Celebrating women in song with Joyous

South Africa’s premier and revered Gospel Ensemble, MTN Joyous Celebration, will present a unique virtual production in honour of the phenomenal women of South Africa. Led by an all-female cast of vocalists – for women by women, this unique celebration will also feature other female guest talent including some Joyous alumni who have graced the stage in the past.

In response to the new normal brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, MTN Joyous Celebration recently launched a new platform, JoyousTV (www.joyoustv.com), the home for all Joyous video content. It is through this platform that the 3-hour production – a tribute to the women of South Africa – will be streamed live on Saturday 21 August at 6pm. 

Co-founder and producer Dr. Lindelani Mkhize said: “We’re inviting and encouraging people to “make a date” of it, whether they will be watching it with their girls, friends or families.” Mkhize further added that the show, which will be presented with the ensemble’s long-time partner, MTN, promises to be another spectacular production that we hope will turn it into an annual celebration and tribute of all the daughters of our beautiful country. With a varied repertoire that will not only focus on music from the latest album, viewers will be captivated and enthralled by the beautiful, melodic and sensational voices and sounds of our women-only vocalists, they won’t even miss the male singers.”

Women continue to face many challenges in society, at home and in the workplace and the past sixteen months have been incredibly challenging for the country and in particular, women – many of whom continue to suffer severe economic and social impacts as a result of the pandemic. Yet despite this and echoing the spirit of the ensembles’ 25th album title, “Still We Rise”, women are not only at the fore-front of the pandemic in various roles, but continue to break barriers and make their mark in countless industries and professions. It is this very spirit of rising despite all odds that the show will celebrate.

“One of the few positive outcomes of the pandemic has been the introduction and growth of virtual shows. We know that it’s certainly not the same experience as the live audience shows but we as MTN Joyous Celebration have embraced the power of technology with its limitless boundaries. We will be able to therefore reach a larger audience, share ourselves with the world at the same time and also touch people we wouldn’t have ordinarily reached through a live show,” said co-founder, Jabu Hlongwane.

“These are exciting times for us as we show what we are made of, without our male counterparts,” commented Nomthy Sibisi, one of the established anchor singers who has enjoyed a successful run with the ensemble. 

“Not only do we get to go back to the stage to do what we love, but we do so as a women-only cast, (aside from the band) to celebrate ourselves, our mothers, sisters, daughters and all the women who came before us and those who will come after us.”

“We are excited about this upcoming show which seeks to celebrate women who are the backbone of society. At MTN, we always look at ways to bring our customers closer to their passion using our sponsorship properties and this time we are enabling them to have access to this special show using their airtime,” said Nomsa Mazibuko, General Manager: Brand and Communication at MTN SA.

MTN subscribers who use their airtime to purchase virtual show tickets via JoyousTV will pay R75, enjoying a 25% discount; however, subscribers who use their debit or credit cards will not get the 25% discount. This is as a result of the partnership between MTN and Joyous Celebration. Non MTN subscribers can also still purchase their tickets on JoyousTV or via Webtickets and Pick n Pay outlets with any valid debit or credit card and paypal for just R100.

The show is also supported by Joburg City Theatres and the ensembles’ transport partner, Autopax.