By Celani Sikhakhane
Durban’s tourism economy is set for a big boost thanks to a special New Year’s Eve event – the Mayine Crossover Gospel Experience – featuring the famous Joyous Celebration group.
Local businessman Mageza Mbambo announced the event at the Mushroom Lounge in Umhlanga, Durban, on Thursday night.
Mbambo said he had to convince Joyous Celebration to break their rule of only performing at their own shows.
“Joyous Celebration decided decades ago that they don’t perform or accept invitations to events because they only performs at their own shows,” he said
“We had to talk to them and make the founders understand our vision of the role that the gospel fraternity could play in helping our city’s dwindling economy.”
Joyous Celebration co-founder Dr Lindelani Mkhize said Mbambo’s vision convinced them to break their usual rule.
The Mayine Crossover Gospel Experience will be held at the Durban ICC on 31 December. Over 6,000 gospel music fans are expected to attend.
Mbambo encouraged people to book their accommodation early.
The event will be promoted nationwide in churches, with tickets costing R350 to R1,500.
Apart from Joyous Celebration, the event will feature big-name gospel artists like Benjamin Dube, Lebo Sekgobela, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Ayanda Ntanzi, Rebecca Malope, and Lusanda Beja, with each artist performing a one-hour set.
This event is especially important to the city because eThekwini’s tourism economy has lost hosting major events like the South African Music Awards and Crown Gospel Music Awards.
Pictured above: Durban businessman Mageza Mbambo announced the New Year’s Eve Mayine Crossover Gospel Experience – a major boost for Durban’s economy.
Source: X
