21 x 3 = gospel star’s launch show
TWENTY-ONE years of Malibongwe Gcwabe, 21 gospel albums and 21 years of democracy will be the theme at the Orient Theatre in East London tomorrow, when the gospel star launches his 21st album.
The pastor and musician has promised gospel lovers a music extravaganza never seen before as his launch features other gospel heavyweights such as Bethusile, Veliswa Skeyi, Reverend Nkomfa and Lusizo Kango, among others.
For Gcwabe, the number 21 signifies God’s answers to prayers, hence the album title Ndakuva, which loosely translates to “I heard you”.
Also, Gcwabe said, the album was a special one in that it coincided with 21 years since the birth of democracy in South Africa in 1994, the year he recorded his first solo album.
“This launch will not be like any other launch because it is special for many reasons and those who have followed my career will witness how I have grown as an artist over the years,” he said.
“No one who will come to the launch will come out the same.
“We have a powerful message and those who seek deliverance will find it.”
Over the years, Gcwabe has been a big player in South Africa’s gospel music industry.
He had a prominent role in gospel group, Youth With Mission, which was popular in the early 2000s.
Expressing his gratitude for the musical journey he has enjoyed, he said tomorrow’s show was also a “thank you” to his supporters.
The Remnant of God Ministries leader believes his music has changed and influenced lives and, as part of his vision to make a difference, students attending the launch will receive “VIP treatment” in the form of prayers for their final exams and a discounted entrance fee.
An ambitious star of note, Gcwabe is hoping that this will be his last show in an enclosed venue because “musicians of my calibre should fill up stadiums so we can open up space for the younger generation in venues such as the Orient”.
The show starts at 1pm and the entrance fee is R80 for adults and half-price for teenagers and students. — mawandem@dispatch.