TOP South African artiste Rebecca Malope is expected to headline a one-day Gospel Divas’ concert to be held on May 28 at Harare Gardens as part of celebrations to mark her colourful 30-year musical career which started in 1986.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
Speaking to NewsDay yesterday, concert organiser Barbra Chikosi of Red Rose Entertainment said the family show would be a two-in-one event, aimed at celebrating Malope’s journey in the music industry and commemorating the belated Mother’s Day, which honours motherhood, observed annually on the second Sunday of May.
“The idea of this concert is to celebrate the success of gospel female musicians who are also mothers. Rebecca Malope has had a successful musical journey which is inspirational for many local artistes. It is for that reason that we decided to give female musicians a chance to share the stage with the gospel music icon as she celebrates 30 years in the industry,” Chikosi said.
“We have decided to mix both upcoming and seasoned female gospel artistes among them Olivia Charamba, Amanda Sagonda, Agatha Murudzwa, Carol Mujokoro, Irene Tigere, Olinda Marova-Ziwenga, Bethany Pasinawako-Ngolomi, Sharon Manyonganise, Joice Simeti, Hannah Chikosi-Mapepeta and Rumbi Zvirikuzhe to showcase themselves as they share the stage with Rebecca.”
She said tickets for the family show would be released soon, selling at $10 for adults and $5 for children at all Red Rose Salons.
Although Malope could not be reached for comment by the time of going to print, judging from the star-studded line-up of performers, the Christian community will be in for a treat as many of the musicians have a record of top-notch performances at their live concerts.
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The concert comes as a boost for gospel musicians at a time not much has been done in the genre by way of promoting local artistes through pitting them with visiting international artistes and groups.
Owing to a lack of interest by local promoters in gospel music, artistes in the genre are hardly part of huge concerts and have been denied the much-needed exposure that comes by performing in front of large crowds. They are normally reduced to spectators during such shows which have brought fame to the likes of secular musicians among them Winky D and Jah Prayzah.
In the past years, the country had an opportunity to host big names on the international Christian scene among them Kirk Franklin, Don McClurkin, Nicole C. Mullen, Hillsong Church from Australia, Joyous Celebration and Sipho Makhabane.
