International Gospel Extravaganza for Bulawayo

A MEGA gospel extravaganza featuring famous American gospel accapella group and Grammy Awards nominees — Committed has been penciled for the City of Kings.

The show, dubbed the Ubuntu Music Festival and is being organised by a group of United Kingdom-based Zimbabweans — the Spirit of Ubuntu, will be held on 7 May at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre.

The show, which promises to be one of the most exciting gospel events to be held in Bulawayo, will also feature performances from other groups from South Africa and Zimbabwe.

An organiser of the show, Mlibazisi Jeffrey Moyo said he was happy to announce that the much anticipated show, which had been marketed on social media and other platforms, was finally materialising.

"Committed from the USA will be in town (Bulawayo) alongside a group of exciting local and international stars in what is the inaugural Ubuntu Music Festival, a festival that aims to celebrate the Spirit of Ubuntu, through the medium of music.

"They will perform in Bulawayo as part of a four city stop that will see them stopover in London, Johannesburg and Durban in South Africa, and finally Bulawayo on the 7th of May for the anchor leg of the tour," said Moyo from his UK base.

Apart from being Grammy nominees for the rendition: Do you hear what I hear, Committed won Season 2 of the United States popular accapella show The Sing Off.

Week after week they wowed judges that included RnB and pop star Nicole Schezinger and Shawn Stockman of Boys II Men.

Since venturing into showbiz they have gained legions of fans across the globe and have performed on stages grand and small.

In 2015, they had the honour of meeting and performing for the US President Barack Obama.

"This year, right here in the City of Kings, the boys are looking forward to sharing their diverse music catalogue with Bulawayo music lovers. The group has its roots in gospel music. However, they also have a wide repertoire, which covers a span of genres, and musical tastes. Inspired by the legendary Take 6, Committed have sought to take the art of vocal craft to the next level by focusing on tight, well-knit harmonies accompanied by percussion and a deep rumbling bass," said Moyo.

For the Bulawayo leg, the group will perform alongside Afro-Jazz maestros Just 6 who Won Best African accapella and best religious song for their 2014 album release, Kuzolunga.

Their music has also received acclaim across the border in South Africa, where they have claimed several awards.

Also present will be the legendary South African gospel group Emmanuel Ministry, who will be performing in Bulawayo for the first time.

"They will be joined by Bulawayo-based group Powerhouse who hail from Nkulumane and are making waves in the genre in Bulawayo.

Also part of the high profile gig is Zambian group — the Promise. The lineup is completed by Behold Music Group based in Gweru. Their music has seen them tour the length and breadth of the country," said Moyo.

He mentioned that he hoped this would ultimately turn into an annual event, pitting the best of local and international performers.

"We aim at having this as an annual event as we seek to improve the quality and standards of music in the country through collaborations, as well as hold seminars and workshops.

"If you did not have plans on Saturday 7 May 2016, make a date with history and come to the Amphitheatre in Bulawayo for a show worth experiencing.

Tickets for the festival will be sold at the door and will be available in Advance at Slice Pizzeria from the 2nd of May 2016 at $10 a head. For what it's worth, this is an event not to miss," said Moyo.