Press: Musicians unite for gospel celebration

A unique blend of musicians will unite on stage for an awe-inspiring and uplifting gospel celebration of music at the Baxter Theatre from 27 June to 3 July at 8pm.

Let us Praise will feature some amazing artists in the gospel music industry which the mother city has to offer coming together to perform on one stage. The exciting line-up will be hosted by all-round musical entertainer Alistair Izobell, who will be joined on stage by TopDog SA's pianist extraordinaire Camillo Lombard, saxophonist Donveno Prins, Charlton Daniels, Mark Williams and Mornay Hoffmeester.

Other talented musicians forming part of the line-up includes songwriter and performing artist Wilmot Fredericks, Gospel choir the Joshua Generation and contemporary gospel artist Varonica Meyer.

Directed by Alistair Izobell, the show is a gospel celebration of incredible music sung by award winning artists in the industry. Being a veteran producer and stage performer, Izobell is known to be sincere about his faith and envisioned a platform showcasing incredible artists in celebrating the uplifting power of gospel music among generations.

One of the leading groups who will be performing is the Joshua Generation, an urban gospel band comprising of ten members, who have become well-known in the industry for the past three years. They have headlined the Kingdom revolution concert and was the opening act and backing group for the award-winning international artist Vashawn Mitchell. The band is currently working on their first debut album with mentor Shawn George and producer Marco van der Merwe.

Fans can expect to see Cape Town based South African songwriter, composer and performing artist Wilmot Fredericks on the line-up as well. Now a household name in the gospel music industry, he was once the lead vocalist for the group Christian Explainers. Over the years his participated in several international tours and has worked and collaborated with artists such as the late Taliep Petersen and Al Etto, Leslie Kleinsmith, Allou April, and Neville D. His debut cd is receiving good rotation on gospel and commercial radio stations for the hits My Time, Be yourself, Stand Tall and Conversation. When he is not performing Wilmot teachers Economics.

Contemporary gospel singer Varonica Meyer is a star performer in her own right. She is a multi-talented artist who is a member of the platinum and Grammy award winning gospel group Israel Houghton and The Sound of the New Breed, where she ministered alongside some gospel greats such as Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin and Cece Winans.

Saxophonist Donveno Prins has become a regular participant at local and international festivals leading him abroad to places such as London, USA, Sweden, Dubai, and Australia with various bands. His career has brought him to work and perform with international artists such as Tevin Campbell, Cece Peniston, Sybil, Robin S, Percy Sledge, Bebe Winans and Jimmy Earl Perry. One of his career highlights included appearing on Grammy Award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum's album 'Gospel according to Jazz Chapter 4'. Since 2009 Donveno has been part of the Delft youth music academy, training underprivileged youth in the community to read and perform all genres of music.

The show includes a live band headed up by Cape Town's top musical director Camillo Lombard, and is a celebration of great gospel music, giving thanks and praise for the musical talents which these performing artists have been blessed with. Expect to be moved, entertained and inspired by these multi-talented musicians.

Let us Praise will run at the Baxter Theatre from 27 June to 3 July nightly at 8pm.

Tickets are R120 and booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. For discounted corporate or block bookings, fundraisers and charities, contact Sharon on 021 680 3962 or Carmen on 021 680 3993 during office hours.