Competition toughens in Just Gospel
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday February 10, 2016 15:14
He said with the competition getting tough, they could not choose only 20 of the best at the Palapye selection.
He added that they chose more participants who put up an amazing performance, and decided on selecting 31 contestants instead.
Muzila noted that the talent they have is impressive and is currently doing well. Contestants Mmapula Motswiri and Lechani Botepe from Gaborone, who are in group three, shared the same sentiments as they described the show as ‘getting tough’ because in the beginning they were relaxed and comfortable in the competition.
The pair indicated that Just Gospel TV Show is fantastic and they are having a great experience. They both hope to be chosen for the Top 20. The chief judge prophetess, Keorapetse Muzila, who is Robert's wife, said that the competition is stiff and they are going to choose the Top 20 looking at their stage performance, presence and vocals.
“We are going to select the cream of the crop because I believe all of the participants have what it takes to be our winner,” she said.
Audience member, Malebo Timpa from Gaborone said that she was in Palapye to support her close friend Bokani Montshiwa.
“She has what it takes to win the show and I wish her the best to be selected in the Top 20. I urge her to continue believing in herself even though she does not make it into the Top 20,” said Timpa.
The show, which is presented by Thabo Dube is broadcast every Sunday at 10pm on Botswana Television (Btv), started on a low note last year.
Muzila who is an economist by profession said that after selecting the Top 20 viewers will be given a chance to choose a winner through a voting system.
He added that when the competition started they encountered serious problems, which led to some delays.
He said that they faced issues relating to recording equipment, technical people for editing, sound engineering and lighting, but have now managed to address them all. They also faced difficulty in choosing venues, as they were very expensive.
He said that regardless of the challenges they encountered, they managed to keep the show going through the cashflow from their own savings. It attracted over 200 contestants around the country and has left viewers glued to their screens to see who wins the race towards the grand prize.
“The competition is going to end on July 2 and we will be seeing our lucky winner walk away with P200,000 and a recording deal together with a tour around the country,” he said.
He added that the show serves to empower youth to use their talents so that they can eke out a living through singing gospel.
The initiative will draw youth to a Christian life through singing the gospel and abiding by the rules of God so that they can prosper, Muzila said.
He added that the show will help young people refrain from the use of drugs and alcohol.
The economist shared that they have received multitudes of support from people in Gaborone, Selebi-Phikwe, Maun and Palapye.
He indicated that with over 2,000 followers on Facebook and the calls they have been receiving about the show, it is a clear demonstration that people are thirsty for such entertainment.
“Some of the defeated participants have been calling to ask about the second season,” he said. He added that the next season will start August this year.