In November, the Crown Gospel Music Awards will be celebrating the 10th edition of the gospel award ceremony. To celebrate the occasion, the World Gospel Powerhouse (the company which produces the awards) will be hosting the Crown Gospel Blestival at Carnival City tomorrow. The Blestival, which is the centerpiece event in a series of events in KZN, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Limpopo between May and December, will see a slew of acclaimed gospel musicians, preachers, comedians and poets take the stage in front of thousands of expectant gospel fans.
The event will also see the launch of the hour long gospel musical, Maria. According to an official press release, the aim of this new initiative is to “take gospel music to theater and open new doors and new audiences for our musicians”. The musical will be supported by a gospel music band and a cast of 28 members. The cast will be headlined by popular TV and theatre personalities such as Isibaya actress, Jessica Nkosi, and Lion King & Muvhango actor, Brian Themba.
The narrative of the musical explores Maria’s (Jesus’ mother) role in her son’s life. The show’s Assistant Director, Siyanda Mwandla, explained: “It is a story like no other, the fact that it took so long to stage this production shows the significance of how rich and well captured the story is. Many have told the story of Jesus but we bring you one with an African flavour so that all nations will come to a good understanding that Jesus is for us all.”
He added: “The audience can expect magic, a beautiful story that will change the world and give a cleare picture of who Maria was and the role that she played. It appeals to all audiences and is told through magnificent music, powerful acting and dance.
Tickets to tomorrow’s Crown Gospel Blestival can be purchased at Computicket for R250 - R500