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Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
The countdown to live DVD recording by African Joy has begun with the arrival of members from the participating countries ahead of the concert scheduled for this Saturday at the 7 Arts Theatre. African Joy is one of the fastest growing regional groups founded by talented Zimbabwean gospel artiste Sabastian Magacha and has its members drawn from countries such as DRC, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

According to Sabastian’s manager Benjamin Rupapa, all the performing artistes are now in camp and rehearsals are now on course.
“We want to deliver a well organised event from the stage, the performance and the whole production. It will be a classic show. This is our first recording as a group and songs to be featured are new compositions as well as popular hymns from the countries that are taking part,” he said.

“Fans should expect maybe, one or two songs from Sabastian but generally its new music by different voices that you have never heard before.”
He said gospel music lovers were in for a real treat throughout the concert with a special performance by a guest artiste.

“We have songs in seven African languages including Lingala (DRC), Venda and Zulu (South Africa), Ndebele, Kalanga, Swahili (Kenya) and two other Nigerian languages.
Our music ranges from contemporary gospel music to sungura or museve feel. We also do worship, Zion mix and rhumba to mention a few.

“Music lovers are in for a great show and we hope that they will get value for their money as this concert will be full of energy from the first song to the last one.”
He said morale was high in the camp as the artistes are raring to go.

The concert starts at 12pm with non-stop music and dance as the group introduces the latest DVD which is due for release later this year.
Comprising seasoned and upcoming artistes, African Joy is set to take the African continent by surprise. And with its roots steeped in Zimbabwe, the move is set to take local talent beyond borders.

Some of the new names on the line-up are Kudakwashe Mutsvene, Sibusiso Harvey, Thobekile and Flem B. Popular gospel artiste Mathias Mhere will also be there to spice up the line-up.

The main objective of African Joy is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ through music and majoring in African languages so that the word may reach out as many people as possible. The live DVD concert is sponsored by Cake Link.