Picture: Supplied
Multi-award-winning gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration is preparing to celebrate 30 years of its existence with a highly anticipated Joyous Celebration Thirty30 Tour in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
For one night only on Saturday, 14 November 2026, at Banquet Hall, fans will experience 30 songs, along with musical memories, faith, worship, and unity, with assistance from the Yethu Sonke Foundation.
Also see: Joyous Celebration’s Ntokozo Mbambo sings national anthem at Springbok match
Joyous Celebration heads to Mpumalanga
The group previously travelled to Johannesburg to launch phase one of their tour and anticipates that the Middelburg leg will attract more gospel music lovers from across Mpumalanga and neighbouring communities.
While speaking to BONA, Joyous Celebration co-founder Dr Lindelani Mkhize shared that Middelburg was an important stop for the group because they belong to all South Africans.
“Mpumalanga has a rich culture and a strong love for gospel music, so we are excited to celebrate our 30-year journey with the people of the province and create new memories together.”
Group member Sibusiso ‘SbuNoah’ Mthembu added that performing in Middelburg was also about the group’s monumental celebration with people who have supported them, listened to their music, and made the group what they are today.
“I’m really looking forward to experiencing that with the people of Mpumalanga.”
From Johannesburg to Middelburg
Sharing their experience in Gauteng, the leg provided a special connection with the audience and preparation for their upcoming show.
Singer Siyakha Khitha told BONA:
“We got to hone our performance skills, test out new material, and learn from the amazing audiences we met. The energy in Johannesburg is always electric, and it gave us a great boost heading into this tour.”
Nozipho Phiri, who described Joyous Celebration as a trendsetter, also shared, “Our collaboration with Alumnus was beautiful; I can see history was made on that show.”
Also see: Joyous Celebration vocalist Nozipho Phiri launches debut album
30 Years of memories
For Dr Mkhize, 30 years of the group’s existence have taught them faith, resilience, humility, and the importance of people. The group, also co-founded by Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba, was initially formed to celebrate South Africa’s newfound democracy through music while creating a platform to nurture and develop young musical talent, Music in Africa reports.
“We have experienced many seasons together, but the music and the message have always remained at the heart of Joyous Celebration,” he shared with BONA.
“For our longest-serving members, the most memorable moments are often journeys, rehearsals, friendships, and seeing audiences connect with our music. After 30 years, the people and memories make this journey truly special.”
Tickets for the Middelburg show start from R350 and are available at Webtickets and @teeckets.co.za.
Also see: Joyous Celebration star Mbali Lekhuleni on how she killed her rapist
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