To the best and most successful local gospel group in the land.

I begin my letter by praising the entire team for the milestone that they have been able to achieve for a group that started back in 1994 as is still standing firm and strong years later. A group that is a gospel force to be reckoned with, boasting with talent, humility, success and all things blessed.

I celebrate the triumps and tribulations that were experienced along these years which have all worked for the good of those who trust and believe in Him. Look at you now, 23 years later and still flourishing like a new born!

21 years plus and still a significant pioneer, champion, platform-opener & trendsetter of the gospel music industry. 

I must be honest, I only really started following the group in your 20th edition where I took my little sister, significant other and friend on a date to ‘trial’ you out at Carnival City back in 2016. I think The Joyous 20th edition in particular was planned and designed precisely for someone like me, someone who has not followed the group for a long time and wanted to see what the fuss was all about and I must say, that concert delivered. 

I have never looked back ever since.

Sure, I did like some of the songs prior here and there but was not as devoted as I was post that 20th edition show. From that show, I decided to take it upon myself to ‘go slightly back’ – bought JC 19, 18, 17 and I think I still have 16 and my all time favourite with classics, JC 5 and I dedicated some time to listen to each of them intently.  A decision that I also do not regret ever taking. Then, through that, it suddenly dawned why there was much fuss over this group. It really is that good and worthy of all the praise. 

The passion, the zeal, all the hard work and commitnent that goes into every edition, from each and everyone, is remarkable. I like the fact that I use the word ‘everyone’ with such emphasis because it really is a team effort as the group is not a one-man show. I really like that aspect in particualr about this group. Everyone gets to shine, Everyone gets to grow and Everyone gets to contribute towards the message, vision and project overall.

I must also add how I was touched after the group decided to pull out of the Metro FM awards, after Joyous20 was nominated for the Gospel award category. And the reason for that was just moving. The group felt it was a mistaken nomination as it shared the strong belief that new, up and coming gospel artists deserved the accolade and spotlight more instead. 

I will fail dismally in this letter if I fail to attest to the many careers that this group has assisted to emerge and launch with success. It has built very stable, strong & successful gospel artists who not only understand the business side of gospel music but are all about spreading the good news. Good news, hope, restoration, love, healing, revival and peace. 

The country-wide sold-out shows are a testimony of your greatness, power, reach, success and influence. The CD and DVD sales year on year also speak for themselves. You are testimony of the fact that gospel music is alive, loved, supported, fashinable, trendy and kicking. Testimony as well, that gospel music is also serious business. The homes you have helped built and careers that this group has catapulted is testimony enough of the greatness that is Joyous.

The look, feel and sound of the choir is what this country is all about – infested with fresh, new & talented people from all walks of life, all provinces of this nation, with different forms, shades, stories and tones, all given a chance to shine. This is trully a proudly South African gem.

I admit and applaud the fact that although you went to Dalas for the recording of JC21, you still kept to your roots and never compromised on the quality, roots and language aspects, though I would have liked to hear more SeSotho/Tswana songs and a powerful opening song from the group, the project did, however, live up to expectations. 

I still have not heard any explanation or apology for the last song being cut off in the DVD’s Disc 2, kidly correct me if I am wrong on this one. 

But it’s very clear that this group is a local hit and will always be. Thank you for providing an opportunity for talented individuals of this country to be given the deserving platform to showcase themselves and launch. 

I wish you well over the current preparations for an even more explosive and successful Joyous Celebration 22. As you prepare to take South Africans on yet another spiritually filling and uplifting journey with Christ. 

And to the group’s sponsor, my cellphone network that I value, I am so delighted to be associated with a brand that empowers such projects of the soul.  

Kind regards,

Sithenjwa T Mzili