Sfiso Ncwane, Ncwandeni Christ Ambassadors set for Bulawayo Gospel Show

Maybe it's a Bulawayo state of mind or sheer happenstance, but there seems to be a trend here that artists from eMzansi pull crowds with local music lovers DJ acts such as Micasa, Tira and Euphonik have rocked local stages in recent times.

In the distant past, South African gospel chanteuse Deborah Fraser tried her hand locally and it went poorly for her. But Joyous Celebr-ation had a raucous reception last year especially as they were showcasing local boy Mkhululi Bhebhe. This coming weekend on April 7 acclaimed South African gospel musicians, Sfiso Ncwane and Ncwandeni Christ Ambassadors will grace the stage in a gospel music fiesta co-organised by famed impresario Babongile Sikhonjwa who is the creative director of X-MO Squad at the AmaZulu Football Club stadium in an event is billed Gospel Extravaganza One as this will become an annual event. Harare-based gospel singer, Fungisai Mashavave and Bulawayo accapella exponents Conqu-erors 7 will share the stage with them. I quizzed Babongile on why the particular artists from South Africa?

"A survey that we did revealed that Sifiso Ncwa-ne is the guy most gospel music lovers would want to see apart from Rebecca Malope and who was available for that date."

Have you gone gospel?
"I grew up in church man, and people have been asking me why I promote only secular shows. So I heeded the call.

"We are hosting the event at Amazulu stadium because of security concerns as people might be apprehensive about attending shows in the western surburbs. You know that the venue has a three metre high wall ! Besides that, there is lots of parking space."

Do you foresee a situation where you would host a show headlined by local artists?

"At the end of the day its about business. We have to make money and local artists need to market themselves more, to be more visible.

So what of perceived marginalisation of local musicians ?

"Its marginalisation by location as opposed to marginalisation by region. What I mean is that a Harare artist only has to board a kombi to get to the radio station. So there is a need for radio station that broadcasts from the region."

Asking another promoter about their seeming fixation on promoting South African acts, hELLA hELLA promotions' Possenti Sikhosana countered: "It all comes down to business. Give me one local act who can bring 1000 fans and I will promote the show. When I bring in Euphonik I can get 700 fans and break even. In the end local artists need to market themselves actively. For example who has had a door slammed in the face by any of the radio stations? I am a friend of Kimble Rogers (a legendary ZFM disc jockey) and he is always calling for works from Bulawayo. So they (artists) need to take their music there in order to be visible. There is a local dj called Pam who went to Harare to promote herself and she was featured on ZFM just like that."

"We urge families to come for this extravaganza. It is a good thing that it will be on Sunday and people will be coming from church, so with that same spirit of praise and worship they are sure to enjoy the extravaganza. Children should also attend as there will be loads of entertainment in store," he said. Skhonjwa said the show will be of high standard and guaranteed tight security, secure  parking and all the necessary requirements to make the event a success.