…gospel lovers excited to see Nothando Hlophe and Matemma
BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– South Africa’s renowned gospel group, Spirit of Praise, under the leadership of Bishop Benjamin Dube, brought the house down with their performance in the country almost three years since they last came.
This took place on Saturday at the Mavuso Exhibition Trade Center where over 2000 gospel lovers attended the MTN iPraise festival.
It was evident that the annual extravaganza by the Yello group had been missed by fans as tickets were almost sold out.
The multiple-award-winning group clearly was missed as worshippers gathered with them. In their first live show in almost four years, they came prepared and gave the best performances rendering contemporary and traditional praise and worship songs.
The lineup included fan-favourites such as Takie Ndou, Ayanda Ntanzi, Mmatema Gavu, Nothando Hlophe and Matsweni.
The group took to the stage around 6:00 pm and teased the crowd with well-formed backup singers accompanied by drummers and keyboard artists.
For a good minute or two, there were deafening screams and cheers as if on cue the group walked onto stage clad in different colourful ensembles.
Benjamin Dube broke the ice and launched himself man crush of the day when he took the mic and greeted the gospel lovers crammed next to the stage.
“Sanibonani, hello Eswatini we are glad to have made it here today,” said the Pastor who wore a deep Ankara purple two-piece paired with his signature haircut.
Takie Ndou started off the performances and performed three of his hit songs, in high spirits and happiness Ndou broke into dances, climbed speakers and broke a sweat or two.
He sang his songs like Nne Ndi Shumela and Una Ndavha much to the appreciation of the crowd.
Later after his energetic performance, Nothando Hlophe approached the front stage, ready to tone down the worship into a calm introspective worship.
She wore a pink wrap-around dress embroidered with silver flowers on her shoulders and arms. She had on silver zara heels and a face beat to the gods.
Before she broke into song, the award winning singer was seen beaming and smiling to the over 2000 cheers she received.
She performed her award-winning and most streamed song ‘Impilo Yami, she had everyone singing along until the last verse.
Then, Idols season 11 runner-up Mmatema Gavu walked closer to the front to perform her latest song from the Spirit of Praise.
“My pastor Benjamin always inspires us to be grateful, so if you are grateful for being here today, grateful for the gift of life then sing along with me,” said Matemma.
Clad in black and white pants suit, black Steve Madden strappy heels, the YouTube star sang her ‘I’m grateful’ song.
The whole team was in sync and full worship. Another highlight of the night was Ayanda Ntazi’s performance. His performance included him breaking into trending dance moves.
He too looked the part, his leather pants were paired with a dusty black and white shirt, and a Gucci belt and to keep the cold at bay he had on a large black and white shoulder shawl.
He closed off his set with is fan favourite song ‘Nasempini’
The whole team saw to it that they deliver the best on the night, these include Pastor Benjamin Dube who performed his classic songs.
In the past decade the group has evolved and opened up the industry for individual gospel artists to shine.
Spirit of Praise is a South African award-winning Gospel music group, which consists of several talented gospel artists and singers, as music projects intense worship and praise with a sound of soloist rhymes.
The Spirit Of Praise music group was formed to gather, enlighten, encourage and inspire the Christian community towards a greater relationship and bonding with the Lord.
Spirit of Praise was formed in 2008, where they recorded two volume projects, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 at the Pretoria State Theater with several soloist gospel artist and song-writers which includes Avis, Keke, Shana, Andile B, Twasa, Tshepiso, Mari Micheal and Solly Mahlangu. The vol. 1 & 2 was a huge breakthrough, as the project was sold across all music stores both locally and internationally.
