Excited groups of families and friends, all looking for a prime spot to watch their favourite gospel artists, carried picnic baskets and gazebos into the venue as gates opened at 10am. “It was great yesterday. Thanks to everyone who came out. We at SPAR believe in giving back to our community and that’s why we got involved. As you know the proceeds from the tickets will be going to a charity that helps burn victims. Everything is done via Kaya FM and SPAR for charity,” says Pieter van Vuuren ,Inland promotions and advertising manager at SPAR.
The day started with a rousing welcome from Kaya FM presenter Mosibodi Whitehead who got the crowd on their feet in anticipation of seeing the incomparable Soweto Gospel Choir. The award winning group didn’t disappoint as they belted out their hits in perfect harmony setting the tone for a fantastic day of inspirational music. The crowd sang along to the choir's stirring renditions of Calvary ,Thabenge ya Sione and other hits from their albums.
Food vendors lined the perimeter of the venue with an assortment of delicious street food, burgers, chicken wings, cotton candy, slushies and ice cream which helped many cool off as they soaked up the electric atmosphere of the day. Spoilt for choice, Kaya FM presenters Georgie, Bob Mabena and Mapaseka Mokwele were on hand to present Soul Inspired music and get the crowd uplifted. The SPAR play area for kids under 12 saw beaming youngsters enjoy games, face painting and an assortment of entertainment.
“One of the pillars of Kaya FM is family, which is why we get involved with events that promote time with the family and friends. The Soul Inspired concert brought together people from all corners of Gauteng to celebrate with great artists, Kaya FM and SPAR,” says Linda Reddy, Chief Operations Officer of Kaya FM.
With a commanding presence and elegant delivery, vocal powerhouse Lebogang Sekgobela took over the stage and made it her own as she eased through her set with dance steps that had many on the ground following her lead with enthusiasm. Smiles and cheers echoed throughout the venue. Soaring temperatures didn’t deter revellers. Bold and energetic, Dumi Mkokstad followed by Zaza sang their hearts out, both having upbeat gospel sets with powerful vocals and gracing the stage of the Afropolitan with positive messages of hope and joy ahead of the Christmas season.
The much-anticipated performance by Benjamin Dube stirred the crowd into a frenzy as they clamoured to get pictures of the gospel star and his band. As concert-goers gathered closer to the stage to catch a glimpse of the gospel legend he delivered hit after hit. It was a day enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to get a ticket in time. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to Children of Fire as Kaya FM and Spar strive to make a difference in communities with a focus on early childhood development.
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