By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
If there was ever a night that proved gospel music has no borders, this was it.
The first edition of the South Africa Celestial Chorus Soiree was more than just a concert—it was a spectacle. Electric. Historic. And absolutely free.
Before a sold-out crowd of 7,000 at Carnival City, a massive 100-piece orchestra shared the stage with a dazzling line-up of artists from Zimbabwe and South Africa.
For one unforgettable night, the two nations that share the Limpopo River set aside all differences and lifted their voices as one.
Part of the 7000 strong crowd that attended the Celestial Chorus Soiree at Carnival City in South Africa
The energy was undeniable from the very first note. The stage was alive with a tapestry of talent that brought together South African gospel heavyweights Dumi Mkokstad and Mthunzi Namba alongside Zimbabwe’s finest, including Rudo Mdindi, Tawanda Midzi, Natasha Mlalazi, Petronella Sengwayo, Janet Manyowa, and Canaan Nyathi. Backed by the sweeping power of a full orchestra—a rare treat for gospel fans—the performances soared.
And the crowd? They were there for every moment, singing along, hands raised, soaking in a night that many described as transcendent.
Backstage after the show, music director and performer Minister Everton Mlalazi was visibly spent but beaming.
“We had an amazing time in there at Carnival City,” he said, catching his breath. “It was a full house—people from here in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“South Africa and Zimbabwe was one today. We sang in Shona, we sang in English, but we also sang in Zulu and isiNdebele. We had an electric night from song one to song number 20. As you can see, I am tired—but I am super excited.”
The event, brought to life by Bridging Gaps Foundation, was built on a simple yet powerful principle: that gospel should be given for free.
That deliberate act of faith meant that thousands of fans, regardless of their circumstances, could walk through the doors and experience a world-class production.
And production it was. Behind the scenes, a collaboration of Zimbabwean and South African technical teams worked seamlessly to ensure the sound and stage were nothing short of top-tier—a fitting backdrop for a night that felt both deeply spiritual and spectacularly entertaining.
Fans, caught up in the electric atmosphere, wished the night could have stretched on endlessly. But after 20 powerful performances, Mlalazi brought the evening to a close with a prayer—a fitting end to a night that was always about more than just the music.
If the response is anything to go by, the South African edition of the Celestial Chorus Soiree may be done and dusted, but anticipation for its return is already building.
One thing is certain: Bridging Gaps Foundation is doing more than promoting unity between nations. Through music—the universal language—they are spreading a message that resonates far beyond borders.
And for the 7000 who packed Carnival City, it was a night they won’t soon forget.
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