SA gospel choir Joyous Celebration to record 21st album in USA

They have been invited by celebrity pastor T.D. Jakes to record the album live at The Potter’s House Church in Dallas, Texas on 3 December.

The Potter’s House Church is a ‘non-denominational black megachurch'. Founded and run by T.D. Jakes, it is considered the 10th largest church in the USA with an estimated 30 000 members.

Jakes and Joyous leader Lindelani Mkhize recently broke the news to an excited Potter's House congregation on Sunday 17 July: “We’re up to something. Lindelani and my staff have been working together, planning a very special event. Joyous Celebration is well known in South Africa. To give you some sort of concept, their music moves as much over their as Beyonce, that puts it in perspective. They’re gospel artsts, they’re great singers, they can sing their faces off - and they’re going to be joining the Potter’s House Choir for a live recording!

"We’re excited about it," continued Jakes. "Several years ago we did a megafest over in South Africa, and several of the Joyous Celebration singers sung over there. I’m telling you, when they get together with the Potter’s House choir, it’s going to be crazy. And we’re doing it right here at The Potter’s House."

Lindelani Mkhize confirmed: “It is time. Joyous Celebration is bringing the motherland to Potter’s House. The whole motherland will be coming here. Mark this date: the 3rd of December.”

According to the Joyous Facebook page,  travel packages for South African fans wanting to  attend the recording in Dallas will be announced soon.

Before jetting off to the States, Joyous Celebration will be performing at the Durban ICC on 29 July, Vista Arena in Bloemfontein on 27 August, and Merope Casino in Polokwane on 10 September.

Started over 20 years ago in KwaZulu-Natal, Joyous Celebration have sold millions of records throughout Southern Africa. The group’s ever-changing line-up of performers has launched the careers of numerous solo gospel stars and spawned its own label, Joyous Records. In 2015 Joyous Celebration were revealed as the top-selling South African act on global music platform Deezer. This latest announcement looks set to firmly establish their signature brand of inspirational gospel in the lucrative American market.

Mkhize also made headlines recently with news of his new production Ignite, which aims to uncover young talent on 2 and 3 September at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg.

If you missed it, here it is again - #Joyous21 will be recorded live @TPHDallas @BishopJakes 🇿🇦🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/dO8weJhhUP

— Joyous Celebration (@JoyousSA) July 18, 2016