No gospel crossover pushes gospel artists to neighbouring countries

AS Eswatini enters the New Year without a gospel crossover, several local gospel artists have secured performances in South Africa.

A number of gospel musicians said the absence of a local crossover forced them to accept bookings outside the country.

Shongwe and Khuphuka Saved Group will headline a crossover event at Mbombela Rugby Stadium alongside South African artists Sipho Makhabane, popularly known as Big Fish and Nduduzo Matse.

The event will also feature gospel heavyweights Dumi Mkokstad, Thina Zungu, Donny Ngwenyama and Ndumiso Zungu.

Speaking about the opportunity, the group said they were grateful to be part of such a major event.

“We are happy for this opportunity and very appreciative,” they said.

They added that although there is no crossover in the country this year, they believe it would return stronger next year. The group said gospel crossovers were important beyond entertainment, as they offered spiritual value compared to events centred only on dance music.

In Pretoria, gospel artist Scara Maziya will perform at the first annual Tshwane Crossover at Heartfelt Arena.

He will share the stage with Shiba and the Travellers, Umkhokheli la Zwide, and South African acts including Oncemore Six, Dumi Mkokstad and the Tshwane Gospel Choir.

Maziya said the booking showed that his music reached audiences beyond Eswatini.

“I am happy for this opportunity as it shows that my music is recognised globally, not just in Eswatini,” he said.

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He described performing after Dumi Mkokstad as a personal milestone, calling it a long-held dream.

However, he said the absence of a local crossover had negatively affected gospel artists.

“Through crossovers, many artists were born. I was also born through them,” said Maziya.

He also appealed to the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture to intervene.

Shiba and the Travellers Gospel Crusade, also performing at the Tshwane event, said they had no option but to accept the South African invitation.

They revealed that no event organisers in Eswatini had approached them this year.

The group said the absence of a national crossover had been painful, as the event had always been a consistent platform for ministry and exposure.

Meanwhile, gospel artist Sphiwo Ndoni will minister at a church in Nhlazatje, South Africa.

He said the booking was proof that consistent hard work pays off.

“I am excited about this opportunity and it speaks volumes about our work,” Ndoni said, adding that the break from a local crossover could help strengthen the event when it returns.