The childhood dream of performing with South Africa’s most loved gospel ensemble, Joyous Celebration, became a reality at the weekend for an Eastern Cape teenager.
Grahamstown singer Malibongwe, who has a life-threatening illness, performed a song with the group during their Back to the Cross tour in Port Elizabeth on Saturday night, thanks to the Reach for a Dream Foundation.
The foundation asked that the 19-year-old only be referred to by his first name.
The confident singer received a warm welcome from the audience. Just before he took to the stage, one of the founding members of the choir, Jabu Hlongwane, said they were happy to make his dream a reality.
“We received a call from the Eastern Cape about Malibongwe, whose dream it was to share the stage with Joyous Celebration choir.
“When we received the message we were pleased to make his dream come true,” said Hlongwane, adding that they enjoyed supporting initiatives such as the Reach for Dream.
“ story is one of resilience and hope, hence we at Joyous Celebration were humbled by his request. We hope it was an exceptional and memorable experience for him.”
Speaking after the show, Malibongwe said he was happy that his childhood dream had been realised.
He said he started listening to Joyous Celebration while still young and his favourite singer was Ntokozo Mbambo, who has since left the group.
“I love their music. They sing very well and their music touches my soul.
“I feel very excited. It was a very big opportunity for me. Many people never had this opportunity. I thank God,” he said.
Heather Mazomba of Reach for a Dream in Port Elizabeth said it was during one of her sessions with Malibongwe that she became aware of his dream.
“He told me that his dream, since he was still a little boy was to sing with Joyous Celebration. He told me that he always adored the group,” she said.
Mazomba said they contacted Joyous Celebration and they were “very keen to make things happen”.
“Initially he was going to do it in Johannesburg, but they told us that they were coming to Port Elizabeth,” she said.
EC teen’s Joyous dream comes true
Grahamstown singer Malibongwe, who has a life-threatening illness, performed a song with the group during their Back to the Cross tour in Port Elizabeth on Saturday night, thanks to the Reach for a Dream Foundation.
The foundation asked that the 19-year-old only be referred to by his first name.
The confident singer received a warm welcome from the audience. Just before he took to the stage, one of the founding members of the choir, Jabu Hlongwane, said they were happy to make his dream a reality.
“We received a call from the Eastern Cape about Malibongwe, whose dream it was to share the stage with Joyous Celebration choir.
“When we received the message we were pleased to make his dream come true,” said Hlongwane, adding that they enjoyed supporting initiatives such as the Reach for Dream.
“ story is one of resilience and hope, hence we at Joyous Celebration were humbled by his request. We hope it was an exceptional and memorable experience for him.”
Speaking after the show, Malibongwe said he was happy that his childhood dream had been realised.
He said he started listening to Joyous Celebration while still young and his favourite singer was Ntokozo Mbambo, who has since left the group.
“I love their music. They sing very well and their music touches my soul.
“I feel very excited. It was a very big opportunity for me. Many people never had this opportunity. I thank God,” he said.
Heather Mazomba of Reach for a Dream in Port Elizabeth said it was during one of her sessions with Malibongwe that she became aware of his dream.
“He told me that his dream, since he was still a little boy was to sing with Joyous Celebration. He told me that he always adored the group,” she said.
Mazomba said they contacted Joyous Celebration and they were “very keen to make things happen”.
“Initially he was going to do it in Johannesburg, but they told us that they were coming to Port Elizabeth,” she said.
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