Khoza puts on God-spel
SONG OF AGES: IHUBO IS NO ORDINARY CONCERT, SAYS ITS CREATOR One-of-a-kind gospel show by activist to raise funds for his institute.
Known for his passion for heritage and culture, musician, historian, actor and heritage activist Mbuso Khoza will be launching a one-ofa-kind gospel show at the Joburg Theatre from 1 to 3 April.
Proceeds will be donated to the Mbuso Khoza Institute.
Speaking about the show, Khoza said: “There have been many gospel shows staged locally and internationally, and after requests from fans and supporters I curated a show that speaks to gospel the way I believe it should be presented.
“This show – titled – Song of Ages – is not an ordinary concert. It will be packed with information that dissects what we have come to know today as the gospel.
“The theme of this show is GodSpel – meaning we are spelling God, spelling everything positive, good news, healing and strength to keep on keeping on.”
Khoza will be accompanied by seven-piece band: Qhubekani Mthethwa on bass, Sanele Phakathi on keyboard and drums, Nigerian Sam Ibe on drums, Thabo Sikhakhane on trumpet, and Thembinkosi Lorch and Tshepo Mohlala on the saxophone.
The audiences will be taken through the rearranged olden choruses and compositions by Khoza – just as he has done with amahubo, as well as the spiritual songs which were lamented by Americans (eg Swing Low).
“It is time for us to get back on our feet and reclaim our rightful places in this world. The sufferings of the past two years that brought us to our knees have been a great eye opener, and have necessitated these kinds of initiatives,” he said.
“I began my journey as a jazz artist, and the evolution has been fulfilling.
“When I began researching the amahubo, which I refer to as the scroll of the nation, I’d never have imagined how it would grow and be embraced by our people. “Today, I am ready to give gospel a twist on stage, for my people.”
Khoza believes he did not find himself in the creative arts space by chance, but rather was called to push the envelope.
He says performing is like going through a spiritual journey, and at least one person gets some form of healing, which propels him to work even harder.
Khoza has recently been on tour with Swiss trumpeter Mat Spiellman after they collaborated on a project, titled Matts Up.
The tour in Germany and Switzerland was one of the initiatives to raise funds to get the Khoza Institute off the ground.
The institute is aimed at unearthing and nurturing artists in northern KwaZulu-Natal.