Picture: Gospel singer, Bucy Radebe during Mahika Mahikeng Gospel show in Mahikeng/Rapula Mancai
By OBAKENG MAJE
Most revellers were happy to see the return of the prestigious Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival after a three-year hiatus, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The three-day flagship event kicked-started on Friday evening with a gospel show featuring the gospel heavyweights like Bucy Radebe, iconic Joyous Celebration, David The King and others.
The event was held at Mmabatho stadium in Mahikeng, North West.
One of the revellers, Rebaone Masibi from Tshidilamolomo village, outside Mahikeng said, the event boosts tourism and hospitality sectors accordingly.
“We are more than happy to see this event taking place as it boosts the economy of the province. I was also happy to see my idol, Bucy Radebe performing live on our shores. Gospel music is an important aspect of every person and in most cases, it is the language that speaks to the inner being. So, I want to applaud the organiser including the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation,” Masibi said.
The world-renowned gospel artist, Busy Radebe who gave a prodigious performance said, she was happy to see the crowd eating from the palm of her hand.
“It feels good to be here and it was epic on the stage. I feel like the people in the North West were really thirsty for gospel shows. They were very thirsty for the presence of God. Many revellers gave me a warm welcome. I said, oh my God, I’m in heaven right now. I always tell God that, it is not about me, but is about you and your children,” she said.
Radebe further said, she always calls for God’s guidance. She added that, even if she rehearses a song when she gets on stage, God will instruct her which song to sing.
Another gospel singer, David Sejake who is affectionately known as David The King shared the same sentiments. Sejake said it was good to be back on stage after the COVID-19 restrictions.
“This is an international event that is loved by many. An event like this keeps people together. People are going through a lot, so once you speak the word of God to them in a form of melody, people get revived.
When I went on stage, I was happy to see that, the crowd was ready to accept what I was about to unleash. I have shared the stage with many gospel heavyweights such as the late Vuyo Mokoena, Rebecca Malope and Bishop Benjamin Dube, so I have learnt a lot,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “As the department, we are satisfied with the turnout. Indeed, people of the North West and neighbouring countries were so looking forward to this event.
“We experienced so many challenges prior to the event. However, we want to assure our people that, this kind of event is important because it contributes immensely to the economy of the province.
“So, let’s work together and if there are any criticisms, we are willing to learn from them going forward. As part of ensuring that the local artists are given a platform, the festival features many artists from the province.”
According to Sebolecwe, on Saturday, the Jazz enthusiasts are set to enjoy the melody of Zonke, Ringo Madlingozi, as well as Setswana Traditional music artists, MmaAusi and Mosekaphofu. He said the festival will close with a popular genre, Amapiano with Kabza De Small, Maphorisa Foculist, Toss and Kelvin Momo among others.
The Guardian 