In what is expected to be the biggest gospel show in East London this year, the legendary Lusanda Mcinga and her son Bethusile Mcinga will launch their albums together at the Orient Theatre this weekend.
The show will take place on Sunday and features uJesu Ufika Ekuseni hitmaker Sipho Ngwenya, Dumi Mkokstad of Mbize fame and the new kid on the block, Anele Sabani, whose Amandl’endumiso song made him a household name.
Lusanda, the lead singer of the Lusanda Spiritual Group, will launch the group’s 17th album, called Intsikelo, while Bethusile will launch his live recorded CD Highest Praise. East London power couple Yolanda and Butho Vuthela, as well as Jumbo and Xolisa Kwinana are also expected to perform.
Bethusile said they decided to bring the show to East London because of the demand from fans.
“We always do our launches in Mthatha and our fans, especially those of mam’ Lusanda, say she’s not been there in a while.”
Lusanda started her music career in the early 1990s and released her first single Simethembile in 1994.
Since then she has released popular albums such as Umoya weNkosi, Abanye Bayawela and Ngingumfokazi to mention a few.
Lusanda has travelled to countries such as Zimbabwe, Lesotho and eSwatini, spreading the word of God through music.
Lusanda was not available for comment yesterday, but Bethusile said her fans would not be disappointed.
“Most of her performance will be from her new album, but she will sing some of her old songs,” he said.
The album’s title track, Intsikelelo, is already receiving airplay from national radio stations like Umhlobo Wenene and Ukhozi FM. The album was released under Lusanda’s label, Lusanda Music Productions.
Bethusile said the label, which was established a few years ago, was aimed at helping upcoming artists.
The show starts at noon and tickets will be available at the door for R100. — sinom@dispatch.co.za..