Joyous Celebration is a South African Gospel choir which was formed in 1994 following the success of South Africa’s first democratic elections. What was merely meant to be a one-time studio project by South African musicians turned into a massive platform for upcoming South African artists. Many of Joyous Celebration songs, like Grace and Mercy (Live), become very popular and trendy online with a great number of streaming and downloads on Boomplay.
The choir has enjoyed success in South Africa and the rest of the African continent, having released 23 albums as of 2019. It is one of South Africa’s most successful gospel choirs, following acts like The Soweto Gospel Choir.
Members
As of 2019, the choir has 32 members. They are;
– Soprano:
• Phumzile Luthuli
• Snenhlanhla Mncwabe
• Nozipho Phiri
• Lynnzay Baatjies
• Buhle Xolo
• Nomthi Sibisi
• Londiwe Nxumalo
• Samkelisiwe Mkhize
• Jessie Lottering
• Nontsikelelo Ntuli
– Alto:
• Busisiwe Shezi
• Londiwe KaMasondo Cele
• Siyakha Tshayela
• Pamela Jejane
• Kholiwe Ganca
• Vuyelwa Oke
• Mbalenhle Lekhuleni
• Thobeka Ramoloko
• Esethu Mngxuma
• Thandeka Hlatshwayo
• Zamile Mfekayi
– Tenor:
• Nwabisa Meth
• Sibusiso Mthembu
• Nhlanhla Zofo
• Khaya Sibanyoni
• Sefako Mamabolo
• Gospel Silinda
• Sylvester Funani
• Andile Thabethe
• Eric Moyo
• Given Mabena
• Phuluso Thenga
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Career
The choir was formed by the well-known gospel producers in the country; Lindelani Mkhize, Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba. The choir has been sponsored by Giant telecommunications Network MTN. Previous sponsors include ‘Old Mutual’ and other South African media partners. The choir usually comprises 30 to 35 singers and a 6 to 12 piece band. There are usually 8 to 12 soprano singers, 8 to 12 contralto singers and 10 to 13 tenor singers. The founders try to change singers often in order to give others the same platform and exposure, this by holding auditions often.
Most singers stay with the choir for a period of 1 to 5 years; however, others do go over that period, with previous singers such as Ntokozo Mbambo, the previous musical director Nqubeko Mbatha having stayed with the choir for 11 years each. The current lead guitarist Msizi Mashiane has since surpassed any individual to join the project having been with the choir since the recording of Joyous Celebration 10 in 2005 to date.
The founders often refer to Joyous Celebration as a gospel project as the singers are not only trained in music but how one carries themselves as a gospel musician and how to basically stand on their own in the tough music and ministry industry.
The Choir often records their New album in December of the preceding year, and release the album just before or on the Easter Weekend of the Subsequent year. This release is often accompanied by a Launch over the entire weekend which then kicks off the national tour for that particular year.
Joyous Celebration release albums annually and have broken boundaries in the South African recording industry in terms of live DVD and CD recordings with a total of 26 live Albums from the years 1997-present. Most of the latter albums contain music composed by the singers, the founders and the friends of the choir in both the traditional and contemporary gospel industry.
They also keep to the signature of true South African praise and worship with traditional songs which have been sung in church for decades. In addition the title of their albums in latter years often indicates the title of the tour of the subsequent year.
Albums
• Joyous Celebration (1997)
• Joyous Celebration 2 Live in Durban at The Durban Christian Centre later known as the Jesus Dome (1998)
• Joyous Celebration 3 Live in Johannesburg at The Market Theatre (1999)
• Joyous Celebration 4: Connecting the Nation – Live in Durban at The Playhouse (2000)
• Joyous Celebration 5 Live in Johannesburg at The Civic Theatre (2001)
• Joyous Celebration 6 Live in Durban (2002)
• Joyous Celebration 7 Live in Cape Town at The Artscape Theatre (2003)
• Joyous Celebration 8: To Be Free – Live in Johannesburg (2004)
• Joyous Celebration 9 Live in Durban (2005)
Joyous Celebration songs are included in Boomplay music playlists. Search to stream and download Joyous Celebration songs MP3/ single/ albums on the platform.
