South African Gospel ensemble, Joyous Celebration have been nominated for four awards at this year’s African Gospel Music Awards to be held in London later this month. 

Founded by Jabu Hlangwane in 1994, the creation of the group was triggered by the release of Nelson Mandela from jail and the peaceful elections that followed. It was decided that this occasion needed to be celebrated, and it was this celebration of a country’s peaceful transition into a democracy that marked Joyous Celebration’s very first performance. 

Today, the Joyous Celebration, prefer to be known as a gospel project rather than a group due to the fact that the crew changes at least every two years, where new members are chosen through an auditioning process. It is through this concept that Joyous Celebration has been the launch pad for many of South Africa’s Gospel stars careers, and the project itself has shot to stardom. 

The Project which consists of 40 performers at any given time has been exceptionally received by the public, reaching Platinum status for its Royal Priesthood DVD and the CD heading in the same direction. Their latest album J.C. 16 can also be seen to be doing exceptionally well, listing in the top four of the 50 bestselling albums and DVDs in local music and they are gathering up the awards to prove as much.  

With 10 South African Music Awards (SAMAS), three Metro Awards, two Crown Gospel Awards and two One Gospel Awards and in addition to their four nominations including, artist and video of the year, artist and female artist of the year, best contribution of the year as well as best event of the year – for the recording of their 16th live DVD, Joyous Celebration are putting South African Gospel on the World map and are definitely some stars to watch shine.