Joy to the world – that’s what MTN Joyous Celebration brought to the Cape Flats over the weekend.
The stage was lit as Africa’s most successful gospel choir showcased their latest offering in Ottery.
The Good Hope Christian Centre was packed to capacity for the two-night event of the J21 tour.
It’s called J21 because it’s the 21st instalment of the annual Joyous Celebration concert.
On Friday night, the show opened with quotes, videos and pictures of iconic human rights activists Martin Luther King Jnr. and Nelson Mandela, to complement the Heal Our Land theme.
Headed by Pastor Jabu Hlongwane, the multi-award winning Gospel ensemble had mense on their feet with their songs.
Whether it was praise or worship songs, sang in most of South Africa’s 11 official languages, people joyously sang along.
Dr Neville McDonald, the head of the Good Hope Christian Centre church, welcomed the crowd to his large kerk.
Commenting on the status of SA’s economy, which was recently downgraded to junk status by Standard and Poor’s, he urged people not to lose hope but to trust in God to heal our land.
“I am here to tell you we are not junk status, but instead we are gold status. This is a joyous celebration and we will pray for healing in our land,” the pastor said.
People were standing in line early to make sure they get lekker seats.
Angelique Johannes said she wanted to make sure she gets as close to the stage as possible. “I have always dreamt about watching Joyous Celebration live, I grew up watching them on TV but now they’re in Cape Town...this is awesome.”