SA: Joyous Celebration inks Universal Music deal

Backed by US-based label Motown Gospel, which will release the ensemble’s music in the US and Canada, the deal coincides with Joyous Celebration’s silver jubilee and ahead of the release of its 25th album Joyous Celebration 25: Still We Rise this Easter. The group joins a rich roaster of US artists signed to Motown Gospel, including Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan Traylor, Anna Golden, Brian Wilson, Evvie McKinney and Gene Moore.

Joyous Celebration was co-founded by Lindelani Mkhize, Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba in 1996, who continue to serve in different roles to this day.

Commenting on the deal, Mkhize said joining Universal Music Africa represents new beginnings and a rejuvenation of the Joyous brand.

“After all the experiences of the past 25 years and the changes in the world and new dynamics in the industry, we are delighted to be on this new direction with a fresh new purpose,” he said. “We are revived, we have a new energy as we turn things around to get to the next extraordinary level.”

Hlongwane said: “We are very excited to be partnering with Universal Music Africa on this journey as we are celebrating 25 years. There’s been crazy ups and downs but we are here. This milestone album is special to us – 25 years is not a short time. We are particularly pleased that this partnership is opening us up to new territories, new things, a new outlook – we needed the change. We also want to say to say to the people that the 25th instalment of Joyous Celebration is being cooked, and they should expect it soon. It’s going to be ready before Easter.”

Universal Music Group South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa CEO Sipho Dlamini said: “MTN Joyous Celebration has enjoyed unparalleled success over the last 25 years, in which they have entertained and inspired South Africans, Africans and the world with their take of gospel and inspirational music. This was an exciting opportunity to be involved in the next phase of their incredible journey, as they continue to grow, inspire, spread culture and positivity and reach new audiences around the world.”

He added: “We welcome Joyous to UMG [Universal Music Group] and are looking forward to working together across a variety of platforms to help open up exciting new opportunities. At UMG, we are also involved in live event production, booking and touring of artists, brand development and creating content across a variety of different forms including film, TV and online, so being able to combine what we do, with what Joyous has done so amazingly well, is truly a dream collaboration.”

Motown Gospel co-executive directors EJ Gaines and Monica Coates said in a joint statement: “Joyous Celebration has a 25-year reputation for musical excellence. We are glad to support our Universal Music Africa family as it introduces the Joyous Celebration brand to a global audience.”

Pre-order Joyous Celebration 25: Still We Rise here.