On Sunday, 24 April, and Sunday 1 May join Rainbow FM at the Rand Show for five hours of praise and celebration with 25 Christian solo artists and dance groups.

Artists billed to perform include Solly Mahlangu, Keke Phoofolo, Lerato Mohomane, Esther Sela-bano, and Joyous Celebration’s Nqubeko Mbatha.

Praise and worship singer James Okon is also on the bill, along with Afro-jazz artist Tebs David and inspirational singer Neyi Zimu.

For real upbeat gospel, there will be the hip-hop sounds of Mo 5, Magolide’s gospel kwaito, gospel pop rocker Shaun Oliver and the rapping worshiper Jabu Nkabinde, as well as Gali, Maira and the soulful Assent Tweed.

A spokesperson for Rainbow FM says “We have ensured that “All for the Love of Jesus” has something for everyone, whether you like more traditional worship or prefer to get up and dance for the Lord. So come and lift your spirits with the who’s who of gospel music, at the Rand Show this Easter.”

Gates open each day at 9am and close at 6pm, although the Show will remain open until 8pm. The venue is Johannesburg’s Expo Centre, Rand Show Road, Nasrec.

Cost: Adults – R75; Pensioners over 65-years – R40; Kids 6-16 – R25; Under 6 – free. Tickets are available at the gate or through Computicket.

Solly Mahlangu, Benjamin Dube, Tshepiso, Andile B, Zaza, Mari Michael and many other top gospel performers will take to the stage in a show that will also be filmed for a DVD release.

Here are some of the top performers to expect at the event:

Benjamin Dube, a musical pastor who has collaborated and performed with the likes of Lucky Dube, Rebecca Malope, Don Laka, Sibongile Khumalo, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Victor Masondo and Chicco Twala. He has also won many prestigious awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award winner at the 2009 Crown Music Gospel Awards.

Solly Vusi Mahlangu, a singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and pastor who has touched hearts with his music. Well known for his smash hit “Obrigado”, Mahlangu also won an award at the 2009 Crown Gospel Music Awards.

Andile Bebula, a Shell Road to Fame participant well known for his contribution in the popular Joyous Celebration 4 choir. Balula also has a string of acclaimed solo albums behind his belt.

Zanela “Zaza” Mokheti, a Gospel sensation who has performed with Gospel choir Joyous Celebration 12.

Mari Michael, a versatile songwriter and performer who is also well known as an actress in Molo Fish II and ETV’s Backstage. Her first album is called Droom. She is currently presenting the “Spirit Of Praise” TV Show Every Sunday on ETV.

Tickets are available from R150 and can be purchased at Computicket or at The Lyric box office on 011 248 5000.

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

It is indeed great to see people from all the walks of life coming together to honor one of the artists that contributed to lifting Gospel music higher and higher.

It is no secret that Shuping is one artist that has won many hearts with his soul touching Gospel compositions. It was his God given singing talent that made him the talk of the town and amongst other things, a great Gospel artist.
On the 24th of Sept, those behind the awards organized a special prayer service which took place at the artist’s home in Pretoria, Attridgeville. Supporting one of their own, the service was attended by about twenty five gospel artists, including Solly Mahlangu, Zodwa, Tebs Davids, Reverend Nyembe and Rebecca Malope.
There is no doubt that such a special visit has put a smile on Shuping’s face. It is great to see artists supporting each other through thick and thin. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” – Romans 8:38-39.

Witten by: Eddie Hatitye