Universal Music Africa and Motown Gospel sign superstar South African music group Joyous Celebration

Photo credit: Sechaba Chephetsa
Sipho Dlamini (centre, in blue suit), pictured with Joyous Celebration.

Universal Music Africa (UMA), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), has signed iconic South African gospel music group MTN Joyous Celebration.

Backed by US-based label Motown Gospel, which will release the group’s music in the US and Canada, this signing comes as the award-winning ensemble prepares for the release of their 25th album this Easter.

MTN Joyous Celebration was founded in 1996 by Lindelani Mkhize, Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba.

The group has enjoyed multiplatinum sales of their CDs and DVDs and picked up numerous accolades at major South African music awards including the SA Music Awards (SAMA), MetroFM Music Awards and Crown Gospel Music Awards.

They have also amassed millions of views on YouTube with over 460,000 subscribers.

Motown Gospel’s artist roster has included the likes of Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Brian Courtney Wilson, Kierra Sheard, The Clark Sisters and more.

“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.”

Sipho Dlamini, Universal Music Group

Sipho Dlamini, CEO, Universal Music Group, South Africa & Sub Saharan Africa 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 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 do so amazingly well, is truly a dream collaboration.”

“We are glad to support our Universal Music Africa family as it introduces the Joyous Celebration brand to a global audience.”

EJ Gaines and Monica Coates, Motown Gospel

EJ Gaines and Monica Coates, Co-Executive Directors, Motown Gospel, said: “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.”

“We are revived, we have a new energy as we turn things around to get to the next extraordinary level.”

Lindelani Mkhize

Mkhize added: “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.

“We are revived, we have a new energy as we turn things around to get to the next extraordinary level.”

“We are very excited to be partnering with Universal Music on this journey as we are celebrating 25 years. There’s been crazy ups and downs but we are here.”

Jabu Hlongwane

Jabu Hlongwane said: “We are very excited to be partnering with Universal Music 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 an opening us up to new territories, new things, 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.”Music Business Worldwide