Hundreds try out for gospel group
Joyous Celebration put Bay’s ‘raw talent’ to sound test
HUNDREDS of hopefuls auditioned in Port Elizabeth yesterday for a chance to join gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration. Among them was Siyasanga Koyo, 28, who has been with a gospel group called Vocal Blend for the past seven years.
“I came here at 9am with only one thing in mind: to impress the judges with my singing abilities.”
Koyo, who lives in Zwide, said she had never entered a singing competition before.
“But I am excited about this one [and] even if I don’t go through, I will definitely try others.”
Koyo was supported by her husband, popular award-winning Umhlobo Wenene FM presenter Bulelani Koyo.
He brought her food while she waited her turn at the Feather Market Centre.
One of the judges, Joyous Celebration co-founder Mthunzi Namba called on Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa to invest in developing talent in the Eastern Cape.
But he also said he had started at 1pm and by 4pm only two people had impressed him.
“There is potential but it needs to be enhanced. We are looking for talent, uniqueness, energy and delivery, but what I have picked up is that a person will try to be someone else, and there are those who choose wrong songs,” he said.
Another judge, Jabu Hlongwane, said there was raw talent in Nelson Mandela Bay but a lot of people imitated others.
“I have seen more than 200 hopefuls and I am looking for someone who can sing from their heart.”
Pumla Tiso, 23, of Walmer, said she decided to audition because she sang in her church choir.
“I have never sung anywhere but in my church choir.”
Sibongile Nyati, 31, of Zwide, auditioned because she loves Joyous Celebration.
“I am a choral singer and I know Joyous Celebration ac- commodates different talents. It was very nerve-wracking to sing in front of Mthunzi and he just said thanks, so hopefully that was a good sign,” she said.
The popular gospel outfit intends taking fans down memory lane during two concerts to be held in the city, at NMMU’s Missionvale campus In- door Sports Centre, on Friday and Saturday.
The tour will include four talented Eastern Cape musicians – Ncebakazi Nkatju, Phelo Bala, Lindsey Baartjies and Sylvester Funani.
Hlongwane said: “This show will be a spiritual journey that heals and refreshes.
“The theme of the show is ‘Back to the Cross’.
“We will celebrate old and familiar hymns that fans know and grew up with, but [they will be] delivered with a new feel.”
Namba said an abundance of new talent had been added to the lineup this year.
“We can’t wait to showcase the new talent that we have, as the support here is palpable and alive.
“PE people are very friendly and they love their music.”
Tickets are available at Computicket from R190.
‘ I am looking for someone who can sing from their heart