The show, which is slated for this Saturday at Ditshupo Hall, is likely to attract hundreds of Christians and gospel music-lovers from all walks of life as it will feature the Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, Kekeletso 'Keke,' Phoofolo and Shumie Odirile. The organisers pointed out during a press conference that as a way of portraying the corporate company in another light, they have introduced an alternative tool to attract more clientele by hosting the show, which promises to be a sizzler.
According to the Soweto Gospel Choir website, the group was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African gospel music. The 26-person choir, under the direction of David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer, draws on the best talent from many churches in and around Soweto, South Africa. It is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world and it has so far won two Grammy awards.Keke needs no introduction in Botswana as he has staged a number of successful shows in the country. The versatile singer's career took off when he became a lead singer in yet another top South African choir, Joyous Celebration and he has since been nominated for a number of awards in his native country.
The only local artist to be featured in the event, Shumie is an upcoming gospel artist in the country and the organisers hope that his interaction with the gospel giants will boost his career.According to Diphuka Osman, the Marketing Communications Executive of Metropolitan (Botswana), the company has been looking for avenues for local talent to be profiled and that is why they brought in Shumie. Fielding questions from local media, she further said that the festival is not only about Christianity but other religions as well and that the concept is all-embracing.She further said that they have subsidised the tickets so that "a higher percentage of people could afford to attend the event".
" Metropolitan has taken an initiative to profile something that is spiritually oriented for a three-year period," said Thuto Mokgwathi of Corporate Communication Solutions , the company that is organising the event. He further said that hopefully the event would turn into an 'all-Batswana' gospel event, where only local gospel artists will feature in the not so distant future.
Interestingly, Metropolitan Botswana is pioneering the whole concept, which the group hopes will eventually spread throughout the continent.
