The Sunday Mail
Features and Arts Editor
SOUTH African gospel singer Mahalia Buchanan feels the ongoing tour of SA by Zimbabwean choral group The Vine is a pacesetter in promoting unity, praise and worship through song.
The Vine, which is led by Everton Mlalazi, is currently on a tour of the neighbouring country to promote their latest 12-track offering “The Great Physician”.
Speaking on the sidelines of a concert recently held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Mahalia said she felt honoured to be associated with the tour.
“I am excited about the wonderful things The Vine is doing. This is a great time for Africans to unite, working together in praising the Lord. We are all Africans and one. It is amazing to see different cultures come together,” said the “You Fight for Me” singer.
“I have been to Zimbabwe several times, not just visiting, but also working with The Vine. The Zimbabwe music industry has gifted singers and it is encouraging to see how united the musicians are, singing in one voice.”
Her colleague, Khaya Mthethwa, also spoke highly of “The Great Physician” tour.
“I am a true reflection of an African. My father was born in Zimbabwe. I have incredible connections when it comes to the country (Zimbabwe). I have been to Zimbabwe countless times and ministered several times,” said Mthethwa, who hosted the show, backed by Mlalazi’s daughters, Natasha and Keisha.
“We pray that God can open the door for The Vine – bigger platforms, bigger collaborations — and really start the great revival that we are looking for in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the continent at large.”
The concert, which was free of charge, attracted a huge crowd. Minister Michael Mahendere believes that, apart from worshipping, “The Great Physician” tour provided a platform for local musicians to market their music abroad.
Mahendere bowled over the crowd when he joined Mlalazi and The Vine on stage for their collaboration “Pfugama Unamate”.
“It is important that we bring our music here in South Africa. I believe we are going to visit different countries, showcasing what we have to offer,” said Minister Mahendere.
“This is a platform for us to market our music to the rest of the world. South Africans visit our country for shows and we are also doing the same, thus, we now have a balanced cultural exchange.”
Mlalazi revealed why they chose to kick-start the tour in Mzansi.
“We have just launched an album titled ‘The Great Physician’, which features several South African musicians, and it made sense for us to come and start our tour in South Africa,” he said.
“Logistically, it was easy. With what is happening, we felt South Africa also needed the same healing that we experienced with ‘The Great Physician’ in Zimbabwe; that is why it was easy for us to think of South Africa first. We believe in taking this gospel worldwide.”
He said their message cuts across race, age, ethnicity and gender.
Some of the songs performed by The Vine off their latest offering include “God Can”, “Inyang’ Enkulu”, “Ndimi Simba”, “Mngane Wami”, “Prayer”, the title track “The Great Physician” and “Pass Me Not, Oh Gentle Saviour”.
South African artistes who took part in the show include Grammy award winner Soweto Gospel Choir, Benjamin Dube, Ntonkozo Mbambo, Mahalia, Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Xolly Mncwango, Mabongi Mabaso and Mthethwa.
Their performances were electric and well-coordinated. The stage work — designed by Events Evolution, a Zimbabwean company whose staff had to travel to South Africa for the event — proved to be the icing on the cake.
The lighting and sound were top-notch.
Zimbabwean and South African singers blended so well that one would be pardoned for assuming they had rehearsed together for years.
“So organised and tight was the concert that many were reluctant to leave the auditorium after the show. “This is what we wanted. We had South Africans and Zimbabweans in attendance, and they all left satisfied,” said Mlalazi.
“The Great Physician” tour will be held in Namibia, Nigeria, Kenya and the United States.
