Stand on a mission to blaze trail
AN EAST London gospel group is determined to make a stand for its beliefs and is hoping to spread the word with the aid of the live recording of its latest work.
Stand, which is a nine vocalist and sixpiece instrumental band, will be launching their second homebrewed album at the Guild Theatre in East London this weekend.
As suggested by their album title, Stand: Live in East London, their CD and DVD will be recorded live on Saturday.
Started in 2002, the group initially consisted of six members and has more than doubled in number over the years. It is this growth which Stand say shows a rise in their impact on the people of the Eastern Cape.
Musical director and producer Gugu Mbuku said that beyond the music, they hoped that their work would have a lasting impact on the lives of those whose paths the group crossed.
“The heart that we have for gospel music is what I believe sets us apart. We have a lifechanging message in our music, it’s more than just something to make you feel good,” Mbuku said.
With a number of local artists setting their sights on greater heights career-wise and packing their bags and heading for big cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, Stand maintains that the Eastern Cape has plenty to offer. For them, the province is like a “musical melting pot”.
Co-manager and vocal director Andile Maqoma says that the group have been rehearsing since February to ensure a product of high quality.
“If people can see the high standard here, musicians from all around will be encouraged to step up. Something new is brewing and we want this CD and DVD to be the product of all the hard work we’ve put in,” said Maqoma.
Having performed at a Mdantsane gospel show, the Buffalo City Metro Injongo Musik Wik, and alongside other locally renowned groups such as Chosen, Stand hope to get feet moving and hearts overjoyed this weekend.
“We are all about breakthrough, we are expectant and expect people to come out and be healed, delivered and released from their burdens,” Maqoma added.
Mbuku said: “After the recording, we want to go on tour, God allowing, around South Africa and hopefully beyond the borders of the country.
“Our hope for the future is to rise to being one of the most prominent gospel groups in the country.
“We believe it will happen, we just need to keep putting our music out there and God will do the rest.” — shanaazp@dispatch.co.za