BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
NHLANGANO – South African gospel artist Mpumi Mtshweni’s ‘Thandi Ndawo Yakho’ hit song pulled off quite a crowd in Nhlangano on Friday.
The show, called ‘The Atmosphere of Love’, was held at Bethesda in Nhlangano. Mtshweni took to the stage at 11:40pm and performed for an hour and a few minutes. Other performers included Gospel Artists Ndunduzo Matse, Linda Dlamini, Ndoni, Shekinah Motsa, and many more.
The show was presented by Msholozi Communication and sponsored by the Vineyard School of Ministry.
When reached for comment, Director and Founder of Msholozi Communication, Nkosikhona Msholozi Siziba said: “The event went very well. People came in numbers from as far as Mbabane, Malindza, Manzini, and Lavumisa. It was a full house. All the tickets we sold out.”
He went on to add that the secret to the event’s success was prayer, marketing strategy, and location. He said: “We formed a prayer team for this event, and we fasted for the show to go massive.” He said believing in himself also played a major role in the success of the show. “You know, when I first advertised the show in early January, a lot of people kept on telling me, that in January, we are stressed by schools, we are broke, etc., all those complaints. I never allowed them to change my mind,”Msholozi said.
When asked why he chose Nhlangano to host the show, he said: “I chose Nhlangano because it is my home town. We have tried years of doing shows in Nhlangano, and people are not attending them like we expected. However, I never lose hope. I want to always bring it home to the people who know me and to the people who made me. I could have chosen Manzini or Mbabane, but since I know where my roots are, I will always take them back home. Shiselweni deserves more; after all, Isgodi eSinamandla, so I will always believe in Shiselweni.”
He also advised other promoters to follow suit. “To all event organisers, please try to bring your next event to your community, and you will see. I would love to thank Siyah Maphanga, our MD, for the show and the rest of his band for working so hard on sleepless nights. Also, I want to thank the backing vocalists for respecting my vision and not thinking I was mad when I told them it would happen at Nhlangano. I want to thank all Shiselweni artists for being there to support the vision.”
Msholozi revealed that some artists ended up not performing on time and apologised. “I am praying to have another one soon. My dream is to see my town improve by building malls, hotels, etc. through the influence of gospel shows in Shiselweni.”
He went on to thank Ntando Mlangeni (VineYard School of Ministry) for supporting his dream and being part of the sponsorship. Nhlangano Natic, Nsingizini Hotspurs FC, and T-junction Rest n Bar. He shared with this publication that these sponsors bought tickets and supplied them with water. The Nsingizini Club donated Lihiya to guest artist Mpumie Mtsweni.
“I would also love to thank everyone in the country for attending. I promise I will stay humble and let God do the rest. I also want to thank Mpumie Mtsweni Tshabalala and local artists, Ndoni, Nduduzo, Linda, Shekinah, and many more, for honouring my invitation. I also like to thank Blue House under Sthembiso Dube for sponsoring us with good quality sound. Bethesda Free evangelical Christian Assembly also helped by giving us their venue.”
According to Msholozi, Nhlangano Central High and Ngwane Central High offered them the opportunity to go to their school assembly to promote the show. He also thanked the five upcoming artists that Msholozi Communications sponsored to do their live recording, namely Mrs. Vee, Siya Bayas, Sandile Motsa, Sizwe Simelane, and Bheki Sithole. Their live recording was successful.
