritone queen, Bukiwe Tiwani, came on stage and sang “Mandiliwe” and the crowd completely lost it. Everyone in the crowd sang along from the first verse until the end of the song.
Sylvester Fumani came on stage and took us to an African church wake revival when he sang a medley of chorus’ using the style of Amadodana Aseweseli. Another good performance was from a lady called Nthabiseng who did “Change” which is a song originally performed by the late Wendy Mseleku. Sibongiseni Tela came on stage and attempted a difficult Joyous hit called “Holy Ground” and she won!
The belle of the ball has to be a new young gorgeous songbird called Ncebakazi Nkantshu who took the crowd by storm when she performed “Makabongwe uJesu” a song originally performed by the late Vuyo Mokoena. She is a superstar in the making.
Now for the low moments of the show, I was not impressed by the sound crew. They were moments in the show when certain people’s microphones where too loud. Even though I understand that Ntokozo Mbambo and Nobathembu had to attend the Crowd Gospel Awards in Durban, I still felt cheated when they didn’t perform on the Sunday show. Lihle Mbanjwa who impressed me on Joyous Celebration 15 was given a song, “Bonga” from Joyous 2, that she failed to deliver as it was not suited for her voice. The song requires ukuhlabelela instead of singing and she sang it.
Those of you that sing would know what I’m going on about. Xolani Mdlalose and Brenda Mtambo, who are extremely talented vocalists, were given flat songs that weren’t really hits which didn’t really get the crowd as excited as they normally do when these powerhouses hit the stage.
I wish they had given Brenda “Keep The Faith” which was originally sang by Swazi Dlamini as I know she would have killed it. Overall, it was a fantastic show that I urge anyone to attend if it comes to a city near you. Definitely worth your money! Now we look forward to what Lindelani Mkhize, Mthunzi Namba and Jabu Hlongwane have in store for us on Joyous Celebration 16. Can’t wait!
By MablerhÂ
LeanMachine on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 12:12 am
Thanks Mablerh. Correction: the song ‘My Help’ was sung by Margaret Motsage in JC4 and not Nokukhanya Dlamini. Nokukhanya Dlamini was famous for ‘Phind’ ukhulume’. I thank you… Do u know if they will be touring the country with this Rewind concert?
showville on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 12:17 am
I might be wrong but wasn’t “My Help” originally done by Margaret Motsage?
Madala on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 12:45 am
Thanx Mablerh….
Initialy I thought siyalingwa nje, how can we hav the main gospel event in Durbs nd the “hostoric” Joyous Rewind in Jozi!
I did not imagine that the Jozi show would b nyc, so when a gud frend tweeted that she was having a blast I thot she was just consoling herself 4 not being eDebheni nje. But it looks nd sounds like the Joz concert was realy gr8 …..
Pliz giv us details about the country tour— and also, where nd when is the Joyous Clebration 16 gonna b recorded?
MaBlerh on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 1:05 am
Showville and LeanMachine, you guys are right. I was typing two articles at the same time. My bad. My Help, was originally sang by Margaret.
snapshot on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 3:42 am
Thanx @Mablerh, at first I struggled to enjoy the show cos of an sms gone wrong but eventually the holy spirit comforted me.
it was a great show indeed, Myself & Manny were there and I must say it was hauut. At first I got bored when I realised Lindelani has just jetted to debheni & my fav ones were not there, then few minutes Mthunzi walks in & stretched the choir to the core of their voice-i clapped so much. Sphumelele’s performance was just a performance. I felt sorry for the Mdluli’s when people cried for one more & when they performed abantu bahamba nje abazalwane ba rude nje.
@Madala u guys decided on the Crowds G awards missed out,fashion was on point this side, just a friend kept on complaining nge perm ka David Tlale to be blocking iview yakhe & some ladies who had occupied our seats,I asked them to move shem, I move u ke mina lol *side eye @Madala & Lela*
I must say I also got a goodie bag, ever since I’ve been singing & dancing to my gift.
JC 16 will be recorded on 17 Dec @ Carnival City.
Lela on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 7:45 am
Snappy ufune itikiti hayi igoodie bag nanje ke buyisa igoodie bag eyo. Did u n manny go together cause ngigcine athi akatholi tikiti ngathi acele ukuba yidate yakho. Glad u guys had fun but i dnt think i would have enjoyed the show without Ntokozo n Nobathembu,worse whn they couldnt even get Nokukhanya and Avis,cha!
Biskiti on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 9:07 am
Morning Bandla!
I went to the saturday one, and the show was awesome! Except for the load shedding on stage that lasted a good 40 minutes. But that didn’t detter our spirits as we sang for ourselves, sang folk songs like abo “Modimo a le teng, ha-ayo mathata”, “Tsotlhe di entswe ke Wena”, etc…lol.
The highlights for me was obviously Mahalia’s performance…just out of this world, she took the song to heights i never imagined possible. Her annointing is starting to shine through. Buhle/Sibongiseni’s rendition of ON Holy Ground was sooo on point. Zodwa’s powerful voice mesmerized me as well. Hlengiwe Dlamini outdid herself as well, especially that “Ngemboze nge sandla Sakhe”…beautiful stuff indeed. Asanda Bam…wow, on point. Thabo’s wife also has a beautiful voice and used it kahle.
Ohw, and i loved how the choir sang “I wanna sing praises” and kept transposing the song for like 10times! incredebyuleeee!
I love Ntokozo, but felt like she is looozing that powerhouse-voice she used to have. She was just good, and she had always been exceptional for me. Wasn’t happy that they didn’t do “In the shadow” in it’s entirety, that she did the opening verse & chorus nje as a favour to those of us who were screaming for it. She is blessed still.
Brenda’s song was the worst shem.
I commend Lindelani, Mthunzi, Jabu and the rest of the choir for an awesome job putting the concert together, from costumes, stage, lighting & sound (even though there were some “low” moments here and there. We look forward to JC16 recording ko Carnival city.
manny on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 10:12 am
The sunday one was delicious -Buhle did some amazing thing on the song HOLY GROUND ..
Snappy twas nice seeng you ..such a humble lady..as for that sms it got me worked up to when i got back to my seat..luckily i had some savannah in my cup to calm me down
@lela..I MANAGED TO GET TICKETS E SOWETO…i WAS PANICKING THINKING UKBA A SOULD OUT…
so there goodie bags?
u know I got worried about my eyesight when I saw the gospel awards pics with mkhize there coz I thought I saw him conducting the choir ..next thing he was gone ..so uhambe nge helicopter ?hehehehe
manny on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 10:22 am
ohh mablerh that woman wa baritone ..did the song axactly like she does it ku the cd…..hameni x1000
she looks good
MaBlerh on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 10:26 am
Yes, Manny, Bukiwe was simply outstanding. I have never seen the crowd do that at a concert. They knew every word to the song and even how she sang it.
manny on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 10:42 am
lol she just didnt say “listen to voice” i wanted that part ..
but it was an outstanding show..futhi we were allowed to buy alchohol so nje I was happy,,,,
correct me coz snapshot is confusing me ..Jabu said the 15 of december is the show angithi ? nanku u snapy says the 17?which one is correct ?
snapshot on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 11:52 am
@Lela kwaa!!!!!! Shem the ticket didn’t come with conditions futhi that goody bag came as a consolation after the so called sms esithetha ngayo no manny. O Manny is a sweet heart bloggers,he made me forget everything. I so wish ngabe ngizihambele nawe yaz manizo yonke le rubbish ngabe ayenzekanga mxim ungrateful hobo
@Manny listen to me recording is on 17 Dec leye 15 was a mistake kwaa!!!!!can we really do the recording on thursday maybe ne especially cos of the holiday the following day….we’ll wait for more infor
Lela on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 12:06 pm
Hayi guys what sms,inbox please. How can ningangtsheli ukuthi nihlangabezene neyinkinga. Mina the only nkinga engihlangabezene nayo kuma crowns were my killer shoes,they lived up to the name shem to a point where i ended up walking barefoot by the time we were at the cocktail party. Yho shem never go to functions nge killer shoes zabo Rage no matter how great they look.
khutso on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 12:30 pm
Mablerh, you obviously don’t know Brenda. She will never sing like Swazi Dlamini, she just manage
khutso on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 12:30 pm
Mablerh, you obviously don’t know Brenda. She will never sing like Swazi Dlamini, she just wouldn’t manage
snapshot on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 12:47 pm
Kwaaa!!!!! Damn killer shoes will kill u ne….shem I wouldn’t mind those killer shoes-please donate to the Zebra foundation, ur donation will not go unnoticed ezincwadini ezingcwele
Wild Island on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 1:12 pm
hai snapy ngezinyawo zika sisi ka cindarela..yomoshi shoes zomunyumtwana:)
Hi lela,manny,biskiti
Letebele on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 1:14 pm
@Lela: chomi beziphi iAllStar? Be like Thandiswa and spice things at these formal functions. Ufake iAll Star so you can be comfortable the entire evening.
What size are you kanene? iZebra foundation khayime kancinci. I’m a size 3/4 so if they are big,please gimme the receipt so I can go exchange them. The ladies at Rage Northgate are quiet cool,I’m sure they won’t mind,lol
manny on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 1:22 pm
hallo willdy ,welcome back,whats with u ka di small one line ekare oromela sms..
@lela u snapshot bamenzile shame ..haai bamkhandile yhoo imdaka lantwana nkje ..i vuil maan…
FunkyFK on Wed, 9th Nov 2011 5:31 pm
Wow, Joyous Celebration was on fire. Attended the Sunday show and boy, did I have fun. I was standing 90% of the time, singing along to each and every song. I must say, my R300 was well spent. well plus R10 parking.
The costumes, kwaaaaa some looked haute and others, yaai man. There was one lady, not sure of her hame, she even performed a solo, her dress was so tight and it felt like her twins were about to strangle her.
Cant wait for Carnival City
snapshot on Thu, 10th Nov 2011 5:32 am
@Manny kwaaaa!!!!!! Ivuil lentwana tlitlitli u jst khandad me ke nawe
@Wildy ngizokuthola wena ndodakazi yolahleko lol
@Letebele khawume cc,Zebra foundation is a very cause & such donations remain unnoticed. Eish just realised “Killer” might not fit me ke size5 lol
BabyA on Thu, 10th Nov 2011 8:14 am
I went to the Saturday show and I was satisfied. They normally leave me wanting more but this time I couldnt complain. Didnt even feel guilty about not going to church on Sunday cause I had enough church on Sat. JC rocks big time and they just keep getting better. I just didnt fee Thabo Mdluli and his wife’s perfomance though. All in all a good show. I loved the spirit the crowd had when the power was out.
Biskiti on Thu, 10th Nov 2011 9:13 am
Hello Wildy-Wild…o tswa kae ngwaneso, tjo, waba skaars jwale ka Frozen lettuce, biltong ya Sushi, dried caviar, wa ntshwara mos…o shapo ngwaner?
Shout-out to Manny, Lela, Snappy, Letebza, MaBlehr & mphakathi kaofela wa JC. Nginithanda nonke emakhaya!
I’m glad everyone enjoyed themselves at the show. i pray that they release a DVD of the whole event, minus a couple of songs like Brendas and the Mdluli’s duet.
Letebele on Thu, 10th Nov 2011 12:02 pm
@Biskiti: wassup Hottie?! We got nothing but love for you babe*cyber_grouphug)…
@Lela: maybe we should start a homecell at your place yabo? I’m serious though,first session we’ll be playing all JC dvd’s and then we can start praying and reading the bible from session two.
snapshot on Thu, 10th Nov 2011 2:29 pm
LOL @Letebele u crazy wena cell nama JC dvd tjo usile mntana ndini. Why doesn’t the cell start at ur place then it can rotate.
Holla @Biskiti, hope u gud and one day you will join us
manny on Thu, 10th Nov 2011 3:01 pm
sanibonani…finaly I breathe..was busy
hololo biskiti ..direng mmo ntjamme?
snappy kunjani dali wam…wena sweety wamn..iphi lantwana emdaka …
deathby homecell…letebele wants i excuse yo kubikela i dvd …hambo thenga
Wild Island on Thu, 10th Nov 2011 3:19 pm
ao biskiti yaka ya Mbhoro..keteng my dear…manny has been keeping me busy lol hope ur good lwena:).
i will wait for the show ko Carnival..etlaneng?
Letebele on Thu, 10th Nov 2011 8:17 pm
Hawu bafazi! Ndiyathenga mna shem,for real. Andithi we can each bring a dvd and that would mean we need at least 15 members for our first session so that we watch all 15 dvd’s that are already out.
Andithi Lela is the common demoninator apha,so that’s why I thought of her. The sessions can rotate kaloku,everyone will get a chance to host.
On a more serious note though: seeing so many bahlali who have as much faith as I do in Modimo is a beautiful yet rare thing. So why does the sistahood/brotherhood have to end apha ku JC? Our faith/christianity is what we have in common and we can use that to our advantage by starting a prayer circle/group so that we know ukuthi when things get hectic empilweni zethu,we have other christians to lean on.
manny on Fri, 11th Nov 2011 9:32 am
letebele une point ..as long as kuza kuba ne savannah kulo prayer meeting ..ukuthandaza kundenza thirsty mna
Letebele on Fri, 11th Nov 2011 2:00 pm
@Manny: Savannah? Done! 24 andithi? Done! Praise Gaaad!