Gospel artists upbeat about hope concert

By Rosalia David

GOSPEL musicians have glorified the upcoming ‘MTC 081Every1 Hope Concert’ earmarked for gospel artists, saying that it will instil some sort of hope amongst those who have lost their jobs since the outbreak of the pandemic.
In an interview with Confidente after the launch, gospel artist Vuuyo Johnson described the gospel show as a great opportunity to instil faith in those who have given up on themselves and life.
“With so many things going on around the world, it is time we realise that God is the only way. This is an opportunity we hardly get and we will give our best,” he added.
Johnson further mentioned that during his set, he will be performing one of his old time hits ‘Ohole’ featuring songstress Tequila.
Gospel rapper Franklin Newman said the type of sound he does is not well received by churches and the community and therefore he believes that performing at the Hope concert is a step in a good direction.
“To have gospel rappers performing at a huge platform as such is a good stride and we can only promise music with a language that speaks to the young people,” he added.
Newman said he will be performing a few of his hits including ‘Hit you with a word’.
Meanwhile, award winning gospel singer Maranatha Goroh believes that the concert will touch many hearts.
Manda Gabriel said, “It is an awesome time to praise the Lord and unite together to glorify God. With the current pandemic we need to uplift each other in spirit and give hope, like he says, we must surrender everything to him and leave it all in his hands.”
Speaking at the launch MTC chief human capital and corporate affairs, Tim Ekandjo said due to Covid-19, only 100 people will have the privilege to watch the show with tickets going for N$2000.
The rest of the country will watch it live for free on MTC social media platforms due to the current pandemic regulations.
“Covid-19 affected us in different ways. Some have lost relatives, friends, jobs or salary cuts, and some have lost hope. With this concept, we are saying that we must never lose hope. As a nation, the challenges that we are faced with too shall come to pass,” he stated.
Ekandjo went on to say that the gospel concept has a line up of 17 performances, both Namibians and South African gospel singers. According to him, the stage will be graced by personalities to demonstrate that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel; these include Vuuyo, Pride, Franklin and Dee’A, Rodney Seibeb, Maranatha, Joharetha, Elizabeth, Manda Gabriel, Effy-Otjimbundu, Ayanda Ntanzi, Benjamin Dube, Buci Radebe and the Nam Gospel United.
Generation Choir, Collective Gospel Choir, Vox Vitae and the Vocal Reflection will also grace the stage with their soft melodies.
Tickets are available at any Pick n Pay outlets via Webtickets.
The MTC 081Every1 Hope Concert will be taking place on July 3.