Bulawayo residents on Sunday evening revelled in praise and worship as South Africa’s multi-award-winning gospel outfit, Joyous Celebration, descended on the second largest city of Zimbabwe for a thrilling performance staged at Queens Sports Club.

The seasoned gospel band thrilled their fans with a life-changing-experience praise and worship at the celestial musical concert organised by Harvest House International Church (HHI). The concert, that was set to kick-off at 2 pm and end at 6 pm was delayed by three hours. And so the show closed at 9 pm, something that did not go down well with fans. However, the delayed start could not dampen the spirits of thousands of Christians, who had thronged the cricket stadium as they waited patiently.

The organisers of the event said the delay was due to unforeseen technical hitches in the sound system. However, insiders dismissed that saying the band does not perform during the day, adding that a similar scenario was witnessed in Harare, when the group descended on the capital in May. They performed at the launch of TN banking malls at Harare International Conference Centre.

The crowd went into ecstasy when the group went on stage and Patrick Duncan opened with his popular song “We win in Jesus’ name”. Among those who performed were the legendary and founder members of Joyous Celebration Jabu Hlongwane , Mthunzi Namba and the popular Lindelani Mkhize.

Joyous Celebration put up a flawless performance and made fans join them in singing their popular songs such as “Vron Van Samariawe”, “Sibonile Amandla akho”, “Mandihambe nawe” and “Ushilo Njalo” among others. Siphumelele stole the show with her Zion songs and dances that left the audience asking for more. African Idol and CBZ Academy contender Mkhululi Bhebhe, a Zimbabwean now part of the band, put on a splendid performance. He delighted his fellow Zimbabwean fans when he performed alongside this fashionable gospel outfit. Mkhululi introduced Zimbabwean dances to his fellow Joyous members when he imitated Hosiah Chipanga and Simon Chimbetu dances, in what was an outstanding performance by the 27-year-old singer, who was clad in a silver suit.

“It was a magical experience watching Joyous Celebration performing live,” said Alfred Tshuma, while Nkosilathi Dube said the band gave their best performance and thanked Harvest House International for hosting them.

HHI’s Hosanna Junior and Senior choirs kept the fans awake while Joyous Celebration took a short break for refreshments after which they returned to the stage more exciting.  Hosanna choirs will not forget the experience, as at the end of the show they performed together with Joyous celebration.