Joyous Celebration brings a message of hope and positivity with their milestone 25th album released today.
This is the first album from the revered gospel ensemble under Universal Music Africa and with a distribution deal with Motown Gospel in the US. It is released in time for Easter celebrations and with the dark shadow of the Coronavirus pandemic that continues to ravage families and leave people destitute hanging heavily.
Even in dire circumstances like this, MTN Joyous Celebration has not lost its fire, if anything, the recording proves that their music remains a dependable balm that goes a long way to soothe troubled souls. Still We Rise speaks to the indomitable human spirit and its resilience in the face of adversity.
The recording was conducted without choir master Lindelani Mkhize on stage due to ill health, but he still led from behind the scenes ensuring that the performance remains spirited and uplifting.
The 16 track Still We Rise is led by singles Ndezel Uncedo and The Victory Song that set the tone for a rapturous experience.
Ndenzel Uncedo led by Esethu Mngxuma is taken from the Methodist church Xhosa hymnbook. The rousing traditional hymn is delivered with impeccable rhythm and gusto. It is about finding refuge in God at a time of difficulty, pain and loss.
It is sung by believers who recognize that they cannot get through life on their own, it is only with the grace of God that they can survive troubles. The song resonates with the challenges of today. Ndenzel Uncedo has already garnered over 180 000 views on YouTube in less than a week.
Packed with high energy from the first note, The Victory Song is a manifestation of God’s unfailing love. Led by the consummate performer and singer Bonginkosi Mthombeni, the track boasts generous doses of spunk and groove.
The swashbuckling dance routine by Bonginkosi is a throwback to the heady days of Michael Jackson and James Brown’s nifty footwork. The Victory Song is not only apt as acknowledgement of how far the ensemble has come, but sets the tone for the future.
The energy is kept up on tracks like Sebenza Ngami, Ka Mehla, Elakho Liphezulu, Ngiyanikela and Grace and Mercy.
Pastor Jabu Hlongwane returns to the stage with Sofana Naye while Pastor Mthunzi Namba delivers a powerful testament of unshaken faith with In Christ We Stand.
Some of the new faces that inject a new energy to the band are Thobeka Ramaloko who shines on the keyboard fuelled Bonginkosi Ngazo and Nwabisa Meth is a class act in Camagu Ngonyama rooted in Xhosa rhythms tinged with jazz. Kholiswa Ganca dazzles in the exuberant Cela, while Bongiwe Madela dazzles in Jesus is Lord Medley and Nozipho Phiri is infectious on Thank You Lord.
Still We Rise boasts the musicality and dexterity that MTN Joyous Celebration has been known for. It doesn’t shy away from African influences that are masterfully fused with modern sensibilities.
Enthuses Mkhize: ‘We are proud to present this album marking 25 years of MTN Joyous Celebration. We have a new recording home at Universal Music, we have been injected with a new energy and we are enthusiastic about the future. This album has everything for everybody, it will leave all our supporters and fans sated with the holy spirit delivered in song, praise and worship. Even when I wasn’t on stage to conduct the choir due to ill health, everything came together so perfectly and the excellence we are known for remains unmatched.’
Still We Rise was recorded under strict Covid-19 lockdown protocols at Joburg Theatre without a live audience.
MTN Joyous Celebration 25 premier show takes place on Friday, 2 April 2021 at Joburg Theatre with a limited audience and observing Covid-19 lockdown protocols. Tickets will go for sale on Webtickets soon.
