Shange sings out against abuse
Joyous Celebration ’graduate’ says it’s time men ‘manned up’
Former Joyous Celebration frontman Ayanda Shange and various gospel musicians will unite in one voice on Friday as they stand against abuse of women and children. The show, Ayanda Shange and Friends, will take place at the Guild Theatre in East London.
Shange will also launch his own company, Ayko Productions, which he started after leaving the multi-award winning gospel group last year.
Shange joined Joyous Celebration in 2011 and many will know him for songs such as Ushilo Njalo, Wangilwela and Nguwe Jehova.
Speaking with the Daily Dispatch on Monday, Shange said men needed to man up and stand against gender-based violence. “Women all over the country have been crying and I believe as men we need to do something.
“This show is about us men coming together and saying ‘that’s enough’,” he said.
He said many so-called men of God were abusive towards women.
“You see these men of God acting all loving towards their congregations but they are abusive behind closed doors.
“We need to call out their abuse and tell them to change their ways.
“Women need to be protected and it is only us men who can do that,” he said.
Some of the musicians who will be standing with Shange are Thina Zungu, Zipho Vena, Simthembile Nkunzi, Butho Vuthela and Vovee Batala, Mawethu Madikiza, Jumbo and Godfrey Mahlangu.
Reminiscing on his Joyous Celebration days, Shange said leaving the group was a difficult decision. “I remember my last show was on Joyous 21 in Port Elizabeth. It was an emotional time for me but I knew it was what I was supposed to do.
“Joyous Celebration is a university for gospel music in the country. You get to grow musically and spiritually while you are with the group. I will always be grateful to the founders for giving me the platform.”
Shange said leaving the group was about growth and allowing God to continue using him.
“When I introduce myself I always say I am Ayanda Shange, the one from Joyous Celebration.
“It is because of their platform that people buy my music and come to my shows.”
Since leaving the group, Shange has released an album titled The Praise Altar and an extended play, Kgalemela.
“We’ve now launched the company, which is run by my wife and me. We did a show in Pretoria recently and it was a successful.
“We did something in East London last year and it was well received.
“It was only natural for me to come back and celebrate what God is doing in my life, and also to call on men to stand up for women,” he said.
Tickets for the Ayanda Shange and Friends show cost R150 and are available at Computicket.
It starts at 6pm...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
This article is free to read if you register or sign in.
If you have already registered or subscribed, please sign in to continue.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@dispatchlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.