The auditions, which were held in Manzini last week, were part of an initiative that aims to establish a 20-member band of Swaziland’s best gospel musicians. At the event, Makhabane explained that he wants to discover young Swazi musos and help them release albums with top record labels like Sony Music and EMI.

It is understood that Makhabane has stopped recording his own music in a bid to grow his record label, Big Fish Music. The label already boosts top gospel musicians such as Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Thobekile and Tshepiso Motaung.

On Saturday, he will sing for his Swazi fans for the last time. At his farewell performance Makhabane will share the stage with gospel heavyweights such as Joyous Celebration and pastor Solly Mahlangu. The event is at the Mavuso Trade Centre in Manzini, Swaziland, from 7pm.

An iconic gospel man, Makhabane has worked with a host of renowned gospel musicians, including Vuyo Mokoena, Frans Dlamini, Jabu Hlongwane, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sifiso Ncwane and Lundi Tyamara.

His last album “Ebenezer” has sold more than 20 000 units.

Late last year, he bought Swaziland’s television channel, Channel Swazi ( Channel S) and in addition to that, he runs Amanxusa Music.

Tickets to the Makhabane concert can be bought at the door or at selected outlets in Swaziland. They are selling at R160.

Caesar who is also known as  “The First Lady of Gospel Music”  will start her tour at Durban’s International Conference Centre on the 27th of November  before heading to Mpumalanga on the 28th and Johannesburg on the 29th. In Durban, she will be supported by South African gospel music heavyweights, Deborah Fraser and Hlengiwe.

Sipho Makhabane, the Church on The Hill Choir, Themba Mdluli, Goodman Mgibe, Benjamin Dube and Solly Mahlangu will join Caesar when she performs at Nelspruit Rugby Stadium in Mpumalanga.

Her tour will end at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg, where she will be supported by Zodwa Twecu, Keke and Redeemed.

Caesar, who is also a Pastor, began her recording career in 1951. Since then, she has recorded over forty albums, exploring her gift and spreading messages of faith. She has participated in over 16 compilations and three gospel musicals. She has been awarded 11 Grammy Awards, 13 Stellar Awards, 18 Doves, 1 RIAA gold certification, an Essence Award, McDonald’s Golden Circle Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP Achievement Award, SESAC Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the shows are available at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers.

Written by Eddie Hatitye

Hundreds of gospel music lovers thronged Soweto’s Dobonsville stadium on Sunday (4 October), to witness live, the cream of the local gospel scene over nine hours. It was a very well organised event that undoubtedly left many fans gasping for more. The sound was phenomenal and the performers were more than prepared to rock the 2000 plus crowed.

Emceed by young TV presenter, Twasa (popular for SABC’s Jam Alley show) the fest kicked off at 9 am, with fascinating performances from up-and-coming names who readied the crowd for prominent names such as Rebecca Malope, Deborah Fraser,Sechaba, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sipho Makhabane, Winnie Mashaba and Keke. Things really started heating up at around 11 am, upon the introduction of household names, in particular Sechaba, who dazzled the audience with hits from his commercially successful sophomore album “Modimo O Teng”.

From there on, the event got even better and better, complemented by chilly temperatures which also helped to stimulate massive dances in the audience.

Sechaba left the stage for husband and wife, Bongi & Collin, who took the event to another level with only five songs. Thereafter the iconic Deborah Fraser rocked in and it was very easy for her to woo the crowed with a few chart-topping hits that have made her one of the most successful female musician in the country.

The highlight of the afternoon came from Winnie Mashaba, who delivered arguably the best performance of the day. An up-tempo beat always works at such events and she was very conscious of that. Her energy really drove the crowed mad and she was sure to also showcase her vocal prowess during the 60-minutes-long performance.

Queen of gospel Rebecca Malope, Hlengiwe Mhlaba and Sipho ‘Big Fish’ Makhame concluded the festival on a very positive note before ending at 6pm.

After this experience, I’m really looking forward to attending next year’s addition.

Written by: Eddie Hatitye