Gospel giants, Joyous Celebration make international strides with “Thank You Lord”.
Written by Sunny Unachi on 2nd August 2021
Africa’s leading choral group, Celebration has released the “Thank You Lord” live performance.
The single marks the African giants venturing into introducing themselves to the world following their singing to Universal Music Africa backed by the iconic US based record company, Motown Gospel.
On Thursday, 18 March 2021, the choral group had announced the monumental signing which coincided with the silver jubilee release of their 25th album, Still We Rise.
“Thank You Lord” is a cut from the album which came out of the choral group adapting to the new normal.
Co-founder and original conductor, Lindelani Mkhize at the time of the announcement shared that, “After all the experiences of the past 25 years and the changes in the world and new dynamics in the industry,
we are delighted to be in this new direction with a fresh new purpose. We are revived, we have a new energy as we turn things around to get to the next extraordinary level.”
“Thank You Lord” marks the first single which the choral group will have sampled by countries like the United States and Canada, as Joyous Celebration makes their international strides.
“The hardest working gospel group in South Africa is led by Nozipho Phiri in worship on Thank You Lord.
The track is lifted off the group’s 25th-anniversary celebratory album, Joyous Celebration 25 – Still We Rise: Live At The Joburg Theatre.
Phiri leads the choir in expressing gratitude to God for being a constant pillar in their lives, reminding the listener to always be grateful. The instrumental arrangement on the live recording of the English-sung hymn provides a lively background for the choir, using sprightly electric guitars and vigorous drum lines as well as high-spirited key changes. The track is produced by gospel royalty including Siyanqoba Mthethwa, Mnqobi Nxumalo, Lindelani Mkhize, Mthunzi Namba, and Jabu Hlongwane.
