A new music event blending Afro-soul and gospel is set to take place at the Buffalo City Stadium on August 2.
Hosted by local gospel DJ Sikelela Molefe, known professionally as “Groovy Christ,” the “Afro-soul meets gospel experience” will feature performances by established Eastern Cape artists including Vusi Nova, Nathi Mankayi, Zuko SA and Betusile Mcinga.
Molefe, who is based in Mdantsane and has been a resident DJ at HangEazy Sundaze at Jeff’s Place since 2023, said the festival aimed to introduce a musical experience that was less common in the metro.
“Most local events are built around dance or gqom,” he said. “But there’s a gap when it comes to gospel or Afro-soul.”
He said the idea behind the festival was to offer audiences a moment of reprieve.
“I wanted to create a space where people can step away from their day-to-day worries and enjoy music that is meaningful to them.”
Molefe is known for incorporating gospel sets into nightclub performances — an uncommon approach in the local nightlife scene.
“I noticed that gospel music is rarely played in these spaces, and as a Christian who enjoys gospel, I wanted to create a way to bring people closer to God,” he said.
The festival will bring together artists whose work often bridges Afro-soul and gospel genres.
“Even artists like Nathi and Zuko SA, who are best known for Afro-soul, have gospel influences in their discographies,” Molefe said.
Gospel singer Mcinga welcomed the opportunity to collaborate across genres.
“I support versatility among artists, regardless of their primary genre,” Mcinga said.
“This event brings different musicians together in a way that reflects how music can connect people.”
Mcinga said his performance would include a blend of preaching and music.
“While I am primarily a gospel singer, I’ve worked with many Afro-soul musicians, so people can expect something a little different this time.”
Singer-songwriter Mankayi echoed the sentiment.
“When I started my music career, I was singing gospel,” he said.
“This event is a return to those roots, and it suits the dual nature of my music.”
Mankayi cited his song, Imimoya, which he describes as a gospel track, as an example of the crossover between the two styles.
He also confirmed he would debut an unreleased song, Ibhunguza, during his set.
“I’ve been teasing the track on social media and I’m looking forward to performing it live.”
The event has an “all white” dress code. Earlybird tickets have sold out, with general access starting at R100.
The organisers said additional details on the programme would be released closer to the date.
Daily Dispatch
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