Kariega gospel group stands test of time

From singing in the streets of Kabah township in Kariega to celebrating their 55th birthday, gospel group The Christadelphians have stood the test of time in their music and friendship.

The group was established in 1969 by four high school friends living in Kabah.

They decided on the name, Christadelphians, which means “Soldiers of Christ”.

Group coach and keyboard player Cecil Arnolds said this arose from a deep desire to serve the Lord and spread His word through music.

“It is not usual for gospel groups to stick together for such a long time, hence we believe we may be the oldest gospel male choir in SA,” Arnolds said.

He said the milieu in which they were brought up instilled in them the values of ubuntu and humanity.

“Driven by a deep desire for social justice and social reform, the group quickly rose to fame as we performed at churches, cultural and political rallies, and concerts.

“In 1986, when US human rights leader the Rev Jesse Jackson visited SA for the first time, the group was one of the eminent performers at the rally in then-Port Elizabeth.

“At these political events, the group would sing Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika at a time when it was practically illegal to do so.

“They even performed in Ginsberg, the birthplace of Steve Biko, during those difficult times.”

In 1982, they were discovered by West Nkosi and Marks Makwanie, who were scouting for talent on behalf of Gallo Africa.

“At that stage, Marks and West were band members of the renowned Mahlathini and Mahotella Queens.

“They were highly impressed when they experienced the passion, commitment and sheer talent the group displayed from an early age,” Arnolds said.

They produced their first LP, Daddy my Daddy, at the SABC studio in King William’s Town in 1982, he added.

The Christadelphians continue to perform regularly in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

They have 18 albums behind their name and have produced 11 DVDs.

They also perform at festivals, such as the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees, Suidoosterfees and BiltongFees.

“A highlight was when, in 2001, we went on tour to Jerusalem, Greece and Egypt.

“We received a plaque of Tiberias Award for, in the words of the representative of the Israel minister of tourism, ‘one of the best gospel shows we have ever had on a musical tour in Israel’.”

The group also celebrate excellence awards such as the Lifetime Music Award from the Bilson Music Company (2013), the Music Legends Award from the Nelson Mandela Bay metro (2014), and the Gospel Legends Award from Gabriel Global Gospel Awards (2019).

They will kick off the celebrations in Scottsville, Kraaifontein, on Easter Sunday at 6pm at the Uniting Reformed Church.

From there, they have planned special shows in Johannesburg, Kariega and Gqeberha.